“We the People” will promote fair and even discussion on constitutional law through articles on timely topics authored by those who have earned or are working toward their law degrees.
Elon Law students are striving to advance legal education and scholarship through a new online constitutional law journal.
Led by inaugural Editor in Chief Esther Bouquet L’23, We the People – Elon Law’s Constitutional Law Journal aspires to promote the contribution of intelligent discussion and analysis of the U.S. Constitution and constitutional law-related issues.
Plans for another student-run journal, in addition to the Elon Law Review, have been under way for the better part of two years. Elon Law administrators were first approached about the possibility of a new journal in early 2021 by a team of Leadership Fellows working on a capstone project.
Efforts continued into 2022 with Advocacy Fellow Madeline L. Kellas L’22, now serving as We the People’s inaugural managing editor, and Leadership Fellow Emily Erickson L’22 spearheading the project.
“A lot of students desire journal experience,” Kellas said. “They know it can improve their research and writing skills, as well as provide them with a more well-rounded legal education.”
Offering a space for healthy dialogue on timely legal issues is also something that Kellas said she believes is missing from society. “The journal is meant to promote discussion, not a political philosophy or agenda,” she said. “Healthy discussion on controversial issues is virtually nonexistent in society and the legal field today.”
The inaugural issue of We the People is scheduled for publication in December. Though not the first constitutional law journal established by an American law school, We the People is thought to be unique because of its broad focus and online platform.
While other constitutional law journals tend to focus on particular amendments, legal concepts, or themes, Kellas said We the People is not limited to a certain sphere or sub-practice of constitutional law.
Article submissions are now being accepted for consideration at wtpjournal@elon.edu or through We the People’s Scholastica profile. Submissions are open to those who already hold a juris doctor degree or those working to obtain one.
Editorial staff for the inaugural issue of We the People – Elon Law’s Constitutional Law Journal
Editor in Chief
Esther Bouquet
Managing Editor
Madeline L. Kellas
Business Editor
Elliott Millner
Notes & Comments Editors
Cynthia Hager
Alexandra Buxbaum
David Belisle
Francine Nebel
Articles Editor
Kaylee Faw
Daphne Myers
Alexis Holloway
Simi Patel
Lauren Jones
Membership Editor
Daja Burgee
Online Editor
Ashyra Corpening
General Staff
Alyssa Harris
Jennifer Weigle
Faculty Advisors
Professor David S. Levine
Professor Scott Gaylord