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Professor Rachel Stern (pictured), Ph.D. student Tobias Smith, and Legal Studies grad Raika Kim received Law and Society Association awards.

In a trial with profound implications for racial justice and policing in America, a Minnesota jury today found former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd nearly 11 months ago. The verdict, says UC Berkeley law professor Jonathan Simon, probably rested heavily on the shocking video of Floyd pinned to the ground and on powerful testimony by police leaders against the former officer.

Each year, the law school community gathers to recognize and discuss recent books by faculty members. This year’s virtual gathering, held Feb. 25, retained the typically festive spirit — and its intellectual heft, including comments and compliments from colleagues.