State College native Vice Admiral Houck "impressed" by Law School

Naval Judge Advocate General Vice Admiral James Houck won over students and faculty alike when he kicked off his recent presentation by saying that he has been to law schools all over the world and Penn State Law is among the best. “I’m impressed by the beautiful new facilities … and by the national and international character of the students and faculty,” he said. “It was a brilliant decision to put the School of International Affairs and the Law School in the same building,” citing the close connection, especially in the military, between policy and the law.  

Houck described his position as running a law firm with more than 2,000 attorneys and support staff under his command worldwide. He began his presentation by saying he would address any issue that was on students’ minds.

“It’s a great honor and privledge to have the Judge Advocate General come to Penn State Law,” said Kyle Krombach ’12 an aspiring Navy JAG officer. “it goes without saying that Vice Admiral Houck carries a unique perspective on the formation and implementation of international law and systems of justice, I was impressed by his commentary on the role of Navy JAG officers in tackling this unique mission," he said.

Houck described a conversation he had with General David Petraeus on the importance of helping the people of Afghanistan build the capacity to run an effective legal system. Houck stressed that it would not be a replica of the U.S. legal system, “It would include the basic elements of due process and fairness... It would be based on the indigenous system.” He stressed that having a non-corrupt system is what is required to win the Afghan people away from the Taliban and JAG lawyers are supporting that objective even going so far as to provide mentorship to the Afghan defense bar.