Legal Studies senior presents research in Madison

Nick Muska presents his “Law’s Double Bar” research to UW-Superior Chancellor Dr. Renee Wachter during Research in the Rotunda session.

Nick Muska, Legal Studies senior and 2016 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow (SURF) scholar, presented his research at the Research in the Rotunda session held in Madison. Muska’s original research project was titled “Law’s Double Bar” and focus on the intersection between music and law.

Muska is also a noted musician in the region. His project explored whether or not current legal protections exist for original music artists and how well the law is keeping with changes in the music industry. Through interviewing numerous regional and national musicians and music producers, Muska was able to determine that the law lags behind current developments in the music industry and his project offered several suggestions for how to ensure that original music is protected between.

Muska’s project was mentored by Dr. Maria Cuzzo, Professor of Legal Studies and Program Coordinator for the Legal Studies and Criminal Justice Program at UW-Superior. Cuzzo said “Nick did a very sophisticated legal analysis of one of his primary loves: music. He combined his knowledge of legal research (case law and statutes) with his knowledge of the music industry to develop a really unique research project. It was a joy to work with him!” Muska is the second SURF Scholar that the Legal Studies and Criminal Justice Program has sponsored.

UW System President Ray Cross commented on the significance of presenting at the Posters in the Rotunda session: “Research in the Rotunda is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to communicate directly with state legislators about real life issues affecting Wisconsin citizens and communities. The impact of this research extends well beyond our institutions, with the potential to inform public policy and decisions made by government leaders and the private sector.”

Muska was able to talk with state legislators, government leaders, UW System leaders, multiple campus leaders and fellow students from all around Wisconsin during this event.

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