"These students have tried to re-tool their case and say minorities are hurt more than others," Ryan said.

Still, Liacos emerged from his encounter with the law students with complimentary words.

"You're going to have to work hard to meet their standard," Liacos told Ryan as he stepped up to the podium and Hankins sat down.

"I'll try, your honor," replied Ryan.

The law students also appeared to have won respect from their legal elders for their style, though not for the substance of their case.

"I thought the students presented their case well," said Daniel Steiner '54, vice-president and general counsel.

"But it's hard to see in a law school with such a diverse faculty and student body how they can claim discrimination," Steiner said.

Associate Dean of the Law School Daniel J. Meltzer '72 said, "I was pleased with the quality of the student's performance. But I don't think their arguments have merit."