The Mission and Principles of ILLS
Inspired by, and in solidarity with, the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies, Inc. (US), the International Law and Liberty Society (“ILLS”) is a multinational network of nonpartisan groups. Its members include lawyers, law students, law faculty, and others interested in current intellectual and practical developments in law and policy, and in improving our present and future leaders’ understanding of the rule of law, natural law, individual liberty, personal responsibility, limited government, separation of powers, judicial restraint, economic freedom, national sovereignty, subsidiarity, and the fundamental freedoms of freedom of conscience and religion, freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association.
The mission of Universidad Francisco Marroquín is to teach and disseminate the ethical, legal, and economic principles of a society of free and responsible persons.
UFM Law & Liberty Circle Purpose
The purpose of the UFM Law & Liberty Circle is to foster critical thought and debate among students, lawyers, law professors, and any others interested in exploring the historical foundations of the rule of law and constitutionalism, and their application to current intellectual and practical developments in law and policy.
All activities of the UFM Law & Liberty Circle will be conducted in alignment with the UFM mission and the principles of the International Law & Liberty Society.
The UFM Law & Liberty Circle will function principally as a student-focused program under the guidance of a program director and faculty advisors, and will be accountable to UFM authorities. An advisory council may be formed to provide strategic input.
UFM Law & Liberty Circle
Leadership
Jesús María Alvarado
UFM professor of Law and director of Postgraduate Studies
Andres Wyld
Attorney and notary graduated Cum Laude from Universidad Francisco Marroquin, Guatemala. LLM from London School of Economics and Political Science. Former diplomat and in-house attorney and private practitioner specializing in intellectual property law.
Allen Mendenhall
Associate Dean and Grady Rosier Professor in the Sorrell College of Business at Troy University. Executive Director, Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy. Associated Scholar with the Ludwig von Mises Institute, and Policy Adviser for the Heartland Institute.
Who Should Participate?
Participation in the UFM Law & Liberty Circle is open to any student enrolled at UFM, as well as any interested professor, administrative personnel, or alumnus who affirms their solidarity with and agrees to uphold the mission and philosophy statement of UFM and the mission and principles of the ILLS. Interested professionals and students from other universities in Guatemala and elsewhere may apply to participate. Their request will be decided on by the UFM Law & Liberty Circle Program Director.
We especially seek participants who are eager for intellectual engagement and who will be regularly involved in and support Circle activities.
Events
Diálogo-debate: El fin de la planificación verde
Date: May 13, 2026
Time: From 1:30 p. m. to 2:30 p. m.
Format: In-person
Law & Liberty Book Club – “A Matter of Interpretation”
Time: From 1:00 p. m. to 2:30 p. m.
Format: In-person
Derechos de autor e innovación en el mercado de la música grabada
Date: April 15, 2026
Time: From 1:30 p. m. to 2:30 p. m.
Format: In-person
Diálogo-debate: ¿Debe el derecho penal imponer límites morales en la realidad virtual?
Date: October 08, 2025
Time: From 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m.
Format: In-person
Law & Liberty Book Club – “The Meese Revolution: The Making of a Constitutional Moment”
Date: November 21, 2025
Time: From 1:00 p. m. to 2:30 p. m.
Format: In-person
El dominio de las aguas: propiedad, derecho civil y los límites del poder público
Date: September 03, 2025
Time: From 6:00 p. m. to 7:30 p. m.
Format: In-person
Originalismo como método interpretativo de la Constitución: reflexiones desde Georgetown
Date: August 26, 2025
Time: From 4:30 p. m. to 5:30 p. m.
Format: In-person
Digital Assets
We invite you to delve into the wealth of knowledge offered through our channels. Each platform hosts an extensive collection of digital content designed to inspire thought, spark intellectual curiosity, and foster a deeper understanding of key issues in law, liberty, and society. With expert speakers, insightful discussions and engaging presentations.
Contact
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, insights, or thoughts you may have. We value your engagement and look forward to meaningful conversations.