The Louisiana Supreme Court recently conducted oral arguments at Southern University Law Center and Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in Baton Rouge. This event, part of a long-standing tradition, allowed students, staff, and faculty to attend the proceedings. The Court was invited by the deans of Louisiana's four law schools, continuing a practice where the Supreme Court holds sessions on academic campuses.
The docket included four cases at Southern University on March 17 and three cases at LSU on March 18. Retired Judge Richard Anderson served as Justice ad hoc for one case due to Justice Griffin's recusal. The sessions were live-streamed on the Court’s website, a service available since 2007. Following the arguments, discussions with students and faculty covered topics like the justice system and professionalism in legal practice.
Chief Justice John L. Weimer highlighted the significance of this tradition: “The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court and I enthusiastically welcome the 20-plus-year tradition of holding oral arguments at academic venues... By hearing arguments at law schools, we provide law students—who may one day argue before the Supreme Court—and faculty the opportunity to witness the judicial process.”
This marked a first for newly elected Justices John Michael Guidry and Cade R. Cole participating in these visits as members of the Supreme Court. Justice Guidry joined from his role as an Associate Justice for the Second District effective January 1, while Justice Cole took office for the Third District starting March 10.
The organization of these events involved coordination by Clerk Veronica O. Koclanes with university officials including Chancellor Alvin Washington at Southern University and Dean Alena Allen at LSU.
For more details about this event or future court activities, visit lasc.org or contact Trina S. Vincent at tvincent@lasc.org.