Alabama Supreme Court Holds Oral Arguments at Jacksonville State University
09/17/2024
JACKSONVILLE – A capacity crowd of faculty, staff, and students gathered at Jacksonville State University on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, for a special session of the Alabama Supreme Court. Held in observance of Constitution Day, the event offered attendees the rare opportunity to witness the state's highest Court in action and observe how the judicial system functions at the highest level.
President Don Killingsworth welcomed the Court and the attendees, underscoring the educational value of the day: "We are honored to host the Supreme Court of our state for oral arguments today. This is an opportunity that doesn't come around very often, and we are grateful for this intersection between the judiciary and education. This is an educational opportunity for our students here at Jacksonville State, so my hope is that they learn from it."
Faculty, staff, and students from across campus filled the event space, demonstrating Jacksonville State's strong commitment to civic engagement and academic enrichment. Many students participated as part of their coursework, ensuring their attendance was counted toward academic credit.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, President Killingsworth added, "It was a privilege to witness the deliberations and gain insights into the workings of the highest Court in our state. The Court's presence here today represents not only the rule of law but also the ideals of justice, fairness, and intellectual rigor that we strive to instill in our students."
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in SC-2023-0784: Shymikka Griggs v. NHS Management, LLC, a case involving a class-action lawsuit arising from a 2021 cyberattack on NHS Management, LLC. The case provided a valuable look into the complexities of data breaches, identity theft, and the legal principles surrounding them. Students gained firsthand exposure to the workings of the state's highest Court as attorneys from both sides presented their arguments.
President Killingsworth concluded, "As a University, we are committed to fostering an environment of learning and critical thought. Today's proceedings provide a rare opportunity for our students to observe firsthand the legal principles and arguments that shape our society. To be able to host such an event on campus is a wonderful educational experience."
After the oral arguments, Chief Justice Tom Parker presented a special lecture titled "Blackstone's Commentaries and the Foundations of American Law" on the 11th floor of Houston Cole Library. The lecture, followed by a Q&A session, offered deeper insights into the influence of Sir William Blackstone on the American legal system and was of particular interest to students considering law school.
For more information about the event, visit Jax State’s event page.
About Jacksonville State University
Founded in 1883 as a state teachers college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1 or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.