November 10, 2000

Louisiana Supreme Court rides the circuit

Louisiana Supreme Court justices came to Loyola School of Law as part of a program called Supreme Court Rides the Circuits. Loyola was chosen to be the first school the justices would visit as part of a community outreach program. Law students watched three hearings in a packed moot court room on the third floor of the law school.

The justices are visiting law schools around the state of Louisiana. Every year the court will meet at Loyola for a first-hand view of the judicial process. Presiding were the seven judges representing different districts of Louisiana. Their names are Pascal F. Calogero, L'54, Jeffrey P. Victory, Jeannette T. Knoll, L'69, Chet D. Traylor, L'74, Catherine D. Kimball, Harry T. Lemmon, L'63, Bernette J. Johnson.

Law students said they felt privileged to have the Supreme Court hearing at their school. "It brings more recognition to the school and more exposure to what practicing law is going to be like," said Chris Rodriguez.

Because the cases were only heard by the court and not ruled on, the outcome will not be determined until later. The judges will think about the arguments they've heard and research precedents from former cases. Most of what law students study is precedent set by cases and the impression made by the lawyers' and judges' daily work. "I'm really impressed to see how to and how not to form arguments," said Joni Mosely.

The cases covered focused on ethics, medics, and the death penalty. Chittenden vs. State Farm covered the ethics of lawyers and loaning money. Bourgeouis vs. A.P. Green Industries, Inc., covered whether "medical monitoring" should be compensated for asbestos patients. State vs. Antoinette Frank was about a former NOPD officer who was found guilty of killing three people including her partner.

Students appreciated the oral skills they have been taught by Loyola law professors. Most commented that the lawyers who were graduates of Loyola were more respectful of the court and succinct in their arguments.

"It was very interesting to actually hear them bring it to life and see attorneys present and how justices react to them," said Steven Beard.

Betsy Schmitt, A'01, Intern in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications