Kentucky Supreme Court holds a panel discussion at Western Kentucky University’s Chandler Hall
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Students at Western Kentucky University had the opportunity to meet Kentucky Supreme Court justices and their law clerks during a meet-and-greet and panel discussion held March 11 at Chandler Hall.
The meet-and-greet and panel discussion were the culmination of a full day of behind-the-scenes looks at the judicial process.
Earlier in the day, students were able to hear oral arguments for four cases and witness how justices deliberate when determining those cases.
Following the arguments, students met one-on-one with justices and law clerks, giving them a broader perspective on how state government operates.
“As a WKU student, you don’t really see everything that goes on in your state. You see one small portion,” said Kaylee Hawkins, a representative of the Potter College Dean’s Council of Students. “But being able to have such important people come to our campus and discuss what’s going on in our government is vital for understanding how Kentucky fits into the United States.”
After the meet-and-greet, a panel discussion was held in Houchens Industries Auditorium, where students heard from the state’s seven Supreme Court justices.
Those in attendance were able to ask each justice questions about their careers and what a typical day on the bench looks like.
The justices also offered words of encouragement to students in the audience.
“I served on the district court bench, circuit court bench, the Court of Appeals and now the Supreme Court…the first woman in Kentucky to serve at every level of the judiciary, which I’m very proud of,” said Justice Pamela Goodwine, who represents the 5th District on the Kentucky Supreme Court. “My message to you is that with determination and resilience, you can achieve whatever it is you dream big enough to pursue.”
The event also provided students with an opportunity to network with justices, law clerks and other officials.
Students from WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters, political science program, and Society, Culture, Crime & Justice Studies program were able to speak with legal professionals and learn more about potential career paths.
“Networking can be difficult when you’re trying to figure out who to talk to,” Hawkins said. “Here, you know who the key people are and you get the chance to introduce yourself.”
Events will continue Thursday, March 12, when the Kentucky Supreme Court hears another round of oral arguments at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Eva and Jim Martens Alumni Center Robertson-Feix Ballroom.
