Photo credit: Avi Socha – Law, Economics, and Public Policy
University of Washington, Bothell
The Washington Supreme Court conducts a traveling court two to three times per year, and UW Bothell was chosen as its first site for 2016. Faculty and students took advantage of a rare learning opportunity both inside and outside the classroom
On Wednesday, January 13th, several justices became teachers for the day, describing everything from the court process to a day in the life of a justice. Professor Karam Dana says hosting Justices Sheryl Gordon McCloud and Steven Gonzales in his classroom provided his students with an unparalleled, exceptional learning opportunity.
“The students realized that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and asked dozens of questions, touching upon many legal topics from freedom of speech to gun control, while linking global events to local ones.”
The day also included a lunch where students sat with justices, allowing them to engage in one-on-one conversations. There was also an open forum for further questions and discussion.
On Thursday students were invited to witness the full Supreme Court gavel-to-gavel experience. The top level of the Activities and Recreation Building was transformed into a courtroom where students and community members were able to watch the proceedings of three cases. After each case was presented, the justices opened the floor to questions.
Dana added, “We cannot thank the justices enough for choosing UW Bothell as a site, and for taking the time to actively contribute to the learning and teaching of our students.”
Several students who were witness to the proceedings shared how the court experience brought what they are learning in the classroom to life.
UW Bothell Students Meet the Supreme Court
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