Judges heard two appellate cases in the law school's courtroom on March 7, 2017, before taking part in a Q&A with students.
By Leah Britt L’17
Three North Carolina Court of Appeals judges took the bench in Elon Law’s courtroom in March for a hearing on two cases.
The Hon. Rick Elmore, the Hon. John Tyson, and the Hon. Richard Dietz listened to criminal and civil cases on March 7, 2017, before dozens of Elon Law students who observed the legal arguments inside the school’s North Carolina Business Court courtroom.
The issue in the civil court case was whether or not the tort claim of alienation of affection and criminal conversation is constitutional.
“Hearing a constitutional argument being raised in front of the North Carolina Court of Appeals was not only fascinating, but also directly relevant to classes I am taking this trimester,” said Ragan Riddle L’17. “It was invaluable to see attorneys argue their respective cases because it really highlighted and brought to life numerous skills we have learned throughout our education,” she said.”
Others praised the ability to see in practice what they learn in the classroom.
“This trimester, I completed a memorandum highlighting the longstanding North Carolina common law torts of alienation of affection and criminal conversation,” said Marshall Wright L’17. “Having the opportunity to witness experienced advocates give oral arguments on these two issues provided me with a new perspective on these topics. I walked out of that courtroom with the feeling that there was more to explore in the area of family law, and that feeling, as an aspiring attorney, was refreshing.”
The criminal case before the court dealth with a sexual assault conviction and whether certain parts of the Superior Court trial were prejudicial. Afterwards, judges held a question and answer with retired North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice James Exum, a professor at Elon Law.
“This is a great opportunity for our students to see both judges and appellate lawyers in action,” said Elon Law Associate Dean Enrique Armijo. “Having the courtroom in the law school, and hosting the judges for a Q&A led by Professor Exum, lets students better understand what appellate advocacy is like, as well as how the law in their casebooks gets made.”
During the question-and-answer session, the judges explained how they reached their position and what parts of their judge that they find difficult. After the session, students were able to attend a reception with the judges and speak with them one on one.
The North Carolina Court of Appeals is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2017. More information about the celebrations can be found here.