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Auburn students witness constitutional law in action at U.S. Court of Appeals

Five students from the Auburn University College of Liberal Arts recently attended an oral argument in a landmark case at the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta on Feb. 12.

The students currently serve as interns at Agricola Law in Opelika and accompanied attorneys Barbi Agricola and Al Agricola to watch oral argument in Bruce Henry v. Attorney General of Alabama before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

“The opportunity to sit in a federal courtroom watching judges who have advanced through their careers and reached a position I dream of having was truly such an honor,” said Rylee Watson, a junior in political science. “The topics the judges discussed were extremely similar to what I'm learning right now in Constitutional Law with Dr. Brown and what I have learned about in Federal Jurisdiction with Dr. Liberman.”

Bruce Henry v. Attorney General of Alabama involves a legal challenge to Alabama law that restricts parents with specific past criminal convictions from residing with their children.

Watson added that getting the opportunity to watch the case firsthand deepened her interest in pursuing constitutional law in her graduate and professional career.

“Not only was watching an en banc oral argument in the Eleventh Circuit a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it also enhanced my educational understanding of the judicial process and the career I hope to have,” said Lauren Thortsen, a senior double majoring in public relations and political science.

This case is especially important because it was an argument on rehearing en banc, meaning that all 13 judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit will hear the argument. It is expected to set significant legal precedent in regard to parental rights and the state’s ability to limit them.

“The most compelling part of the oral argument was examining whether parents have a fundamental right to their children and evaluating the constitutionality of Alabama's laws,” said Ariabel Barjis, a junior in political science.

Rather than focusing on extended argument presentations, the hearing primarily served as a forum for judges to question attorneys, giving students a close look at appellate advocacy in action.

Appellate advocacy allows lawyers to persuade judges of how constitutional rights should be interpreted using logic, precedent and legal reasoning. With the potential to set lasting precedent, appellate advocacy shapes public policy and affects people’s everyday lives.

“It was truly inspiring to be able to see how knowledgeable both the attorneys and judges were on the issue seen by the judges’ questioning,” said Elisha Oyola, a junior in political science.

John Logan Long, a sophomore in law and justice, highlighted how meaningful the experience was for students exploring legal careers. Based in Opelika, Agricola Law offers hands-on exposure for students to assist with legal arguments, observe client advocacy and gain insight into which areas of the law best fit their interests.

“As a law and justice student here in the College of Liberal Arts, I was honored to listen to such great arguments in such a prestigious court,” Long said. “I am immensely grateful to work at Agricola Law because they foster an environment of learning that allows us to experience amazing opportunities like this.”

Tags: Political Science Students