In 1977, Oregon Law hosted the Oregon Supreme Court as they heard arguments in Eugene for the first time in its history. Thursday, March 7, 2019 marked the 44th year of celebrating this long legal tradition.
In a visit that has become one of the highlights of the law school calendar, the court heard oral arguments in pending cases and answered student questions, affording unrivaled, experiential learning and professional development opportunities for students, faculty, and the greater community.
The cases heard included Lycelle Tornee White v. Jeff Premo and Lydell Marcus White v. Jeff Premo – which were consolidated into one case. The court also heard State of Oregon v. Kalista Rene Harrison. Alum and Professor David Schuman JD ’84, a former judge of the Oregon Court of Appeals, previewed the cases for law students and the public on March 6.
In the first case, White v. Premo, twin brothers were convicted of double murder in 1993 at the age of 15.The defendants were waived to adult court, tried, convicted, and sentenced to life with possibility of parole after around 70 years. The court confronted the question whether or not the sentence violates the US Constitution. In May of 2019, the court ruled that the sentence was, in fact, unconstitutional.
The second case, State of Oregon v. Kalista Rene Harrison, found the defendant convicted of “knowingly possess[ing] a handgun that is concealed and readily accessible to the person within any vehicle.” While there was no dispute about where the gun was, the court’s decision would determine the meaning of the statutory term “concealed.” A second issue before the court was whether or not the trial court erred in not giving the jury a requested instruction that the mens rea or “culpable mental state" “knowingly” applied to all of the elements, in particular to the concealed weapon.
More information about both cases can be found here.
Following the court proceedings, law students and members of the Lane County Bar Association convened for lunch with the justices in the Wayne Morse Commons of the law school. During this portion of the day, students had an opportunity to ask personal and professional questions of the justices. Their questions ranged from how the judges dealt with and overcame imposter syndrome and what it takes to be an effective advocate.
Oregon Law student, Jacob Sweet JD ’20, asked the justices what that they liked to see in regards to collegiality in the courtroom.
Justice Adrienne Nelson responded. “Even though you can argue vigorously an issue and have a different perspective, it does not have to go into a level where you are not collegial or you’re not professional,” said Justice Nelson. “You cannot take things personally. Your life is richer by having different perspectives. It helps you be a better advocate by having different perspectives.”
The same attitude is reflected in the Oregon Supreme Court, which is made up of seven justices and is the most diverse state supreme court in the country. It is comprised of five women, one African American, one Asian American and one LGBTQ member.