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LBW Community College will host the Alabama Supreme Court for a special session on September 15 on the Andalusia campus.

Members of the Covington County Judiciary and Bar Association along with college personnel have organized the visit in recognition of Constitution Day, September 17.

“This is a special event for the community, College, students, and stakeholders,” said LBW President, Dr. Brock Kelley.

“I think it’s extremely important for students to know and understand how government works. This is an amazing opportunity to see that firsthand. LBW is honored to host this monumental event.”

Local students in the eleventh and twelfth grades have been invited to attend the oral argument at the College. Members of the bar association will be visiting classes and providing educational materials on the case. “This will be an actual session of the Court hearing oral arguments on a real case. We want the students to have a good understanding of the role of the highest court in our State and what the case is about,” said Circuit Judge Ben Bowden.

Judge Bowden, along with Supreme Court Justice Brad Mendheim, spearheaded the effort to get the Court to Andalusia. “Holding oral argument in communities around the State is an outreach program of the Alabama Supreme Court. We are so honored to bring the Court’s business to the students of Covington County and LBW Community College,” remarked Justice Mendheim.

Chief Justice Tom Parker said, “Our Court is delighted to be at LBW Community College this year to celebrate Constitution Day and the signing of the U.S. Constitution 245 years ago on September 17, 1787. The U.S. Constitution, like the Alabama Constitution, created three separate branches of government. It is our intent that those who attend this special Oral Argument in Andalusia will gain greater insight into the Judicial Branch of Alabama government.”

The Court will hear oral arguments on the following case: Young Americans for Liberty v. Finis St. John IV, in his capacity as Chancellor of the University of Alabama System. This case concerns the First Amendment right to Freedom of Speech on college campuses.

“We want to thank the Bar and Judiciary for giving our students this opportunity. It will be a great day for LBW Community College,” stated President Kelley.

This is not the first time the College has hosted a session of the state Supreme Court. The court previously held a special session around 35 years ago at Lurleen B. Wallace Junior College.

For more information, visit https://judicial.alabama.gov/Appellate/SupremeCourt.