The goal of the Jacksonville University College of Law is to move the students off the campus and into the courtroom as soon as possible.
That’s why the convocation for each incoming class is conducted in the ceremonial courtroom at the Duval County Courthouse.
The roles were reversed Sept. 26 when the 5th District Court of Appeal, based in Daytona Beach, heard oral arguments in Terry Concert Hall at JU’s main campus in Arlington.
“We want to get our law students into the courtroom on their first day. This time, we brought the courtroom to the students,” said JU College of Law Founding Randall C. Berg Jr. Dean Nick Allard.
As part of the state Legislature approving formation of a sixth appellate court circuit in Florida in 2022, the 4th Judicial Circuit, comprising Clay, Duval and Nassau counties, was moved from the 1st District Court of Appeal to the 5th District Court of Appeal.
The session at JU was the 5th District’s first session in Jacksonville and the first time the university hosted an appellate court’s proceedings.
The event brought the panel hearing the arguments, comprising presiding Judge Adrian Soud, Judge Harvey Jay and Judge Paige Kilbane, as well as Judge Scott Makar, to the campus.
After the oral arguments were heard, the judges and students adjourned to JU’s River House on the bank of the St. Johns River for lunch. Allard said the informal setting allowed the students to ask the judges questions about their careers and experiences in the law.
“We are grateful to the judges and lawyers who conducted their important business while acting as teachers,” Allard said.
In addition to JU’s first- and second-year law students, pre-law students, students studying at the university’s Public Policy Institute and other departments and faculty members observed the proceedings.
“It was a real, live education experience that brought to life what our students are learning in the classroom. It is terrific that members of the profession roll up their sleeves to make this experience for our students,” Allard said.