The Supreme Court Preview
Over the past few weeks, first-year MPP students took to McGlothlin Courtroom to argue and judge four upcoming Supreme Court cases as part of the required Law and Policy class. Under the guidance of Dr. Alan Kennedy, Associate Teaching Professor of Public Policy, and Professor Chris Byrne, Head of Research and Instructional Services at the Law Library, students conducted legal research, crafted arguments, and argued their case before their peers. Students either presented arguments or crafted opinions about Rahimi v. United States, a case involving Second Amendment rights and protective orders; O’Connor v. Garnier, a case concerning the First Amendment and social media; Loper Bright Enterprises, Inc. v. Raimondo, a case vital to Chevron deference; and
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services Association of America, a case about the Appropriations Clause. Overall, students gained valuable insight in the process of constructing and presenting legal arguments.
This experience culminated in the 36th Annual Supreme Court Preview hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute at the William & Mary Law School on October 6th and 7th. As part of the Supreme Court Preview, students were able to watch a moot court of Rahimi v. United States in which Jonathan Ellis presented arguments for the plaintiff and Michelle
Kallen for the defendant. Both Ellis and Kallen have presented cases before the Supreme Court. Each side was given thirty minutes for an opening statement and to answer questions before giving a closing statement. After careful consideration by a nine person panel composed of lawyers, academics, and judges, the moot court ruled in favor of the United States 7-2. The second day had panels centered around individual cases allowing students to dive deeper into cases and topics. In addition to developing their legal and presentation skills, first-year MPP students also had the opportunity to learn from top lawyers and academics from across the country.
