The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit held a special session of court at the Appalachian School of Law on April 13. The Fourth Circuit sits by invitation at “Law School Sessions” throughout the circuit (which includes Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina) to provide law students with an opportunity to experience an appellate court proceeding.
Taking the bench in the ASL appellate courtroom, the Fourth Circuit panel of judges heard oral argument in two civil cases and one criminal case with each case involving 40 minutes of argument by counsel. Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory, along with Judges Albert Diaz and Stephanie D. Thacker, presided over the cases and afterward engaged in a question-and-answer session with ASL students. The judges and their law clerks also attended a later reception and luncheon with ASL students.
Dean B. Keith Falkner joined ASL students during the court proceeding. “Many, if not most, law students never observe a formal appellate court hearing,” Dean Falkner reflected, and “this invaluable experience also provided ASL students with a rare opportunity to meet and interact with federal judges on an informal basis.”
Pictured in photo from left to right: Judge Albert Diaz, Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory, ASL President and Dean B. Keith Faulkner, & Judge Stephanie D. Thacker.
