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A 76-year tradition continued this past weekend as Drake Law hosted another successful Supreme Court Celebration. The Supreme Court Celebration is held annually to honor the Iowa Supreme Court for its commitment to justice and legal education and to recognize achievements by students, faculty, alumni, and friends. The events of last week helped law students become more familiar with appellate court procedure and their role in the justice system.
As in previous years, as a part of the celebration, outstanding advocates in the law school compete in the Supreme Court Competition for the honor of being one of four students to present final arguments to the Iowa Supreme Court. The final round of student arguments in the Supreme Court Competition took place at the Iowa Judicial Branch Building Saturday, March 9. The competition is based upon a real case, using an actual record that at one time was pending before the Iowa Supreme Court, thus giving competitors a realistic experience.
“From holding actual arguments in the Clinic courtroom and hosting the finals of the moot court competition at the Supreme Court to the Chief Justice delivering the State Constitutional Law Lecture that is then published in the Drake Law Review and having interns during the term, the Iowa Supreme Court is very involved in the Drake Law School community,” said Law School Dean Allan Vestal. “Supreme Court week is a chance to extend that proud history and to thank the justices for their many contributions.”
In addition to oral arguments, the Supreme Court Celebration includes banquets held by the Drake Journal of Agricultural Law and Drake Law Review, both honoring the outstanding work by students. A Moot Court Luncheon is held following student arguments and honors the various Moot Court and Mock Trial teams that Drake features.
The final event included the Supreme Court Banquet held on March 9. The banquet is a longstanding tradition at Drake Law School that honors Drake’s relationship with the Iowa courts and legal community. The banquet offers a time for Drake Law alumni, students, and friends to be honored for their outstanding efforts.