In a rare move outside its traditional venue, the Supreme Court of Maryland convened at St. Mary’s College of Maryland on March 5, 2024, engaging hundreds of students and community members in a firsthand look at the state’s judicial process. This session, held in the Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center on campus, marks only the second instance in recent times where Maryland’s apex court conducted oral arguments away from Annapolis.
The event attracted a diverse audience, including students from St. Mary’s College and high schools across three Southern Maryland counties, as well as faculty, staff, and local residents. This initiative, spearheaded by Associate Professor Diana Boros, PhD, of the Political Science Department, aimed to demystify the judicial process and provide educational enrichment. Professor Boros, with the help of student ambassadors, facilitated the dissemination of case materials on the two legal matters under review—one criminal and one civil—enhancing the audience’s understanding and engagement.
The court’s visit was part of a broader initiative to hold oral arguments in educational institutions across Maryland, thereby promoting legal education and accessibility. Student ambassadors played a crucial role in this educational outreach, conducting research on the cases and sharing their findings with attendees.
Following the court session, the justices, stepping out of their formal judicial roles, engaged with students in a Q&A session. Topics ranged from personal career journeys to the mental rigors associated with their duties. This interaction provided unique insights into the justices’ experiences and the judiciary’s inner workings, making the law more approachable for students.
The Supreme Court’s outreach extended beyond the courtroom, with justices and court staff joining students for lunch, fostering informal dialogue and deeper connections. Highlighting the day’s events was Chief Justice Matthew Fader’s use of the historic Mulberry Tree Gavel, a symbolic link to both the state’s and the college’s heritage. This gavel, crafted in 1884 from a mulberry tree significant to the college’s history, symbolizes the enduring connection between Maryland’s judicial and educational institutions.
The inclusion of student ambassadors in this historic session—among them Mahree Annan, Charlotte Donnellan, and others—underscores the event’s educational significance. These students not only enriched their peers’ understanding of the legal system but also gained invaluable experience in legal scholarship and public engagement.
This groundbreaking session at St. Mary’s College not only brought the judiciary closer to the community but also served as a vivid reminder of the law’s relevance and the importance of civic education. As Maryland’s highest court continues to engage with educational institutions, it fosters a deeper appreciation for the judicial process and encourages an informed citizenry, critical for the health of democracy.
