Texas Supreme Court Convenes At Baylor Law School

by Alan Hunt

The Texas Supreme Court heard arguments in two cases April 3 before overflow crowds at Baylor Law School's new home on the banks of the Brazos River, the Sheila and Walter Umphrey Law Center. It was the court's second visit to Baylor since a 1998 constitutional amendment allowed the justices to convene for the first time ever outside of Austin.
A capacity audience of more than 140 gathered in the Jim Kronzer Appellate Advocacy Courtroom to observe the state's highest court in session. The law school also provided a closed circuit broadcast for additional spectators and media to view the proceedings in one of the school's large classrooms.
The Texas Supreme Court convened in 1998 at Baylor Law School's former home, Morrison Constitution Hall, which was the court's first-ever venture outside the capital city. The nine justices, then and now, include two distinguished Baylor alumni, Chief Justice Tom Phillips (BA '71) and Justice Priscilla Owen (BA '76, JD '77).
Since then, says John Adams, clerk of the court, the justices have convened at every law school in Texas, along with visits to various university campuses and high schools. Following their Baylor visit April 3, the justices will hold a hearing at the University of Texas at Tyler on April 16, and on April 17 they will convene at a high school in Longview.
In addition to the 1998 Texas Supreme Court visit, the Law School has previously hosted hearings by higher courts at its former home, including the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The Kronzer courtroom in the new law center was specifically designed to accommodate visiting justices. The Sheila and Walter Umphrey Law Center, built at a cost of $33 million, was officially opened for classes on August 27, 2001.
Baylor Law Dean Brad Toben said the justices' visit was eagerly awaited by members of the law school community.
"It gives the students an opportunity to observe the protocol and proceedings of the court and to experience the unique atmosphere of a Supreme Court hearing," Toben said.