In recent years, the College of Law has seen many of its law
students garner positions in the Student Senate, to inform and promote the
successes and needs of the law school community in Orlando. The FAMU main campus, where the Student
Government Association (SGA) holds its meetings, is located several hours north
in Tallahassee. According to Williams,
serving on the Court allows her to bridge a gap between the main campus and the
law school.
“It’s easy to feel we are on an island since we are in
Orlando,” explained Williams. “But I have to make connections with people that
are on the main campus to do my part.”
As a FAMU graduate, Small holds a similar outlook in his
contribution to his alma mater.
“I wanted to be able to give back to my University in a way that would shape the future for students,” explained Small. “By being a student in law school, I can offer a practical thought process when listening to and deciding cases, based on the information and skills I am acquiring in my law school classes.”
According to the FAMU Student Body Constitution, the Student
Supreme Court is composed of seven justices appointed by the SGA president and
approved by a two-thirds vote of the Student Senate. The Judicial power of SGA is vested in the
Court, the Student Traffic Court and other inferior courts as the Student
Senate may ordain and establish as needed.
“The Student Supreme Court hears matters pertaining to a
variety of acts,” said Williams, who also serves as the Editor-In-Chief of the
FAMU Law Review. “If a case is brought
before the Court, it is our responsibility to hear it and give a fair ruling
based on the student body documents, and any other law that needs to be
applied.” In addition, the Chief Justice
can also assign any of the Justices to write opinions based on the rulings.
Among seven main purviews, the Student Supreme Court has
jurisdiction over cases and controversies involving questions of
Constitutionality of actions of students, student governing groups, and student
organizations, with reference to this Constitution. The Court also has jurisdiction over
conflicts between students, student groups, or organizations.
“I think it brings a holistic view for what I have been
learning [in law school],” Small said.
“I am no longer just learning theory in a vacuum, but applying it to
real facts, in real time to the best of the knowledge of the Justices of the
Court.”
Williams agrees.
“I would definitely encourage other law students to pursue
[an appointment],” Williams said. “I
know this not only gives law students an opportunity to put what we are
learning daily into practice, but also allows the Justices to be more versed in
how FAMU is governed.”