FLORENCE – The Alabama Supreme Court was gaveled into order Wednesday morning inside the Guillot University Performance Center at the University of North Alabama.

The court’s proceedings included oral arguments, providing students, faculty, and staff a chance to see the judiciary in action and learn more about Alabama’s court system.

The case involved a Walker County deputy sheriff pursuing a fleeing motorcyclist, and a question of immunity. The event was sponsored by UNA’s Office of the General Counsel. It was only second time the state Supreme Court conducted a case at UNA.

From auditorium to courtroom

The judicial bench was assembled on the stage of the Performance Center, with the petitioner and respondent tables facing the bench.

Students, faculty, and staff filled the auditorium’s built-in stadium seating at the rear of the space, while local judges and attorneys, sheriffs from across the state, university officials, and other guests filled reserved seats on the floor of the Performance Center.

How it works

Both sides were given 20 minutes for their arguments, with green, yellow, and red lights on a podium alerting them to the countdown. If one side went over its time, the same amount of extra time was allotted to the opposing side. 

At 10 a.m. Chief Justice Sarah Stewart offered an overview of the proceedings and each justice introduced themselves. Then the arguments were underway. The petitioner’s attorneys took the podium first. Next, the respondent’s attorneys made their case.

Then, the petitioner side offered its final response. During each argument, justices asked questions and sought clarifications from the attorneys.

The hearing wrapped up at 11 a.m. 

Meet the justices

Following the proceedings, UNA student leaders had a chance to attend lunch with the justices, and afterward the justices took a tour of campus. University officials hosted a reception and dinner for the justices on Tuesday evening. Alabama Justice Greg Cook is a Florence native.