Auburn University to host Alabama Supreme Court arguments

Auburn University's campus will host a working courtroom on March 14, when members of the Alabama Supreme Court convene in the Gogue Performing Arts Center, creating a historic moment in the university's history and offering a rare opportunity to observe the Court in action.

Open to the public, the proceedings mark the second time Auburn's campus has hosted an oral argument, offering a live session of the Court's proceedings before an audience of faculty, students, staff and residents of the broader Auburn and Opelika communities. 

“As an academic community, we aim to foster learning opportunities that translate classroom knowledge into life experience for the most challenging issues facing society,” Provost Vini Nathan said. “Hosting the Supreme Court’s oral arguments not only demonstrates democratic governance in action, but it enhances our understanding of our society’s most pressing issues, especially those that continue to have a profound impact on our lives.”

During its session, the justices will hear arguments in a medical malpractice case, SC-2023-0601 Ex parte Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc. As part of the proceedings, opposing counsel will present arguments interpreting the Alabama COVID-19 Immunity Act and Gov. Kay Ivey's emergency COVID-19 proclamations. As part of the proceedings, the parties will have equal time to present their arguments to the Court. Amicus curiae (“friend of the Court”) briefs have been filed by Gov. Ivey, the Business Council of Alabama, the Alabama Civil Justice Reform Committee and the Alabama Hospital Association.

Honoring the Court's tradition of making its proceedings more accessible to constituents across the state, the arguments also highlight Auburn's commitment to providing students with real-world experiences and fostering a deeper understanding of the judicial process. 

“Our Supreme Court justices always enjoy taking our oral argument sessions to colleges and communities around the state,” said Chief Justice Tom Parker. “It is a chance to expose our judicial process to folks outside Montgomery who may not otherwise get a chance to see, in person, the business of the highest court in Alabama. We are very grateful to Auburn University for inviting us to their beautiful campus so that Auburn students and local high school students may see the Court in session, be better informed about their state government and maybe find inspiration to pursue a fulfilling career in law or public service.”

GPAC doors will open at 9 a.m. for security screening. Attendees are asked to arrive by 9:45 a.m. to be seated before the Court is officially called to order. The event is open to the public, but advance registration is requested. Cell phone use is prohibited while the Court is in session. 

"We are honored that our Court justices are willing to travel across the state to provide our campus community with such a unique learning opportunity," said Nathan.

Additional information for the March 14 oral argument, including briefs filed in the case, is available on the Alabama Judicial System website. For more information on the event, visit Auburn University’s oral argument website or email provost@auburn.edu.