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Alabama Supreme Court to Hold Oral Arguments at Jacksonville State University on Constitution Day

by Josh Underwood

Jacksonville, AL (09/12/2024) — JACKSONVILLE - Jacksonville State University (Jax State) will observe Constitution Day on Tuesday, September 17, by welcoming the Supreme Court of Alabama for a special oral argument session. The event will be held on the 11th floor of Houston Cole Library and will provide students and the campus community with a unique opportunity to witness the judicial process up close.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, allowing time for security clearance. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. The event begins with a welcome at 9:30 a.m., followed by oral arguments starting at 10:00 a.m. No entry or exit will be permitted once the arguments have commenced.

"The Supreme Court of Alabama is honored to return to the beautiful hills of Jacksonville State University to host a special oral argument session on Constitution Day, September 17," said Chief Justice Tom Parker. "Our Justices love bringing the halls of justice to the halls of Alabama's universities. It is our hope that JSU students will be inspired by seeing their state judicial branch in action, and likewise consider their own contribution to public service, be it as a lawyer, judge, or in some other capacity."

Jax State President Dr. Don Killingsworth emphasized the event's educational value, saying, "We are honored to welcome the Alabama Supreme Court back to Jax State. The presence of the state's highest Court on our campus provides an educational experience for our students that extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. This event offers them a front-row seat to the judicial process, where they can witness the real-world application of the principles that support our legal system."

The Court will hear arguments in SC-2023-0784: Shymikka Griggs, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. NHS Management, LLC. NHS Management provides administrative services for nursing and rehab centers and was the victim of a 2021 cyberattack that exposed personal information, including Social Security numbers and health data. Griggs, a former employee, alleged that her data was accessed and sold, resulting in identity theft and financial harm. The circuit court dismissed her case. In her appeal, Griggs seeks to have the Alabama Supreme Court reverse the circuit court's dismissal. Two issues are involved: (1) Does Griggs have standing to bring her claims, and (2) did she state a claim on which relief could be granted?

Each side will have an equal amount of time to present its oral arguments. Following the oral arguments, Chief Justice Tom Parker will present a special lecture titled "Blackstone's Commentaries and the Foundations of American Law" at 11:30 a.m., also on the 11th floor of Houston Cole Library. The lecture will explore the influence of Sir William Blackstone on the American Founding and will be of particular interest to students considering law school. A Q&A session will follow, and the lecture will conclude by 12:25 p.m. Please note that no entry or exit will be permitted during the lecture, and attendees should plan to stay for the entire duration.

Students interested in attending the oral arguments or the lecture are required to pre-register. This is a unique opportunity to engage with the judicial process and gain insights into the foundations of American law.

For more information about the event and pre-registration details, visit Jax State's event page. Media access will be limited, and those wishing to cover the event must apply through the Alabama Supreme Court.

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate level. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1 or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

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