Politics – Page 7 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

A Day With the Founding Fathers

It’s difficult to see everything in Washington, DC. Knowing we would have limited time, we wanted to prioritize, and we made a “Founding Fathers” tour a priority. Fortunately, there are a lot of presidential homes in this area, and we were able to see Mount Vernon, Montpelier, and Monticello.

Mt. Vernon

Olivia Discon

Nestled along the banks of the Potomac River, Mount Vernon stands as a testament to the life and legacy of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Visiting this historic estate offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Father of the United States. After all, we had to see for ourselves what compelled President Washington to remark “I can truly say I had rather be at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the Seat of Government by the Officers of State and Representatives of every Power in Europe”.

As you approach Mount Vernon, the sprawling estate emerges, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the tranquil waters of the Potomac. The estate’s centerpiece, the mansion itself, is a beautiful example of 18th-century architecture, with its iconic cupola and striking symmetry. Interestingly enough, the structure was entirely crafted with wood and painted with sand to make the exterior appear as stone.

Before our tour, we witnessed a performance on the field, where a group of volunteers played “Grand Old Flag” and “Star Spangled Banner.” The music filled the air, creating a sense of reverence and patriotism that was truly moving. The crowd, including us, thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful moment!

Stepping inside the Home, you are transported back in time to the days when Washington called Mount Vernon home.

The mansion’s interior reflects the elegance and charm of the period, with meticulously restored rooms that offer a glimpse into Washington’s life as a plantation owner, military leader, and statesman.

The 9 guest rooms, in particular, are stunningly beautiful, showcasing the luxury and comfort that guests of Mount Vernon would have experienced.

During the tour, we also had the opportunity to see George Washington’s place of death, adding a poignant note to the visit. Standing in the room where Washington spent his final moments was a powerful reminder of his humanity and longstanding impact on the United States of America.

We also had the honor of participating in a ceremony for George Washington at his tomb. It was here that we were able to pledge allegiance, listen to a piccolo rendition of “Taps” before our President.

The ceremony was a beautiful and respectful tribute to Washington’s memory, highlighting the reverence with which he is still held by many Americans today.

In our short time in D.C., we had the opportunity to witness both our first and current U.S. President’s firsthand. These experiences have very built on top of each other to reinforce and contextualize the future experiences we will make both in the rest of our time in D.C. and beyond.

Montpelier

Olivia Discon

In the midst of exploring the foundation of our country (and its various presidential residences), it seemed only fitting to add another to our list: James Madison’s “Montpelier.” The home of the founding father was a testament to his remarkable intellect, his refined attention to detail and his dedication to serving others.

The elegance of the mansion was immediately noted upon entry.

The grand foyer, with soaring ceilings and an immediate immersion into fanciful busts and portraiture, welcomed us into the home with a sense of grandeur. The parlors and sitting rooms, with their period furnishings and delicate decor, spoke of a time when entertaining was an art form.

My favorite room in President Madison’s lavish home was his study. His desk was littered with papers…

…and the room’s walls were lined with books.

It was here that he spent hours contemplating the future of the nation. The study opened into one of the most intriguing features of the home, which would be President Madison’s final resting place. Even as President Madison continued to grow sick, his sharp wit and intellectual curiosity never faltered. Though he laid in bed sick, there was a door that connected the bedroom to the dining room, allowing him to engage in conversations with guests and work late into the night without disturbing his wife, Dolley.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Montpelier was its gardens. Similarly to Madison’s Presidential counterparts, the gardens were a testament to his desire to create a retreat from the demands of such a highly publicized life. We spent a bit of time here enjoying the serene landscape and botanical design.

It was easy to imagine James Madison himself walking these halls, pondering the future of the young nation he helped create…

…and we were immensely grateful to be guests—albeit a couple of centuries late!

Monticello

Michelle Cardenas

After visiting Washington’s Mount Vernon and James Madison’s Montpelier, we were eager to explore Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. His beautiful estate is located in the rolling hills of Virginia.

I was extremely excited to visit Monticello, especially after my recent viewing of “Thomas Jefferson” by Ken Burns, a documentary that gave me a little bit of insight into Jefferson’s life and his home. Jefferson inherited thousands of acres from his father after he passed away. He had high hopes of one day building a home and with that the idea of Monticello was born.

Thomas Jefferson was incredibly intelligent; he was a man knowledgeable of many disciplines. He served as the third president of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. However, he also had an incline toward architecture, engineering, innovation, and design. His love for Greek and Roman architecture influenced his design for Monticello as well as his admiration for the works of Andrea Palladio.

The home is incredible, the elements of the exterior are incredible, showcasing symmetry and one of the most famous Jeffersonian features, the dome. However, it does not compare to the interior of the home. Each room showcased amazing pieces that were collected by Jefferson and put on display for guests to observe and indulge in. Clocks, hunting trophies, animal skins, and fossils were on display.

The Parlor, which was my favorite room, was adorned with several paintings, portraits, chairs, Jefferson’s gadgets…

…beautiful drapery, chess boards, and maps.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Monticello is Jefferson’s inventive spirit. He wasn’t just a statesman; he was a visionary inventor. Jefferson created ingenious devices to make his daily life easier and more convenient. Amongst these inventions was the polygraph, a machine capable of making three copies of a document simultaneously. His home was adorned with various pulley systems, orchestrating tasks like serving wine with remarkable efficiency.

Construction of the home began in 1769 and concluded over 40 years later. The residence includes multiple guest bedrooms and cellars for food and wine storage to accommodate guests. Additionally, the home also included living quarters for servants, a blacksmith’s workshop,…

…a kitchen area, stables, and extensive farmland surrounding the main residence.

Walking through the halls of Monticello, there was something to admire in every corner. Jefferson held Monticello near and dear to his heart, it was his haven from his hectic career and political efforts. The home is a true testament to his brilliance and creativity. As we explored the grounds, we were reminded of the remarkable individuals who shaped our nation’s past and left an incredible mark on its future.

Innovation in International Relations: A Conversation with Sweden’s Minister Tobias Billström

Michelle Cardenas

Although the semester has ended, the LEAP Ambassadors continue expanding their horizons, this time at a World Affairs Council event featuring Sweden’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tobias Billström. The event promised insightful dialogue and certainly delivered.

Before the moderated interview, Minister Billström took the podium to discuss Sweden’s latest efforts in space exploration.

It was fitting that he was about to present a talk on space in Houston, a city renowned as “Space City.” But Billstrom also highlighted the ways Sweden is leveraging its expertise to push the boundaries of space science and technology.

He spoke passionately about the need for safe and peaceful navigation of space, underscoring the potential for congestion and geopolitical conflicts in space. Sweden’s commitment to avoiding such conflicts is rooted in its Space Diplomacy Agenda, which aims to maximize the benefits of space exploration while fostering international cooperation and security.

Following his address on space, the stage was set for a discussion moderated by the World Affairs Council’s Sandija Bayot.

The conversation swiftly transitioned to Sweden’s strategic shift in defense policy, notably its recent decision to join NATO. Historically neutral, Sweden’s choice to join the alliance marks a significant departure from its non-military stance—a response, as Billström explained, to escalating threats from Russia.

“Sweden has always been a nation committed to peace,” Billström remarked, “but recent actions by Russia have made it clear that we must stand with our allies to ensure stability and security.” He pointed out that over 70% of Sweden’s parliament supported NATO membership, reflecting a strong consensus for collective defense.

Minister Billström also discussed the unique strengths Sweden brings to NATO. With advanced technology in defense and a well-equipped military, Sweden is fit to significantly contribute to the alliance. Billström emphasized the importance of integrating Sweden’s capabilities, particularly in areas like space and artificial intelligence, to enhance NATO’s overall defense strategy.

When asked about some of the challenges of joining NATO the minister acknowledged some of the complexities of aligning national interests within the alliance. “Defending Sweden now means defending our allies,” he noted, pointing out the need for a cohesive approach to security that respects the diverse interests of NATO members.

The discussion also touched upon broader geopolitical threats, including challenges posed by China and Russia. Billström articulated a clear-eyed view of global security, noting that Sweden’s defense strategies encompass a wide range of potential threats, from cyberattacks to strategic territorial ambitions. He emphasized that Sweden is prepared to defend itself and its allies. Addressing the issue of Russian aggression, he remarked, “Russia will always remain resentful unless there is a shift towards a better government,” highlighting the persistent challenge posed by Russia.

Nonetheless, Minister Billström’s sense of optimism, grounded in Sweden’s strategic alliances and technological advancements, left a lasting impression. The evening provided a unique opportunity to gain insight into diverse perspectives and varying national priorities. Hearing about Sweden’s forward-thinking plans was enlightening, sparking new considerations about cybersecurity and space exploration.

Culinary Passport: Unveiling the Tastes of Indonesia

Michelle Cardenas

Last week, we had the privilege to attend an event hosted by the World Affairs Council as part of their Culinary Passport Series. This time, our gastronomic adventure took us to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Houston.

This event was especially fitting as it coincided with Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of the AAPI community.

The event began with the Consulate General, Andre Omer Siregar, who graced us with his welcoming remarks, sharing his pride in Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity and dynamic growth. He expressed his excitement to be among a group of people eager to learn more about his home country.

The main presentation offered us an overview of Indonesia and highlighted some of its best qualities. We learned about Indonesia’s current Democratic style of government and how it became home to a vibrant population and a robust economy. The Economic Affairs team, represented by Ita A. Puspitasari and Aswidya Indririsk, highlighted Indonesia’s economic innovations and the growing trade relationship with the United States. Their enthusiasm and pride in their country were evident, and it was inspiring to hear about the strides Indonesia is making on the global stage.

A part of the presentation I found particularly interesting was the mention of Indonesia’s representation in international media, with films such as “Cigarette Girl” on Netflix showcasing Indonesian culture and storytelling. Cultural representation matters, and it is clear that this is a source of immense pride for Indonesians and an exciting development for global audiences.

As the program drew to a close, we were introduced to an array of traditional Indonesian dishes.

The Consulate staff explained that hosting and preparing lavish banquets is an integral part of Indonesian culture, especially on special occasions. We were presented with a buffet-style dinner laid out for us, featuring a mouthwatering selection of dishes such as Nasi Goreng, Rendang, Sate Ayam, Gado-Gado, and Lontong.

Each dish was a testament to Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage, bursting with savory flavors and spices.

For many of us, this was our first encounter with Indonesian cuisine, and it was an experience we won’t soon forget.

Sampling these dishes was not just about tasting new flavors but also about gaining a deeper appreciation for the culture and traditions of Indonesia. Events like this enrich our understanding of the diverse world we live in and prepare us for future travels and cultural explorations.

We left with full stomachs and a newfound appreciation for the hospitality and warmth that Indonesian culture embodies. It was a perfect celebration of AAPI Month, fostering cultural exchange and culinary delight.

Climate Science in the 21st Century at SHSU

Anyone who watches the news occasionally knows about climate change, but few people truly understand it. The Department of Environmental Sciences, however, worked to changed that by inviting Dr. Barry Keim, Professor of Climatology at LSU, to discuss this important topic to a group of faculty, staff, and students at SHSU. The turnout was impressive, with more than 100 people on hand to hear Dr. Keim, who was introduced by Drs. John Strait and Ava Fujimoto-Strait.

Anyone who experienced last summer was unlikely to be surprised by Keim’s first observation: 2023 was the hottest summer on record. But Dr. Kiem’s interests also extended to the related concepts of the Atlantic Ocean temperatures, storm surges, and, in general, extreme weather events. Interestingly, five of the ten largest Gulf of Mexico storm surges have occurred in the past 20 years, and another four occurred from the period of 1961-1975.

Another lens through which to look at climate change’s impact on storms is the sheer length of storm season. The “season” is defined as the period spanning the first “named” storm of the year to the last “named” storm of the year. In the late 19th century, the mean storm season was approximately sixty days, but in the last ten years, the storm season has lasted, on average, about twice that long.

And, it turns out, while the total amount of rainfall may be more or less constant, this doesn’t mean that the rain is having the same effect from year to year. Instead, what we are seeing is longer periods without rain punctuated by more intense storms, resulting in more flooding and more hail damage.

Other measures show similar trends. Selected cities have experienced fewer freeze days over the past 100 years; and, by extension, an more than 70 percent of the counties in the US have seen an increase in annual “minimum temperatures” and about 40 percent of the counties have had an increase in the annual “maximum temperatures.”

A key takeaway, according to Kiem, is to focus more on the variability in temperatures and rain, and less on mean changes. And the potential results of these changes, Kiem noted, are “downright frightening.”

Kiem’s talk seemed to be prophetic. Following his talk, rains began, intensified, and caused much damage …

…in the Walker, Brazos, Grimes, and Montgomery Counties.

So much so that SHSU cancelled classes on the main campus. In an interesting coincidence, SHSU, perhaps for the first time, cancelled class on the first and last day of the semester because of weather-related events.

Many thanks to the Department of Environmental Science for bringing an interesting speaker to campus for the exchange of ideas–exactly what a University is designed to do!

Simulating City Operations: A Mock City Council

As the semester draws to an end, the City Fellows–interns placed by the LEAP program–are wrapping up their internships. As part of that process, and following numerous professional development activities this semester, they took on the roles of City Council and City Directors and participated in a Mock City Council at the beautiful Wynne Home.

On hand to guide and observe were supervisors Andrea Howard (Wynne Home), Amanda Schillaci (Huntsville Main Street), Tammy Gann (Economic Development), Aron Kulhavy (City Manager), and Mac Woodward (former Councilmember and Mayor).

The process involved knowing parliamentary procedures, researching topics such as dockless scooters, park acquisitions, and municipal contracts. Participating were Cinthia Villarreal (Mayor)…

…Morgan Robertson (City Manager), Saara Maknojia (City Attorney), Macey Schank (Parks Director), Chrissy Biello (City Secretary), and Yajaira Gutierrez Marin, Emily Eoff, Michelle Cardenas, Olivia Discon, and Camilla Lopez (council).

The “process could be intimidating,” noted “Mayor” Villarreal, “but what we get from it is outweighs in importance any embarrassment or hesitation we might feel at the moment.”

Although the topics were relatively straightforward, they elicited questions such as: (1) who owns that GPS data from scooter usage and what can such data be used for?; (2) on what streets would scooters be legal?; (3) what are the downsides of designating land a “park”?; and (4) who is allowed to speak at council meetings, on what topics are they allowed to speak, and for how long?

It was, noted Biello, “quite the learning experience, offering me valuable insights into the legal nuances and special considerations essential for effective governance.”

With expert guidance from City staff, as well as a comparative perspective from those who have worked at other cities (including Madisonville, TX and Salado, TX), we were able to pass some good things for our Sim-City, learn a whole lot, see some great art, and spend time with some great people!

National League of Cities: Congressional City Conference

Well-Made Plans

After registering for the Congressional City Conference, we had a detailed schedule that we hoped to follow. That changed at about 5am on Monday morning, when Professor Yawn called us letting us know that, well, plans had changed.

Instead of arriving at 9:15am for the 9:45am opening, we would be arriving at 7:30am, in time to register and get in line. And why would we need to arrive so early? Because overnight, President Joe Biden had been announced as the key speaker, and this, understandably, creates a large crowd.

Opening Session

With Biden scheduled to speak, the introductory speakers had the difficult task of capturing a distracted audience, although some nice opening ceremonies helped set the stage.

It also helped that Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize winning author and well-respected historian, was Biden’s lead-in.

Like Biden, Goodwin is in her 80s, and also like Biden, she came out feisty and lively, quickly drawing the audience to her. She regaled the more than 1,000 attendees with stories of her days in college, when she was an anti-LBJ, anti-Vietnam War activist, and nonetheless, the President selected her for a fellowship. She didn’t always agree with his policies, she noted, but she did see things from his perspective, and this made for a good relationship. In fact, he asked her to help him with his memoirs in his post-presidency.

Goodwin also discussed how local leaders play a role in making Presidents successful, highlighting civil rights as an example. She also discussed the key elements of leadership, one of which she emphasized: the experience of personal struggles, which allows presidents to grow personally and to empathize with others.

This, of course, has applied to many presidents and leaders–and she highlights Abe Lincoln, FDR, LBJ, and Teddy Roosevelt. It could also apply to President Biden, whose life has been marked by the death of two children and a spouse.

And it was a feisty President Biden who showed up to speak to the large crowd of municipal leaders.

Echoing many of the themes from his State of the Union speech–albeit with a greater emphasis on more local matters–Biden stressed his support for efforts to rein in gun violence, his call to pass the “toughest border bill ever drafted,” and his economic track record.

He also hearkened back to the formation of the National League of Cities, which occurred in 1924–and he insisted that he was NOT in the room for that initial get together.

Biden’s speech was greeted enthusiastically by the large crowd, and he received an extended ovation.

After the opening session, we returned to the National League of Cities conference for a very interesting general session. This session featured multiple remarkable speakers who presented projects and shared their expertise. NLC’s 2nd Vice President, Steve Patterson, expertly emceed the general session.

Among the speakers was Julie Su, the United States Deputy Secretary of Labor, who shared some important points on the pivotal role of local leaders in shaping labor policies and fostering economic growth within their communities. She emphasized the necessity for collaboration between federal and local forms of government to effectively address challenges in labor. Amongst the issues she presented, child care and transportation seemed to be the most pressing issue for the Biden Administration. Secretary Su made sure to emphasize the crucial intersection between local government and national labor initiatives.

One of the sections of the general session included a panel discussion moderated by NLC’s First Vice President, Sharon Weston Broome. The participants included Mark Hayes, Executive Director of the Arkansas Municipal League; Steve Marshall, Attorney General of the State of Alabama; and Donald Mason, Mayor of Janesville, Ohio. The topic of discussion was the alarming rise in opioid-related deaths over the past few years. The panelists shared the devastating impacts the crisis has had on their communities. Attorney General Marshall highlighted the financial costs that opioid-related incidents bring to Americans, citing a cost of $98 billion. Director Mark Hayes shared a very personal story about losing his son to a fentanyl overdose, emphasizing the urgent need to address the crisis to prevent others from experiencing such pain.

The panelists mentioned the importance of flexibility and learning from mistakes, acknowledging the varied approaches taken by all 50 states in tackling the crisis based on their unique community needs. They encouraged city officials to take initiative and not be afraid of failing in the process.

Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, concluded the National League of Cities general session. He emphasized the difficulty of local government and gave props to all the officials for their hard work in serving their community. Buttigieg also highlighted the $1.3 trillion infrastructure deal that is allowing communities and cities to improve. He introduced new grant programs with the ultimate goal of enhancing communities.

During his discussion, he spotlighted Baltimore’s 150-year-old railroads and stations that will be fixed and replaced so they can be used by citizens. Buttigieg mentioned how important transportation is, closing his session with a very insightful quote worthy of reflection: “Transportation is not just a connection to the other side of town but a connection to opportunity.” left This observation left a lasting impression on me, making him my favorite speaker of the general session.

Aligning Workforce Dev with Plans for Economic Growth

Olivia Discon

Later that afternoon, our group decided to attend one of the “Deep Dive” panels, which offers a more specialized conversation regarding some of the most pressing city matters. We decided to take a ‘deep dive’ with the “Aligning Workforce Dev with Plans for Economic Growth” panel. Having some experience with the City of Huntsville’s Economic Development department, we thought this panel would be a great way to expand our understanding of what comprises a healthy economy for a city.

This panel had no shortage of experience. We had the pleasure to hear a bit from Brittany Stich, Senior Advisor of the U.S. Department of Labor, Tess Mason-Elder, Director of Office Relations of Americorps; Colleen Rathgeb Associate Deputy Assistant Director of ACF; Catherine McConnell, Policy Advisor for U.S. Department of Education; Paige Shelvin, Strategic Advisor for IWD and USDOT; and moderated by Adriana Rocha Garcia, Council Member of San Antonio.

To attract, retain, and expand businesses to a city, there are a multitude of factors that incentivize businesses to choose that city, and for workers to choose to work there. A good standard of living is at the forefront of that choice. This, of course, comes in many forms, including the quality of the city’s cost of living, safety, education, community events, and existing businesses. Interestingly, this panel placed an emphasis on childcare facilities, career and technical education, and good infrastructure to incentivize a strong workforce. While these factors may not appear to be a crucial aspect to this issue, they are implicit and are potentially one of the deciding factors between one city or another. It was incredibly stimulating to consider how some of the talking points tied into a common outcome for cities, and ponder how Huntsville may fit into the equation.

Navigating Espionage, Sacrifice, and Patriotism with the CIA’s James Olson

The LEAP Center (Law, Engagement And Politics) recently hosted an event that left attendees intrigued by tales of espionage, moral dilemmas, and the weight of keeping national secrets. The guest speaker for the afternoon was James M. Olson, a distinguished former chief of CIA counterintelligence, whose career has been a fascinating journey through the shadows of international threats.

Mr. Olson shared his story with two groups: Rotary Club of Huntsville and a large group of SHSU students.

James M. Olson is an expert on the clandestine world; Olson’s career spans more than three decades in the Central Intelligence Agency. Rising through the ranks, he eventually became the chief of CIA counterintelligence, tasked with safeguarding the nation’s secrets from foreign adversaries. His level of expertise in espionage, national security and counterintelligence is unmatched.

However, what sets James M. Olson apart is not just his professional achievements but the personal sacrifices he made to serve his country. As he shared during the events, Olson had to keep his work secret from his own family and children to ensure their safety. The burden of secrecy weighed heavily on him, presenting numerous moral dilemmas. Yet, with the support of his wife, Meredith Olson (also a CIA Agent), he navigated these challenges with resilience and dedication.

During the program, Mr. Olson recounted how he eventually revealed his secret life to his children. Contrary to his fears, they reacted with pride upon learning about their father’s role in protecting the nation. He took the time to highlight the complexities of balancing duty with family obligations.

Throughout the day, one theme resonated deeply with Mr. Olson: his unwavering passion for the United States. He spoke extensively about the honor he felt in being entrusted with some of the nation’s most important secrets. His commitment to upholding the ideals and values of the country underscored his dedication to service.

However, alongside his admiration for his country, Mr. Olson touched a more sensitive subject; those who betray their nation. He had harsh words to express his resentment toward individuals who commit treason, labeling them as the worst kind of individuals in the world.

The day with James M. Olson was truly captivating and eye opening. The topics of espionage, patriotism, and moral integrity truly make you reflect on the future of America and all the individuals who put their lives on the line for our safety. I was definitely left with a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices made by individuals like Mr. Olson in safeguarding the nation’s security.

Murder and Mayhem Come to SHSU–but in a good way

For 13 years, the LEAP Center has hosted the 10th Court of Appeals, allowing Sam Houston State University students and Huntsville residents to hear three appellate court cases in the courtroom of the George Beto Criminal Justice Building. The 10th Court of Appeals, out of Waco, TX, serves 18 counties in Texas including Walker County. The court, which currently consists of Chief Justice Gray, Justice Johnson, and Justice Smith, is able to travel and try cases in any county seat in their jurisdiction.

We had a full house for every case today and a line out the door, waiting to see if a seat would be available. In the first case this morning we were happy to have District Attorney Will Durham watch the case, checking things out in advance of his turn in the courtroom at 1:30pm.

The unique thing about the hearings held at SHSU is that the lawyer for each party is allotted three minutes to relay the facts of the case to the audience.

After those three minutes the attorneys turn to the Justices and begin their 20-minute formal arguments. The Justices can interrupt for questions at any point during the arguments and after each attorney has spoken, the appellant attorney then gets a 5-minute rebuttal to the defense.

Another special treat, at least for us, is that during these hearings, LEAP Ambassadors were asked to fill in for the Clerk, who is responsible for, among other things, asking the visitors to “All Rise” and then asking for a blessing on the court.

During the first case today, the appellant attorney’s main issue with the previous court ruling was that there was insufficient evidence to charge the appellant with manslaughter. The attorney argued that a manslaughter charge includes knowledge about the substantial risk of death, of which the appellant did not have. The attorney for The State of Texas actually brought props and photos that were used during the original trial to argue against the appellant party.

The second hearing was a real treat because President White was able to sit in on the arguments. It was the first time in 10th Court history that a University President attended at SHSU!

The second hearing broke down the importance of understanding Miranda Warnings and how language barriers can affect criminal proceedings.

After the 11 am hearing, the court was adjourned for lunch where LEAP students were able to talk with the justices, President White, and court staff. I was lucky enough to be sitting with Justice Smith and Justice Johnson, who discussed their careers as attorneys and how they fell into the position of judge, and eventually to justice.

LEAP Ambassadors also provided Justice Gray with a gift basket and a heartfelt thank you as this is his last year doing the 10th Court of Appeals at Sam Houston State University, his alma mater.

Court readjourned at 1:30 pm with the final hearing of the day. The court room was attended by County Clerk Leslie Woolley and Judge Tracy Sorensen. This case was really interesting as the main arguments pertained to the use of cell-phone data. In 2008 police obtained records from a man’s cellphone that linked him to a murder, but 10 years later the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must get a search warrant for that information; essentially, the question was should the data then be used in trial.

Thank you to everyone who came out to watch the cases today, especially President White. Thank you to Chief Justice Gray, Justice Johnson, and Justice Smith for allowing students to have this opportunity and for being so welcoming and helpful to future law students. Chief Justice Gray, we wish you well in your retirement and we want to thank you for continuously showing support for the LEAP Center and the Pre-Law Program at SHSU.

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