By DREW GARDNER
6 News
Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - The halls of the
Duncan School of Law at Lincoln Memorial University are usually filled with
students and professors, but that wasn't the case Thursday
morning.
"We will be operating 3 courtrooms with Judge
Swann and two magistrates," said LMU Associate Dean for
Academics April Meldrum.
This is the second
time Judge Bill Swann has brought his 4th Circuit
courtroom to LMU to give students a live and in-person look at court proceedings in action, and its no small
task.
"The Sheriff, the
clerk, all of the clerks, the domestic violence community have to travel here,"
said Judge Swann. "They have to find new parking, have to learn to things to
do. It's very hard."
"Today is the order of
protection docket day," said Meldrum. "So this morning there are approximately
150 cases on the docket and we will have an afternoon docket as
well."
Even though moving all
those cases to an unfamiliar location may be difficult and it does cost the
school extra money to staff additional security, the judge said the benefit to the students
is invaluable.
"They say 'Gosh, I
didn't realize what court was really like'," said Judge
Swann.
LMU students seemed to
agree and said normally the opportunity would only go to those who receive
internships, which is a small percent.
Fourth year law
student Kyle Vaughn said, "It opens it up to the entire student body for a
chance to see what real life real lawyers do and what real judges
do."
"It's an amazing
opportunity to actually see the court system at work and to meet the needs of
the people we hope to serve," added Meldrum.
It's an opportunity
both Judge Swann and LMU hope to continue for many years to
come.
Judge Bill Swann brought his 4th Circuit courtroom to LMU to give students a live and in-person look at court proceedings in action.
Even though moving all those cases to an unfamiliar location may be difficult and it does cost the school extra money to staff additional security, Judge Bill Swann said the benefit to the students is invaluable.
The clerks and the domestic violence community also had to relocate for the event.
Fourth year law student Kyle Vaughn said, "It opens it up to the entire student body for a chance to see what real life real lawyers do and what real judges do."
