By ANDREW JACKSON
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas came to BYU Thursday to participate in the Law School’s annual Moot Court Finals.
Thomas was on a panel of five justices who managed and judged arguments made by six student finalists in a mock appellate court case.
Thomas said he was pleased to be part of the competition.
“It’s a real honor for me to have been here this time as well as four years ago, and to have judged this competition.”
Thomas Lee, a law school professor, said Thomas came because he has great admiration and respect for BYU and the religious community here.
Thomas said the finalists gave a very good run in both the briefs and oral arguments.
Several awards were given including best oral argument to Elizabeth Walbom.
John Luthy was presented the best read brief.
The best team award was given to Maren Daines, Elizabeth Walbom and David Kono.
Travis Christiansen, 27, a third year law school student from Hurricane, Washington County, said most students feel it is a privilege to have Thomas participate in the competition.
“Overall students realize what an honor it is to have one of nine Supreme Court Justices here at BYU.”
“Students can gain real world experience by seeing how a Supreme Court Justice reacts in an appellate court situation,” Christiansen said.
Susan Broberg, the Student Bar Association president, said she was disappointed that some students were protesting Thomas’ visit to BYU.
“He deserves the respect of his position,” Broberg said.
Christiansen said the students protesting do not understand what happened with the Anita Hill allegations.
“There were no criminal charges ever filed against Clarence Thomas for the allegations. There was never a civil suit against Thomas for the allegations,” he said. “There wasn’t enough evidence to bring a suit to court, for a prosecutor to file charges or the Senate to say he is guilty of sexual harassment,” he said.
