State Supreme Court helping Marshall celebrate Constitution Week

HUNTINGTON -– Named after legendary United States Supreme Court Justice John Marshall, Marshall University celebrates the upcoming Constitution Week with a visit from the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.

As part of the many events recognizing Constitution Week, the state Supreme Court will participate in two public functions next week at MU.

The first function is Monday when Chief Justice Robin Jean Davis speaks to visitors, students, faculty and staff about "Women and the Law." The second is Tuesday when the Court convenes to hear four cases.

"Marshall University is very proud and pleased that the West Virginia Supreme Court has chosen to convene on our Huntington campus again this year. They will be in session on Tuesday to hear four important cases affecting West Virginia," MU President Stephen J. Kopp said in a news release. "We had a great turnout last year as students, faculty, staff and members of the public were able to see this branch of government conduct its business. I found the process fascinating and, in reviewing the docket, expect a similar experience this year."

Davis said it is important that people of West Virginia have the opportunity to see firsthand how the Judicial Branch of state government works.

"The docket of cases that we have selected for Sept. 19 include questions of constitutional law, which are a natural fit with Constitution Week and the other events occurring at Marshall University," she said.

Debuting this year as part of Constitution Week are two quoits events. Quoits are rings of iron that, like horseshoes, are pitched at stakes in a game that was played by John Marshall. The inaugural quoits tournament, open to teams of faculty, staff and students, will be played Monday through Thursday. The championship will follow the President's Invitational Quoits Tournament, which this year will feature competition among media representatives and be played on Thursday, Sept. 21.

The quoits competitions will take place on the west end of Buskirk Field. More information is available at www.marshall.edu/recsport.

Dr. Alan B. Gould, Executive Director of the John Deaver Drinko Academy, said he sees this week of historic events as another way MU educates its students.

"Constitution Week was started by United State Senator Robert C. Byrd in order to draw attention to the important document that our system of government is based upon," Gould said. "Included within federal legislation that was passed in 2004 was a provision requiring schools and federal agencies to set some time aside to study the United States Constitution.

"The Drinko Academy is a proud sponsor of these events and looks forward to celebrating Constitution Week and the birthday of our namesake, Chief Justice John Marshall."