On Tuesday, Sept. 26, Terry Concert Hall transformed into a working courtroom as Jacksonville
University (JU) hosted the Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal (DCA) for oral arguments,
giving students, faculty and staff a chance to observe state appellate proceedings
for three, real-life cases.
This was the DCA’s first time holding oral arguments in Jacksonville, as the addition
of the Sixth District Court of Appeal changed the Fifth District’s caseload to include
Duval, Clay, and Nassau counties. The Court specifically requested the JU College
of Law to host the event, which was able to offer the University’s premier performance
venue for the oral arguments, making the day’s proceedings a first for the University
as well.
Judge Adrian Soud presided, joined by Judges Harvey L. Jay and Paige Kilbane. Attorneys’
advocates argued three very different cases: a criminal appeal of a perjury conviction
of a government elected official; a civil appeal that addressed a procedural question
as to whether the court properly granted judgement without trial in a dispute between
business partners; and a civil appeal that dealt with alleged liability for negligence
that led to an accident in a private residence.
Students from JU’s College of Law took full advantage to watch their curriculum in
action, filling the concert hall seats and listening closely to the attorneys’ arguments
and the judges’ responses.
“This is exciting,” shared second year College of Law student Randi Alt. “It’s very
interesting to see what we’re learning in class come to life and to see where we can
take our legal education.”
JU College of Law Founding Randall C. Berg Jr. Dean Nick Allard said the event gave
the university community a valuable opportunity to learn how the system of justice
operates at the state appellate level, while helping to build alliances between the
University, the City, and Florida’s Bench and Bar.
Allard explained, “It is a compelling learning experience as well as a vivid example
of the positive synergies among the outstanding Northeast Florida Bench and Bar, the
vibrant growing City of Jacksonville, and Jacksonville University’s growing new College
of Law. Together they are helping to promote outstanding unrivaled legal education
for our students, civic education for the public, and serving the increasing legal
needs of the Jacksonville community and beyond.” 
After the Court adjourned, attendees and members of the DCA convened for lunch at
JU’s River House, where students were able to learn first-hand from distinguished
judges about best practices, legal careers, and service in the honorable profession
of law.
Dean Allard shared that JU’s College of Law is hoping to make these proceedings a
regular campus event. The DCA will be returning to JU for oral arguments again in
May 2024.
