For the first time in seven years, the Texas Supreme Court convened at the University of Houston Law Center to hear oral arguments in two civil cases, giving law students a unique, up-close opportunity to see the state鈥檚 legal system at work.
The Court travels twice per year to hold oral arguments in different areas of the state with a mission to enhance public transparency and foster a deeper understanding of the Texas justice system. The Texas Supreme Court last convened at the Law Center in 2017.
鈥淚 am delighted that the Texas Supreme Court returned to UH Law Center to hold its oral arguments in the new John M. O鈥橯uinn Law Building for three reasons,鈥� said Law Center Dean Leonard M. Baynes. 鈥淔irst, these oral arguments were the first by any appellate court to be held in our new space since it opened in 2022. Second, it was an excellent opportunity for our law students, faculty, alumni and staff to see great lawyering and judging in action. Third, the Court demystified the legal process by generously making the oral arguments accessible to students, faculty, staff and the public thereby bringing these important legal issues and those who decide them closer to the people.鈥�
The first case, , concerned oil and gas royalty payments. The case raises questions of who owns the right to use underground salt caverns created through the salt-extraction process and how a salt royalty interest is calculated.
The second case, , centered on a constitutional law issue involving due process. The case analyzed the proper burden of proof to support a permanent protective order that prohibits contact between a parent and minor child.
鈥淗aving the Texas Supreme Court here at UHLC was truly inspiring,鈥� said Duncan Reedyk, a second-year law student and president of the UH Student Bar Association. 鈥淎s law students, it鈥檚 a rare privilege to witness firsthand the highest state court in action on our own campus. This experience not only exemplified the real-world application and impact of what we study, but also strengthened our understanding of how meaningful advocacy can positively affect the lives of so many people.鈥�
鈥淭he Texas Supreme Court hosting oral arguments here gave us a rare glimpse into how legal decisions are made at the highest level. It鈥檚 an opportunity most law students in Texas won鈥檛 ever have and it inspires me to work even harder to pursue and achieve the goals I have for my education and my future career as an attorney.鈥� -1L Morgan Trevino
After the oral arguments, the nine justices returned to the courtroom for a Q&A session with students on a wide range of topics, including legal strategy, client advocacy and the best advice for dealing with the rigors of law school.
鈥淟aw school is really difficult, so work really hard 鈥� that is going to be the answer to whatever path you choose to go down,鈥� said Justice Rebecca Aizpuru Huddle. 鈥淎nd while you do that, be mindful of the things outside of law, outside of the classroom, that bring you joy and give meaning to your life. Don鈥檛 ignore those just because you are in law school and it鈥檚 demanding and time consuming.鈥�
For students, the visit from the state鈥檚 highest court was reaffirmation of their decision to choose the UH Law Center for its emphasis on practical, high-impact learning experiences.
鈥淯HLC鈥檚 dedication to its students鈥� development and success is unquestionable,鈥� Reedyk said. 鈥淭he visit from the Texas Supreme Court stands as yet another testament to the hard word and commitment of the entire UHLC community in providing one of the very best legal educations in the country.鈥�
