James Exum speaks on civic engagement at Guilford Model Congress

On May 18, Elon Law Professor James G. Exum Jr. delivered the opening address at the Ninth Annual Guilford Model Congress, hosted by high school students at the Early College at Guilford.

James G. Exum Jr., distinguished professor of the judicial process, Elon University School of Law; founding member, Elon University Law School Advisory Board; former Chief Justice, Supreme Court of North Carolina.

Speaking at Dana Auditorium on Guilford College’s campus, Exum addressed an audience of about 100 students, faculty and staff from high schools across Guilford County, who are spending two days simulating the workings of the United States government, including Congress, the President’s Cabinet, the National Security Council and the Center for Disease Control.  Exum spoke to the group about the importance of civic engagement and the challenge facing each generation to make society better for the next.  He applauded the group’s initiative and encouraged them to continue engaging issues of public policy, participating in government and working to make their local communities, state and nation better.

James G. Exum Jr. is a founding member of Elon Law’s advisory board and Distinguished Professor of the Judicial Process at Elon Law. He served as Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court from 1986 to 1994.  He has served in the North Carolina House of Representatives, as a Superior Court Judge here in Guilford County, and as a practicing lawyer with the law firm of Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP in Greensboro.  Chief Justice Exum has been active in the North Carolina Bar Association and the American Bar Association, and he has been recognized with numerous awards for his service and contributions to the administration of justice in North Carolina and this country.

The students that Exum spoke with at Guilford Model Congress are assigned the role of a member of the United States House of Representatives or Senate. They research that member’s positions on various issues, and base their debate and discussion of issues in committee and on the floor on these positions.  This year’s Senate and House Committees are grappling with issues such as the minimum wage, affirmative action, the cost of higher education, prison reform, voter ID laws, Net neutrality, the privatization of space, the carbon tax, GMOs and an Ebola-like outbreak.  The students draft bills, work to have them passed in committee, and then take them before both Houses for approval.  A member of each House and Senate Committee is named best delegate.

Elon Law regularly engages high school and college students, encouraging them to consider civic engagement and public service, particularly through a legal career.  The professional activity of Elon Law professors, students and alumni not only influences law and policy, it creates networks and relationships that open doors of opportunity for all members of the law school community. As a hub of learning, lawyering, leadership and entrepreneurship, Elon Law encourages, fosters and celebrates the innovations and professional interests of all members of its community.