Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jim Hannah spoke in the Memorial Classroom Building Auditorium Dec. 4.

   Many luminaries of the UAM campus turned out to hear Hannah's speech on legal trends and his advice to students thinking of beginning a career in law. Provost David Ray, who attended the event, said he hoped the speech gave students a better understanding of the judicial process and functions or various courts and judgeships.

   "This was excellent for our student body," Ray said. "To be in the presence of our principle leaders in government, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and to be able to interact with him through questions and answers. Chief Justice Hannah was most gracious in offering us this opportunity."

   In the speech Hannah broke down the Arkansas judicial process, outlining the Supreme Courts role in officiating for the state. Hannah also said that 75 percent of Arkansas' Supreme Court cases are resolved in two weeks, the fastest of any court in the nation.

   "We make decisions on life and death sentences, election taxes, cases of first impression (never been decided on), we review what the court of appeals has done and we review cases of great public interest," Hannah said. "The Supreme Court does more than read and write opinion."

   Hannah, who originally wanted to coach sports before becoming an accounting major finally settled on law. Hannah said he could not have been a justice in any state that did not hold elections and that is what made Arkansas' judicial system stand out. The idea of electing judges came from the late 1800's Hannah said and recently a movement has begun to appoint judges though in South Dakota voters chose to continue electing decision makers.

   Hannah also spoke about the quality of legal education in Arkansas, saying that judges he meets invariably remark on the quality of legal education in Arkansas. Hannah also gave advice to students seeking a degree in law.

   "Law school is a full time endeavor," Hannah said. "Practicing law is full of hard work and stress, and the law is a jealous mistress."

   Hannah outlined some of the legal trends he sees today. One such trend, the increase in court filings, but a decrease in jury-trials have led him to some conclusions about the morphic state of the Arkansas judicial system. Hannah says he believes more mediation, arbitration, high legal costs, advertisements and out-of-court settlements all play a key role in the changes.

   The second trend Hannah spoke about, the expansion of administration responsibilities in the judicial system, spurred talk about everything from technology to social judicial techniques. Security also fell under this heading in Hannah's speech. Hannah said he believes that everyone has the right to come to court and be safe.

   Hannah did not focus only on law. He touted the abilities to communicate effectively as well. This drew silent applause from Betty Matthews, professor of English.

   Hannah also served historical theory to the crowd. Hannah said he believes what a four star general said about the Soviet Union collapse. The general, who's name Hannah did not mention said; according to Hannah, that lack of an independent judiciary caused an irreparable loss of faith in communist government. Hannah said he believes this had as much to do with the collapse than anything else.

   Finally, Hannah said being given the opportunity to be a judge gave him immense personal satisfaction.

   "(Being a judge) puts you in a position to help your fellow man," Hannah said. "There is nothing like it in the world. Sadly some people take advantage of that trust."