Six Political Science majors were able to see the American legal process in action on February 22. They heard the presentation of oral arguments to the Delaware Supreme Court in two cases.

Molly Brooke, Alejandra Fernandez, Natasha Joseph, Jamie Lenko, Joseph Martinho, and Deidra Turner heard the arguments at the Widener University Delaware Law School in a visit arranged by their professor, Dr. Robert McMonagle. 

“Attending the Delaware Supreme Court arguments was such a valuable experience for me because I found that it validated all of my hopes of going to law school after graduating from Neumann,” said Lenko. “Ever since I was a little kid I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer, and I think being able to sit in a court room and hear the arguments made me realize that's where I belong and that's what I want to do. I know all the hard work I put in now will make it all worth it one day when I reach my goal.” 

The Delaware Supreme Court consists of five justices, each appointed by the governor of the state for a 12-year term. According to the program for the February 22 event, “Oral argument is a presentation by lawyers who answer questions from the court on the facts and the law involved in the case being appealed. It is a tradition that dates back to the early days of the English court system and is used in the Supreme Court of the United States and state appellate courts throughout the country.”

Neumann University and Widener University Delaware Law School are partners in a 3+3 articulation agreement that gives Neumann first-year students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree and a juris doctor degree in just six years.

The first three years of study are at Neumann. During this time, students must successfully complete all major and core curriculum requirements, 75 percent of their bachelor's degree requirements, and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The last portion of the program is at Delaware Law for students who meet the school's LSAT standard and admission requirements for character and fitness.