To commemorate Constitution Day, the Honorable Bobby E. Shepherd of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit will deliver a guest lecture this evening at 7:30 in McBeth Recital Hall. Judge Shepherd of El Dorado, a 1973 Ouachita alumnus, was confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals last year.
“We’re just thrilled that a U.S. Court of Appeals judge would come to Ouachita to celebrate this commemorative event,” said Dr. Hal Bass, dean of the school of social sciences and professor of political science.
The lecture is sponsored by the Mattox Public Affairs Center and directed by Dr. Doug Reed.
In compliance with a 2004 federal mandate, Ouachita recognizes Constitution Day, which marks the adoption of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.
“It’s a time for Americans to recognize the benefits of the constitutional framework,” said Reed, professor of political science and chairman of the political science department. “At the instigation of Senator Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), every institution of higher education that receives federal money must recognize Constitution Day.”
Each institution, however, may decide how it will recognize the event. Although it is rare for Ouachita to have the opportunity to invite a member of the U.S. Court of Appeals to speak, Reed said Judge Shepherd graciously consented to do so.
Federal judges, particularly those at the appellate level, regularly deal with constitutional issues by addressing the law and its application.
“Judge Shepherd has the appropriate background to deliver the Constitution Day lecture,” Reed said.
Upon graduating from Ouachita, Shepherd received his J.D. in 1976 from the University of Arkansas Law School. According to the White House’s Web site, Judge Shepherd “has a distinguished record as a practicing attorney and magistrate judge, and possesses extensive civil and criminal litigation experience.”
On July 20, 2006, the U.S. Senate approved President George W. Bush’s nomination of Judge Shepherd to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
The Eighth Circuit hears appeals from the federal district courts of seven states, ranging from Arkansas to North Dakota.
“Judge Shepherd has certainly got the reputation as being a fair-minded fellow,” Bass said. “There was bi-partisan support for his nomination.”
Bass and Reed encourage students, teachers and faculty to attend the free lecture.
“It’s an opportunity to hear from a distinguished student of the law,” Bass said. “It’ll be informative, instructive and entertaining.”
