Justice O'Connor Underscores Role of Independent Judiciary in St. Louis Bar Address

On February 25, 2009, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor addressed the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) during the inaugural Danforth - Eagleton lecture to benefit the new Judicial Learning Center. Justice O'Connor's talk was preceded by a dinner and ribbon cutting. "More people in the U.S. can name two of the Three Stooges than can name two of the three branches of the government; and that's not even counting Shemp," she lamented during her praise for the mission of the Center. Justice O'Connor's remarks emphasized how important it is that Americans understand the critical role our independent judicial branch plays in the the success of our democracy. The event was moderated by Senniger Powers attorney and BAMSL President David Crawford.

The Judicial Learning Center in the Thomas F. Eagleton United States Courthouse is a unique resource for the citizenry to learn of the history and organization of the federal judicial system and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, in particular. Developed at the initiative of the judges, this outreach program will help the public better understand the role of the rule of law in our country as well as educate them about the rich judicial tradition of the Eastern District. Senniger Powers has pledged $25,000 to the Center.