February 2, 2024 | News40th Chester Bedell Memorial Luncheon
Thank you to Judge Milton Hirsch of the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida for delivering the inspiring keynote speech at the 40th Chester Bedell Memorial Luncheon.
Judge Hirsh spoke about the impact that Judge Julius Waties Waring had on the desegregation movement in South Carolina and his exemplification of a “structurally independent judge.” His impactful words resonated deeply, inspiring our future trial lawyers—law students who were actively competing in our mock trial competition.
Judge Hirsh spoke about the difficulty of judicial independence, the triumph of judicial independence, and the importance of judicial independence, ending his speech by quoting Judge Julius Waites Waring’s investiture speech stating:
“This court is one of the things that we are fighting for now. This court and all the other courts, because a free court is a court where a judge is at liberty to express his views and exercise his own discretion … without any coercion or pressure from anyone. That is liberty, and that is what America stands for.”
We are so grateful for the wisdom shared and the motivation instilled during this memorable event!
Read the full address here.
