Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Releases Educational Video Featuring Four Women Supreme Court Justices From Around Nation
The video comes in advance of Law Day 2020, commemorating the women who fought for, and won, the right to vote.
Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Wood was one of four women state Supreme Court justices who recently participated in an Arkansas educational video for students who are learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I organized a video conference and we arranged for my 10-year-old granddaughter, Blakeley, to ask us whatever she would like about the appellate court system and being women justices. The goal was to get the perspective of a young student and to answer the types of questions young people might have,” said Justice Wood.
“What resulted is a video about state courts, the branches of government, our jobs, and how our courts are dealing with COVID-19. We hope it will become a learning resource.”
The video, called Lady Justices, also features Chief Justice Bridget McCormack of Michigan, Justice Beth Walker of West Virginia, and Justice Eva Guzman of Texas. Lady Justices is being released as Law Day 2020 approaches.
Law Day, held annually on May 1 since 1961, is a national day set aside for outreach to discuss how laws can protect our liberties and contribute to our freedoms. This year’s Law Day theme is “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy: The 19th Amendment at 100.” In 2019-2020, the United States is commemorating the centennial of the constitutional amendment that guaranteed that the right of citizens to vote would not be denied or abridged on account of sex.
“In the video, we give advice to young women from our perspectives, whether they are interested in a career in law or not. When I was growing up, I wanted to become a lawyer. I didn’t think it was possible for a woman to become a Supreme Court justice. I thought that was reserved for men,” said Justice Wood, “Today, the Arkansas Supreme Court is majority female.”
“I hope the video also encourages young girls by showing that 10-year old Blakeley can have an engaging conversation with state Supreme Court justices across the country from a small town in Arkansas. No matter who or where you are, your voice matters.”
The video is posted on YouTube and can be accessed at: https://tinyurl.com/ladyjustices