Judge J. Clifford Wallace came to BYU-Hawaii to give forums on the importance of religious freedom, and to do a court simulation with the fifth and sixth grade students at La’ie Elementary. Judge Wallace worked as a trial Judge until he was nominated by President Nixon to serve on the Ninth Circuit United States Court of Appeals. Judge Wallace currently travels to different judiciaries all over the word on assignment from the LDS church to make their judicial system more effective.
He currently works as a Senior Judge on the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals was assigned to hear cases from Hawaii, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands. While in Hawaii, Judge Wallace held several meetings with BYU-Hawaii students, local attorneys and judges, and La'ie Elementary School Students. Coordinating his visit was the BYU-Hawaii Legal Studies Program, directed by Jennifer Kajiyama.
“I really loved teaching the students,” said Liana Fatani Senga, a senior Legal Studies student from New Zealand, “It was the best experience in my political science years, and at BYU-Hawaii.”
Legal Studies students got to work alongside Judge Wallace and teach children about property law at La’ie Elementary. Students also went to the Honolulu Court House to hear cases and gain insight into the trial process.
Jennifer Kajiyama, an associate professor of political science at BYUH, said that, “It’s been the most inspiring event to interact so closely with Judge Wallace. To everyone he comes in contact with, from a 5th and 6th graders to prominent attorneys and judges, Judge Wallace treats everyone as a child of God.”
Judge Wallace gave a forum entitled “Law, Ethics, and Religious Freedom” on Oct. 24, and spoke for the BYUH Management Society on Oct. 26. He wanted to serve as a senior missionary, but he was rejected from going because the LDS church wanted him to continue his work traveling to different countries and assisting them with their judicial systems. Judge Wallace commented on the nature of judicial repair, “Every country is in transition. Every country is in change.”
Judge Wallace also visited the 5th and 6th grade students at Laie Elementary School and had a mock trial. Preparing for Judge Wallace’s visit, Kajiyama and the BYU-Hawaii Legal Studies taught the principles of property rights from the court case of Katko v. Briney.
Judge Wallace talked about the constitution and whether or not it was outdated. He mentioned how our constitution has existed for over 200 years, and most countries’ constitutions usually only last around 14 years. According to Judge Wallace, we are better off interpreting the original constitution, because our founding fathers went through so much to ratify it.
Judge Wallace discussed the importance of religious freedom and the first amendment. He explained the importance of having a society where multiple religions are able to compete and thrive, similar to the way a market economy functions. This promotes a diversity of religious thought and increased satisfaction among religious people who are able to select a religion that reflects their values.
Religious people are also a benefit to society, according to Judge Wallace. Religion makes people more in tune with the community, and turn outward instead of inward. Religious people are more inclined to recognize the worth and equality of everyone, and care for people in need. This proves to not only help religious communities, but also benefits those who don’t believe in a religion.
Judge Wallace said being educated on issues of religion is important in order to promote religious freedom, as well as outwardly supporting religion in all forms. “The strongest thing that we have going is our example. Educating ourselves to the issues is important, but we also have to be the ones that will not discriminate against other people because of their religion.”
Brigham Madsen, a senior studying business management from California, shared his thoughts on the Management Society lecture. “I thought it was interesting how the church is sending him out and he’s working, but he’s also opening the doors for the church [in other countries.] I like the fact that even though the church supports marriage between a man and wife, he respects the rights of others to get married. I thought that was interesting.”
Writer: Savanna Bachelder