Eugene Faughnan, New York State Supreme Court Justice, and Administrative Judge for the 6th Judicial District, visited Mr. Symons Public Policy class Wednesday to share his journey to the bench and the role he plays in the legal system.
“I want to talk about education and civics, and what a judge does. The Chief Judge has put an emphasis on civics and educating young people,” said Faughnan. “A lot of the younger students believe that history began when they were born and don’t understand the underpinnings of our laws and history.”
Students asked questions about Faughnan’s most interesting cases, how judges keep their impartiality, and the role of religious freedom in the context of the law. Faughnan stressed that judges aren’t there to decide based on what they think should be done, they are there to follow the law.
“I want them to understand that there’s every reason to believe in the law. As long as you put the right people in the right positions, the system does work, and the law makes sense. People don’t believe that, but I think it does make sense. There are times you look at a statute and wonder if it makes sense and if you look at it, it does,” said Faughnan.
As Administrative Judge for the 6th Judicial District, Faughnan oversees 500 employees in over 10 counties, including those with backgrounds in social work, law enforcement, and clerical workers.
“We have jobs that with a HS diploma that you start at $50,000 and within a few years you can make close to $100,000,” said Faughnan.
Faughnan told students that people can become lawyers from many backgrounds, but the one common thread is the ability to write.
“I thought it was very insightful. I had a lot of questions Mr. Symons couldn’t answer so getting him to answer was a privilege,” said WCHS senior Drew Diesel.
“I thought it was cool. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak to a judge unless you get in trouble. It’s an honor to meet someone that high up in government,” said WCHS senior Caeden VanZandt.
“It was a wonderful opportunity for our kids to get to speak to a (NYS) Supreme Court Judge about his education and work experience. I hope they understood a judge is a human being but looks at the law in an impartial manner,” said Mr. Symons.