AL YMCA Youth in Government

Chief Justice D'Jara Britton presides over constitutionality arguments in the Youth Supreme Court.

By ASHLEY JOHNSON
Tomorrow-TODAY Staff Writer

The Supreme Court got serious Saturday morning when a question arose about the constitutionality of a bill banning the use of handheld firearms. Senate Floor Leader Charles Cardinal, the author of the bill, felt that this would lower the murder rate. The Supreme Court along with Chief Justice D’Jara Britton got exceptionally heated with the author and his bill. Sen. Cardinal’s bill was unanimously deemed unconstitutional, which really upset the patron. When asked how she felt about the patron throwing around the constitution, Chief Justice D’Jara Britton stated, “even though we’re only a mock Supreme Court, we hold the constitution in great esteem and we do not appreciate any physical or mental disrespect.”

During Officer’s Training, Feb. 28 at the Grandview YMCA in Millbrook, the Tomorrow-Today newspaper staff asked the Supreme Court for the 2009 Alabama Youth in Government program a few questions to help you get to know them better. Here are their responses:

CHIEF JUSTICE

D'Jara Britton

 

 

D’Jara Britton, 16, a junior at Montgomery Catholic Prep High School in Montgomery, is the daughter of T. Michael and D’Jara Britton. Her legal heroes are attorney Charlanna Spencer and retired Alabama Supreme Court Justice Hugh Maddox.

JUSTICES

Xandra Fuller, 17, a senior at Way Home Christian School in Huntville, is the daughter of Robert Fuller and Kay Moore. Her legal hero is Mike Cooper, a Huntsville lawyer she’s worked with and who inspired her to study law.

Chambrai Pettus, 14, a freshman at Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, is the daughter of Abe Wright and Charlese Wright.

Cleo Rosia Smith, 18, a senior at Montgomery Catholic Prep High School in Montgomery, is the daughter of Theo and Glayraine Smith. Her legal heroes are attorneys Walter McGowan and Lynn W. Finks.

Cyndal Whiten, 17, a senior at Stanhope Elmore High School in Millbrook, is the daughter of James and Barbara Johnson. Her legal heroes are Elmore County Probate Judge Jimmy Stubbs and District Court Judge Mary Elizabeth Culberson.