New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Thomson visits UNM constitutional law class

In September, 45 University of New Mexico political science students received a surprise visit from David Thomson, who has just completed his term serving as the Chief Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court - the highest-ranking jurist in the state court system. Thomson appeared in Lawrence Jones' constitutional law class, where most students plan to pursue law school and careers in the legal profession.

"I reached out in advance to invite Justice Thomson, asking if he would be willing to speak with the students live in the classroom, and he graciously agreed," Jones said. "We kept it an educational surprise for a long time. So many of our UNM students were genuinely appreciative of the opportunity to have a private audience with Thomson in their own classroom on campus."

Among the cases discussed in class were some that Thomson had been involved in on the state Supreme Court, giving students the opportunity to ask him directly about some of the decisions handed down by the court.

Pre-law student Amy Aguirre, who is majoring in political science and Spanish, shared her thoughts on the opportunity to hear from Thomson directly.

"Learning from Thomson was a valuable experience that deepened my understanding of the judicial system and the importance of the rule of law," Aguirre said. "Having the opportunity to speak with him was eye-opening, and his transparency made this conversation much more meaningful and inspiring. This experience strengthened my passion for pursuing a career in law and serving my community through public service."

Thomson began his discussion with the students with a look back on the start of his own personal journey through law school and the legal profession, ultimately leading him to the Judiciary and the Supreme Court. He also discussed with the students the process of how the five New Mexico Supreme Court justices work together in deciding cases and further delved into New Mexico's "Rule of Law" educational program, where students have the opportunity to observe a real case in person and then to comment, ask questions and obtain feedback.

He also covered Sixth Amendment issues, focusing in part on a criminal defendant's right to counsel. The class discussion focused on issues that may arise on appeal involving parties who previously elected to represent themselves at trial.

Additionally, Thomson discussed what he foresaw as some of the largest constitutional issues courts may face in the future, at both the federal and state levels. He also shared his thoughts on what to consider when creating and maintaining a constitution that can survive for over 200 years, as in the United States.

Finally, in a light-hearted moment, Thomson shared with the students some reflections regarding one of the students' present assignments, which involved analyzing and discussing historical "pirate ship" constitutions, or articles of agreement, and how they arguably may relate socially to more formal constitutions, including the balancing of rights and obligations, while providing structure for members of a community.

"I pointed out half-jokingly to the students that, no matter what else happens in their journeys towards careers in law, they will always have the unique memory that for at least one afternoon, the chief justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court came into class and helped them with their homework," Jones said.

After the presentation, numerous UNM students stayed to ask questions and discuss further issues of interest with Chief Justice Thomson, who also posed for group photos with the students.

Thomson, a former state trial judge, was appointed to the New Mexico Supreme Court in 2019. He heads New Mexico's judicial education program and serves on the Executive Committee of the American Bar Association Judicial Division Appellate Judges Conference and Appellate Judges Education Institute. His peers recently nominated him for membership in the American Law Institute.