Justice to visit campus

This Friday, May 1, one of Minnesota’s Supreme Court Justices, Sarah Hennessy, will be speaking at St. John’s University for a special campus event. Her visit offers students and community members a unique opportunity to hear directly from a leading figure in the state’s judicial system and to gain insight into the role of the courts in shaping Minnesota’s future. 

Following her lecture from 1:50-2:45 p.m., she will be having a fireside chat with students and any members who would like to ask her questions from 3-4 p.m. During this second session, attendees will have the chance to ask her questions and engage in discussion with her. This event will be taking place in the Quadrangle in room 264. 

Hennesy is one of seven justices on the Minnesota Supreme Court, the highest court in the state.  

Kingshuk Mukherjee, CSB+SJU’s chair for the Global Business Department, spoke highly about the upcoming event.  

“By having Supreme Court Justice Sarah Henessy [visit CSB+SJU], we hope to bring awareness to what is going on, in terms of the legal community,” Mukherjee said. 

Hennesy plays a vital role in interpreting the law, shaping legal precedent and ensuring justice for communities across the state.  

“She came in and had to experience rising the ranks of the justice system,” Mukherjee said. 

He also said that Henessy serves as a role model to small-town community members, particularly women.  

“She is one of the most pioneering women of her time,” said Mukherjee, praising her influence and leadership. He also noted her impact as one of four women on the Minnesota Supreme Court. 

Minnesota is one of 17 states that have a majority women in their Supreme Court. 

Former Associate Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has stated, “I’d be happy if all the justices were women,” highlighting the longstanding gender inequality in the male-dominated courts. Although women’s representation in the judicial system is gradually increasing, progress is still ongoing.  

“Some goals of the event are to talk about what goes on behind the scenes, what are the issues of the state, what the justices are saying the future of Minnesota is going to be,” Mukherjee said.  

Students are especially encouraged to participate in the fireside chat. The event provides an opportunity for direct interaction with a member of the state’s highest court, making it particularly valuable for those considering a future in law or public service.  

Overall, the event aims to foster greater awareness of the legal system while inspiring students to engage with issues of justice, representation and leadership. It is open to any CSB+SJU student as well as community members interested in learning more from Hennessy and her work on the Minnesota Supreme Court.