On Friday, August 29, Mr. Silentman’s 4th-hour Leadership Class had a very special experience, an in-person visit from all of the justices of the New Mexico Supreme Court.
The day before, students from Heights Middle School, Farmington High School, and Rocinante High School attended a unique learning event at San Juan College’s Henderson Fine Arts Center. There, they had the rare chance to watch the New Mexico Supreme Court in action as the justices heard arguments in a real civil case, Butterworth v. Jackson & Smith. The main legal question of the case is: Should New Mexico continue to allow lawsuits for “alienation of affection”?
Mr. Silentman’s students had been studying this case ahead of time, and after watching it live, they reflected on what they learned. This hands-on opportunity gave students a deeper appreciation for how the justice system works and how complex legal decisions can be. Can someone be sued for interfering in a marriage? What would the damages be?
The next day, all five justices visited Mr. Silentman’s classroom to speak directly with our students. They answered questions ranging from why they chose a career in law to the kinds of challenges they face when making tough decisions. The justices also shared personal stories: Justice Zamora spoke about her background in public education, Justice Vigil explained how his desire to help people inspired him to become a lawyer, and Justices Vigil and Bacon discussed the difficulty of balancing compassion with the need to follow the law. Justice Vargas shared how rewarding it feels to know his work helps people, and he encouraged students to find that same sense of purpose in their own lives.
Students also prepared thoughtful questions in advance, everything from big-picture issues about justice to fun ones like favorite pizza toppings. The justices were impressed by the students’ curiosity and engagement, and our students were equally inspired by the wisdom and openness of the state’s highest court.
We are deeply grateful to Chief Justice David K. Thomson, Justice Michael E. Vigil, Justice C. Shannon Bacon, Justice Julie J. Vargas, and Justice Briana H. Zamora for taking the time to visit our school. This is an experience our students will carry with them for years to come.
A huge thank you also goes to Mr. Robert Silentman for bringing this incredible opportunity to his class. Mr. Silentman has been a valued part of Farmington Municipal Schools since 2008, teaching at Tibbetts Middle School before joining Rocinante in 2021.
The event at San Juan College was part of the Rule of Law Program, now in its fifth year. The program’s goal is to introduce New Mexico students to the judicial system in a meaningful, hands-on way. By holding oral arguments outside of the Supreme Court’s courtroom, the justices hope to engage students and communities in the democratic process and strengthen understanding of how the rule of law shapes our lives.