Colorado Court of Appeals Judge and CSU alumnus Dennis Graham returned to campus Monday night to speak to the Pre-Law Club.
According to the Pre-Law Club homepage, Graham graduated from CSU in 1968 and was appointed to the Colorado Court of Appeals in 2002.
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During his lecture, Graham discussed the history of the constitution, the federalist papers and spoke about his career.
“I work for the people of the state of Colorado,” Graham said. “That is my boss — the people.”
After 27 years of practicing law, Graham wanted to become a judge because he wanted to give back to the community and the people of Colorado.
“I care about the issues and getting it right,” Graham said.
Lawyers have the duty to defend the Constitution, which is intended to be a restraint on government, according to Graham. He spoke of the Supreme Court decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford, which endorsed slavery and asserted that our representatives must keep tabs on the judiciary.
“Should one man in a black robe make a decision for all of us?” Graham asked.
Graham also provided advice for students seeking to pursue legal careers. He urged students who were interested in studying law to attend law school, despite the difficulties.
“It’s tough, but it pays off if you work hard,” Graham said of law school.
Cade Wolf, a junior and political science major, attended the event.
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“It provided a perspective that will be very useful in my life,” Wolf said.
Collegian Reporter Maddie Buxton can be reached at news@collegian.com.
