Students in the Business Law and Speech and Debate elective courses embarked on a trip to the Alfonse M. D’Amato United States Courthouse on Thursday, November 14. Located in Central Islip, this federal courthouse is for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York; it is the second largest in the country and the largest structure on Long Island. Students had the privilege of meeting U.S. Circuit Judge Joseph Bianco, who facilitated their visit at the courthouse.
Bianco graduated from Georgetown University in 1988 and received a degree in law from Columbia Law School; he was appointed to his current position by former-President Donald Trump in 2019. His story inspired both students hoping to pursue a career in law, as well as those with other interests. “The most valuable thing I learned from Judge Bianco is that hard work pays off, and you shouldn’t quit your passion just because you think there are people smarter than you because it might not be true,” senior Lilah Walsh expressed.
Upon arrival, students were granted the opportunity to witness a naturalization ceremony of over 100 individuals and their families as they took the Oath of Allegiance, officially granting them U.S. citizenship. Led by Judge Bianco, overwhelming emotion and excitement transpired in the courtroom. “[The ceremony] made me happy because after years of hard work, all of these people finally became citizens, and it was very special to watch,” Walsh said. “A lot of them were even crying tears of joy.” Senior Paula Rojas-Young was also moved by the ceremony; she reflected, “Court doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing; it can also be a place where wonderful things happen.”
In addition to the naturalization process, the courthouse hears a variety of cases, including criminal, bankruptcy, and civil cases. Following the naturalization ceremony, students received a tour of the courtrooms, a holding cell, and even conducted their own mock trial. Walsh participated in the trial as a judge, and she learned a lot about the role: “I experienced the pressure placed upon judges and learned that being one isn’t always easy.” Although a fun activity, Bianco made sure to reinforce the complexity of a true court case, and the impacts on the plaintiff, defendant, and others involved.
Visiting the Long Island Federal Courthouse was a memorable experience, and students learned the true workings behind the court system. “I enjoyed the trip because we got to learn from such an important person and see things that we normally don’t during other field trips,” senior Jessica Strohofer said. Judge Bianco created an inspirational day, encouraging Rojas-Young and many other students to “persevere and build connections whenever you can” in their future career paths.
