William O. Douglas Committee

Mission Statement

The William O. Douglas Lecture Series Committee exists with the purpose of promoting a strong commitment to the freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly by featuring lectures by nationally distinguished figures who share this strong commitment.

History

The Lecture Series began in 1972 with Justice Douglas as the initial speaker.

William O. Douglas was raised in Washington State, attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., and graduated from Columbia Law School. At the age of 40, William O. Douglass was one of the youngest people appointed to the United States Supreme Court.

Justice Douglas held a strong commitment to the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. He was a supporter, in particular, of those freedoms enunciated in the First Amendment. He retired from the court in 1975 due to poor health after serving on the court longer than any other justice (36 years and 7 months).

Important Opinions

• Terminiello v. City of Chicago
• Griswold v. Connecticut
• Dennis v. United States (dissent)
• Adler v. Board of Education of City of New York (dissent)

Annual Events

The committee sponsors two annual events during the spring quarter.

1. The William O. Douglas Lecture Series: Attended by students, faculty, the legal community, and the general public this event is sponsored by the Student Bar Association, the Dean, and the entire William O. Douglas Committee.
2. Debate on a First Amendment-related topic: Sponsored by the 1L members of the William O. Douglas Committee and featuring a debate between prominent faculty members on a chosen First Amendment-related topic.

Membership

Membership is by selection only. Between two and five first-year students are added to the committee each year. Notices are posted in the fall, and those interested are encouraged to submit an essay on their commitment to the First Amendment. Members shall serve a term of three years, or until the date of graduation, whichever is first.

The Board is comprised of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Scribe-Historian, and Treasurer. All officers shall be elected for a term of one year by the members. Such officers shall hold office until their successors are elected and installed at the spring special meeting to be held during the second week of March.

There are no fees associated with membership.