Q&A: Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz Jr.
Following the two arguments heard and questions from students Tuesday, Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz Jr. had time to explain why the court came to Sussex County for the first time.
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Q&A: Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz Jr.
By 
GEORGETOWN — Following the two arguments heard and questions from students Tuesday, Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz Jr. had time to explain why the court came to Sussex County for the first time.
Daily State News: The modern court was established in 1951 and expanded to the current five justices in 1978. This is the first time the court has heard arguments in Sussex County. Why now?
Chief Justice Seitz: It was only about five or six years ago that the law was passed to allow the court to hear arguments outside of the Dover courthouse. But we’re trying to get out into the community to expose more people to the law. Delaware has a real need for attorneys in public service roles, so we want to show people what we do and hopefully raise awareness of the public service we provide.
DSN: One of today’s goals is also to help increase diversity in the legal profession, isn’t it?
Chief Justice Seitz: When I became chief justice, I helped launch the Delaware Bench and Bar Diversity Project, which made recommendations in 2022, one of which was to take the arguments to different places within the state, which is why we are here today. It was a large report filled with many voices, but it has had an impact, as we can see here today.
DSN: You’ve spoken to 140 students this morning and 160 more this afternoon from all the county’s high schools. What do you hope those students take away from this experience?
Chief Justice Seitz: I’d like them to take away that the law is not some scary strange thing. It impacts everyone’s lives and is one of the state’s biggest industries in terms of the types of law you can practice here. Delaware is also a small state, so it’s somewhat easier to make a name for yourself.
Chief Justice Seitz was sworn in as leader of the Supreme Court of Delaware on Nov. 8, 2019. He has served as a Supreme Court justice since 2015. Prior to his appointment, he founded a corporate advisory and litigation firm in Wilmington, representing clients in high-profile corporate and trust disputes in the Court of Chancery and the Supreme Court.
