The Honorable Amy St. Eve Visits Advanced Topics in Constitutional Law

The Honorable Amy St. Eve came to the Upper School Advanced Topics in Constitutional Law class and discussed her long career as a public servant, the evolution of the judicial appointment process, and ways that the law has changed over time. 

St. Eve explained how she came to be a U.S. 7th Circuit Court judge. When the Honorable Ann Williams retired in 2018, St. Eve threw her hat in the ring for the Northern District of Illinois opening after holding various legal positions. St. Eve was nominated and ultimately appointed to her position in the 7th District— at 36 years old, one of the youngest ever in that position.

She spoke about the differences between this appointment and her previous position, noting that it was one of the last unanimous decisions for a judicial confirmation. 

Students in the class asked St. Eve several questions, including the qualities of a good judicial candidate, the process of writing an opinion, elements of the Constitution that are under threat, and how to maintain bipartisanship in the law.

“I hope we come back to a time when one side reaches across the aisle and the other reaches back,” St. Eve said. “It’s a much more effective way to get things done and bring down the rhetoric.”

St. Eve touched on her opinion in Viramontes vs. Cook County, which will go in front of the Supreme Court later this year, although she couldn’t comment too extensively due to the case’s active status. The students will examine that case further as part of their curriculum. 

Parker is honored to have hosted St. Eve. Her role in our judiciary system is a reflection of the school’s mission in action: to encourage students to act with respect, civility, and curiosity when they make reasoned judgments, speak in their own voices, and listen attentively to the voices of others.

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