The three candidates running for two seats on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals will participate in a judicial forum Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the West Virginia University College of Law.

The public forum, which begins at 6 p.m. in the Marlyn E. Lugar Courtroom, will feature former Supreme Court Justice Margaret Workman and Huntington trial lawyer Menis Ketchum, both Democrats, and Republican Beth Walker, a partner with a Charleston law firm.

Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge Robert B. Stone will moderate the panel discussion. The WVU College of Law student Democratic and Republican law caucuses are sponsoring the event with assistance from the Monongalia County Bar Association and the College of Law Student Bar Association .

The high court seats on the ballot are currently held by Chief Justice Elliot E.SpikeMaynard and Justice Larry Starcher. Starcher announced in December 2007 he would not seek another term, and Maynard lost his re-election bid in the Democratic primary in May.

This event acknowledges the WVU College of Laws heritage and its importance to our state,said Josh Jarrell, a third-year law student and president of the Democratic Law Caucus .It makes sense that the road to the Supreme Court will pass through the College of Law as many of our former graduates have gone on to serve as justicesas will undoubtedly some of my peers who will follow in their footsteps.

As the two candidates who will be selected will make decisions affecting our professional lives, it is important for the student body at the College of Law to hear what they have to say,Jarrell said.

Stefanie Allen-Hines, Republican Law Caucus president, added,I am thrilled to be able to help bring the West Virginia Supreme Court candidates to the WVU College of Law. As a law student and community member, this is a unique opportunity to not only participate in the election process, but also to meet the potential justices who I may one day stand before in court. I would also like to thank the Monongalia County Bar for its assistance in presenting this forum.

For more information about the judicial forum, contact Jarrell at “