U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas gave a Gator Chomp with Eric Netcher (3L), left, and Zack Smith (3L) during the Marshall M. Criser Distinguished Lecture in Law Friday. (Photo by Nicole Safker)

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas spoke to a full courtyard of nearly 600 people Friday during the Marshall M. Criser Distinguished Lecture in Law. Thomas participated in a candid conversation with law students Lauren Humphries (1L), David R. Maass (3L), Eric Netcher (3L) and Zack Smith (3L).

Thomas talked about his struggles in law school, love for the South and offered a glimpse into his personal philosophy on his life and career, which includes surrounding himself with positivity and avoiding cynicism.

Watch the archived webcast here and check FlaLaw next week for the full story.

The Marshall M. Criser Distinguished Lecture Series was created in early 2007 by Lewis Schott (B.A. 1943, LL.B. 1946) of Palm Beach, Fla., as a tribute to his fellow UF Law alumnus, former UF President Marshall Criser (JD 51). The goal of the speaker series is to host prestigious national and international speakers every year on topics of particular interest to law students. Past speakers have included Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens (ret.), Justice Clarence Thomas and former ABA President Stephen N. Zack (JD 71).

-Matt Walker
Senior writer

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas addresses the UF Law community in February 2010. He will be on campus this week to deliver the Criser Lecture.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas returns to UF Law to deliver this year’s Criser Lecture at 10 a.m. Friday in the Marcia Whitney Schott Courtyard.

The Marshall M. Criser Distinguished Lecture Series was created in early 2007 by Lewis Schott (B.A. 1943, LL.B. 1946) of Palm Beach, Fla., as a tribute to his fellow UF Law alumnus, former UF President Marshall Criser (JD 51). The goal of the speaker series is to host prestigious national and international speakers every year on topics of particular interest to law students. Past speakers have included Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens (ret.), Justice Clarence Thomas and former ABA President Stephen Zack (JD 71).

This event is not open to the public and tickets are required. Tickets are available free of charge to students, faculty and staff. A live webcast is available here.