Waggener High School Pre-Law Students Engage in Candid Dialogue with Congressman Morgan McGarvey
"The pressure has to come from you, the voters. You are my boss." With these words, Congressman Morgan McGarvey turned the floor over to the Pre-Law students at Waggener High School for a wide-ranging, candid conversation on the realities of the American legal system. The visit held a special personal significance for the Congressman, as he shared that his mother is a proud graduate of Waggener High School. This deep local connection provided a warm backdrop for a serious discussion on the complexities of legal practice with a civil servant lawyer who brought his experience and expertise to Waggener’s class of young lawyers.
A "No Rules" Approach to Legal Education
The visit was far from a traditional lecture. McGarvey set a tone of transparency, inviting students to "ask whatever you want... personally, professionally, or politically." This approach turned the classroom into a forum for civil discourse and legal inquiry, mirroring the real-world environments these students are preparing for in their Academy pathways.
The Pre-Law students demonstrated a sophisticated interest in the mechanisms of accountability within our government, with students raising questions about various areas of the legal system:
Congressional Discipline: McGarvey explained the high bar for removal from office, noting, "It takes a two-thirds majority of the House to expel a member... You wouldn't want the majority party to be able to remove members with just a simple majority vote."
The Separation of Powers: Discussing the limits of legislative power, he clarified, "As a member of the Legislative branch, I don't have direct power over criminal enforcement... Enforcement falls under the Executive and Judicial umbrellas."
Legal Stewardship: On the responsibility of the government, he noted, "When we sell weapons to other countries, we have a responsibility to monitor how they are used."
Demonstrating Civil Interest and Advocacy
The Waggener students proved they are active analysts of current legal landscapes, not just passive observers of the news. During a discussion on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, a student noted the lack of coverage, to which McGarvey replied, "Part of the problem is how we digest news... what’s happening in Sudan is tragic and ignored by the mainstream."
The dialogue also touched on the intersection of law and technology, a field these students may one day lead:
Protecting Creativity: "AI has no soul," McGarvey stated during a debate on music regulation. "We can't let AI replace the creative human spirit; it should be a tool, not a replacement."
Due Process: When asked about immigration enforcement and ICE, McGarvey was firm on the legal principle: "It doesn't matter how you got here. If you are in America, you are under American law... Everyone is entitled to due process."
Preparing the Next Generation of Legal Minds
This event exemplified the "seamless connection" between Academies of Louisville high schools and real-world career success. By navigating difficult topics like gerrymandering and the burdens of legislative voting, students gained an invaluable "glimpse into their future" as potential attorneys or policymakers.
One student asked a deep philosophical question about whether leaders who take power by force are "warlords or leaders," prompting a discussion on George Washington and the Declaration of Independence. McGarvey responded, "At a time when no one believed people were equal, they wrote that all people are created equal with inalienable rights. We haven't fully lived up to that, but we’ve moved closer...We aren't finished."
McGarvey concluded by reminding the students that while the law provides the structure, the ultimate power in a republic lies with them. "Everything—climate change, AI, social media bans for minors—affects your generation more than mine," he said. "The way you keep [a republic] is by voting."
This visit reinforced Waggener’s mission to ensure all students graduate equipped with the confidence and communication skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.