The Supreme Court

Leadership

Chief Justice

Caden Hayes

Caden Hayes is originally from the Oklahoma State University delegation. He joined the organization in the Fall of 2021. He was then appointed as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. After serving three sessions as a Justice on the Court, he was appointed as Chief Justice in the Spring of 2023.

Vice Chief Justice

Sydney Adkins

Sydney Adkins is an Oklahoma State University senior majoring in Political Science and American Studies. She joined the organization in the Spring of 2022, wanting to focus on the legal aspect of the conference. In her second session, she placed first in the moot court competition, earning herself a seat on the Supreme Court. After two sessions serving on ALU as a Justice, she was appointed as Vice-Chief Justice in the Spring of 2023.

About the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature is the highest judicial power in the organization.

The Court’s main function is to run the moot court competition, where counselors compete as either the petitioner or respondent of a moot appellate court case.

In addition, the Court is responsible for handling internal OIL lawsuits, where one member of OIL can sue another for violating OIL laws. In the event that the defendant is a member of the OIL leadership, the Attorney General acts as the lead defense attorney.

The Court has the final say on what the law is and their decisions are binding.

The Chief Justice is the chief administrative officer of the Judicial Branch, and is assisted by a Vice Chief Justice and seven Associate Justices, all of whom are appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Similarly to the Supreme Court of the State of Oklahoma, each justice is placed on the ballot for a “retention” vote every other session from when they were appointed. Unless they fail a retention vote, each justice will serve until they either choose to leave the Court, or until they graduate.