By: Julia Hartlep
Maggie Buss has a long history with Youth in Government- in fact, she joined this program when she was still in middle school.
“Originally, I was ready to join the legislative branch, but I was drawn in by the structure, challenge, and family aspects of the Supreme Court. Every year I have been so blessed to have met so many people who’ve changed me for the better, and learned so much.”
After four years in Youth in Government, Buss’ main duties are “to act as a resource for any delegate who needs it, to lead and prompt good discussion in deliberation, and to plan activities for the Supreme Court branch at Pre-Government. [She] also presides over the Judicial Review case during the Closing Ceremony at Model Government, and works closely with the Branch Adviser to develop cases for the delegates.”
There’s also some plan for change. “Last session, the Supreme Court delegates expressed their wish for a change in the election process, and I’m currently working on a couple proposals that will put this change into effect!” Buss reports. “We’re considering a new way to assign cases this year, and hopefully we’ll also be adding a live docket.”
Something else that Buss is working on includes opening the doors to Supreme Court delegates who want to debate in legislative assemblies, and learn about Parliamentary Procedure alongside their fellow delegates.
“You never realize how much you don’t know until you’re surrounded by all of these delegates!” Buss says. She continues, “These delegates I’ve had the opportunity to work with in the Supreme Court are amazing, wonderful people and they’re going to do incredible things!”
This previous summer, Buss attended the Youth Conference on National Affairs, where she “got to try [her] hand… at basically being a leg kid! I briefly considered switching branches, but while I love every branch, there will always be a special place in my heart for Supreme Court.”
