The Florida Constitutional Law Endowment, a tribute to Justice Ben F. Overton, was established in 2013 by Judge Karen Miller. This endowment plays a crucial role in enriching the academic experience at the Fredric G. Levin College of Law by funding lectures and presentations from Justices of the Florida Supreme Court.
Justice Overton’s deep connection with the University of Florida began with his B.S. degree in 1951 and Juris Doctor in 1952. A legal luminary, he was the first to be appointed to the Florida Supreme Court based on merit. His dedication to legal education was evident through his long-term role as an Adjunct Professor at the Levin College of Law, a position he held until his passing in December 2012. Even in retirement at Oak Hammock, a UF-affiliated community, Justice Overton’s heart remained at the Florida Supreme Court and the university. He found great joy in bringing Florida Supreme Court Justices to Gainesville and in taking his students to Tallahassee to witness oral arguments, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical legal experience.
Judge Miller, with her extensive background as Chief Administrative Law Judge for the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, shared Justice Overton’s commitment to connecting students with the realities of the legal system. Having witnessed Justice Overton’s efforts firsthand, she created this endowment to ensure continued and enhanced interaction between Levin College of Law students and the Florida Supreme Court, solidifying the practical aspects of their legal education at UF.
Judge Miller recounts a conversation with Justice Barbara Pariente shortly after Justice Overton’s death as the catalyst for the endowment. Justice Pariente, recognizing the significance of student-court interaction to Justice Overton, proposed the concept that evolved into the Overton lectures. Deans Robert Jerry and Jon Mills, and subsequently Professor Timothy McClendon, have been instrumental in supporting and implementing the Overton lectures, ensuring the program’s continued success under the guidance of Interim Dean Merritt McAlister and CGR director, Professor Danaya Wright.
The Overton Lecture Series stands as a testament to Justice Overton’s legacy as a jurist and educator. By bringing Florida Supreme Court Justices to the University of Florida, Levin College of Law, the series offers invaluable insights into the judicial process for students, enriching their understanding of Florida Constitutional Law and the practical application of their E-learning Uf affiliated institution. The College of Law and CGR express their sincere appreciation to Judge Karen Miller for her vision in establishing the Overton Lectures, ensuring its impact for future generations of legal professionals.
Further enriching resources related to Justice Overton include an interview with Mary Adkins from the Florida Historical Society, and another interview available through the Samuel Proctor Oral History Project at the Smathers Library, providing deeper insights into his life and work. Justice Overton’s significant role in the 1977-78 Constitution Revision Commission, particularly his advocacy for the right to privacy in the Florida Constitution and his 1989 concurrence on reproductive rights, further underscore his lasting influence on Florida law. These resources offer valuable learning opportunities for students engaged in legal studies at UF.
