The Xavier Newswire’s Kris Reilly sat down with Associate
Professor of Legal Studies and former judge, Ann Marie Tracey, J.D., to get to know her a little better.
- Xavier Newswire: What classes do you teach?
- Ann Marie Tracey: I teach The Legal Environment of Business (BLAW 300), Business Law and Ethics (BUAD 600- MBA) as well as Health Industry Law, Regulation and Ethics (BUAD 625-MBA).
- XN: What drew you to Xavier?
- AT: I have always wanted to teach, and the Ignatian approach to teaching is a perfect fit how I want to contribute. Cura personalis (care of the whole person), promotion of justice and critical thinking in particular appeal to me as a teacher and as a person.
- XN: What was your experience as a common pleas court judge like?
- AT: As a general jurisdiction judge I heard the more serious (felony) criminal cases and larger civil disputes. My favorite part was watching the best attorneys in action; it is an art form. The hardest part was presiding over a case where there was true injury and no way to undo it. At best, the judges can help people resolve disputes or ensure a process where injured parties can recover a legal remedy.
- XN: As a former federal prosecutor, what inspired your career path?
- AT: I started my career working for the city of Cincinnati and had my first taste of trial work. It definitely is exciting. Representing the United States in court was such a tremendous responsibility and honor. I especially
- enjoyed working with the FBI and other government agents directing complex investigations. I didn’t win every case, but I always learned something.
- XN: Where did you grow up?
- AT: I grew up in Detroit and in the Detroit suburbs.
- XN: Where did you go to college and what did you study?
- AT: I was graduated from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind. (the women’s sister college to Notre Dame) and studied political science.
- XN: What is something most people do not know about you?
- AT: As a lawyer and a judge, rules are really important to me. This wasn’t always the case. I was the first woman elected to student government office at Notre Dame but didn’t last long. The administration kicked me out… I was not an ND student!
- XN: What do you enjoy to do in your free time?
- AT: Anything outdoors. I love to ski, walk my dog, garden, you name it if it is outside. I even bring my schoolwork outside whenever I can, so come say “Hi” if you see me around campus. I also love to read and watch anything science fiction!. (I so enjoyed re-reading Ray Bradbury’s ‘Farenheit 451′ as part of the common reading experience a couple of years ago I reread all of his books).