Murray, NEB- The Nebraska Supreme Court is hosting opening arguments of two court cases at the high school on Nov. 5.
This session is a part of the Nebraska Supreme Court High School Outreach Argument Program where students will get a firsthand experience of what it’s like to be inside a courtroom. Conestoga was requested to be a host and principal Rob Geise supported and agreed.
Judge Larry Welch explained, “I requested that the Court consider holding oral arguments at Conestoga High School…, the Supreme Court agreed to hold arguments at the school, and I am really excited to share this experience with our extraordinary students and community.”
On Nov. 5, at 9:30 a.m. the court will arrive at the school and meet with the student ambassadors. Shortly after, students will arrive and be briefed on the rules and expectations. The judge will then brief the court and the arguments will begin around 10:20 a.m. Each case will last around 30 minutes, with a student Q&A to follow.
All spectators are expected to follow the proper guidelines of a courtroom. Attendees will not have access to any technology while in the courtroom. Media personnel are required to have proper authorization from the Supreme Court to take pictures. The court room must maintain silence throughout the whole court session. Also prohibited during court is all food and drinks.
While speaking to the court, attendees must use proper titles. Judge or justice should be used when referring to one person on the court. Whereas when addressing the entire court, you should refer to them just as the court.
The court is set to hear two sets of opening arguments from different court cases. The first case the school will hear about is a 17-year-old juvenile criminal. He was previously placed on probation for five different counts. Recently, he was charged again for attempted robbery but as an adult.
The second case that will be provided is the Flinn V. Strode case over protection orders. This case covers a modification of the decree of dissolution of marriage.
The goal of this court session along with other sessions held at schools is to educate students about the law and the legal system. Judge Welch expressed, “I think as a community we are privileged to have been chosen to host.”
