The Supreme Court of Nebraska held two sessions at Conestoga Jr./Sr. High on Wednesday, Nov. 5, allowing students to witness two real court cases and learn more about the Judicial Branch of Nebraska.

Students at Conestoga have so much to gain from this experience. Getting to see the legal system in action can inspire and educate young adults interested in the Judicial Branch as well as allow them to observe oral arguments.

“I think they gained valuable experience by getting to see the law in action,” says Mock Trial coach Nicholas Hegge. He hopes that seeing this event will help instill trust into the judicial system.

On top of witnessing the hearing, Conestoga students got the opportunity to help out in multiple ways throughout the day, even leading a question-and-answer session once the trial was completed.

“The students who were involved helped in the morning by setting things up,” Hegge expresses, “and a couple of students helped when the justices arrived by greeting them, showing them to their room, and welcoming them to Conestoga.”

One of the reasons that the Supreme Court of Nebraska chose to visit Conestoga is the school’s involvement in the Mock Trial program. There are 24 students who chose to take part in Mock Trial this year, which is part of what set Conestoga apart from other schools.

“I have spoken with members of the Court over the last several years on how special the students at Conestoga are,” states Mock Trial coach Larry Welch, “as evidenced by their participation in multiple school activities including 24 students going out for the Mock Trial team in a small Class C school.”

“Hopefully it builds trust into our judicial system that we have good people who give a fair hearing on both sides of the case,” voiced Hegge, “and hopefully as well, students are inspired if they want to go into a career in law.”