Nebraska District Court Judge Michael E. Piccolo of North Platte, Nebraska, was invited to sit with the Nebraska Supreme Court on January 4, 2022.

Piccolo heard arguments in the Estate of Blan Larson (S-21-0290). This probate case involves the apportionment of inheritance taxes and the use of estate funds to pay inheritance taxes, attorney fees, and real estate taxes.

He sat in place of Chief Justice Mike. Heavican who was recused from the cases. The Court session was held in the Supreme Court Courtroom of the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln.

Seven justices make up the Nebraska Supreme Court: Chief Justice Mike Heavican and six associate justices. On occasion, a justice must recuse him or herself from a case, and a judge from a district court or the Court of Appeals is asked to sit with the Supreme Court.    

The January 4, 2022, oral arguments can be viewed on the Court’s archive.

Reporters:

Judicial Profile for Judge Michael Piccolo
Background on the Supreme Court
Justices of the Nebraska Supreme Court

Screen shot from argument session on Nebraska Public Media:

(L to R) Justice Jonathan Papik, Justice Stephanie Stacy, Judge Michael Piccolo, Justice William Cassel, Justice Jeff Funke, Justice John Freudenberg, with Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman participating via video conferencing. Arguing before the Court is attorney Jared Krejci Recording Court arguments is Nate Dobbs.