Nebraska Supreme Court to Convene at Norfolk High School in Norfolk, Nebraska, on October 7, 2016
As part of the Nebraska Supreme Court’s ongoing outreach and education efforts, Supreme Court Justices will hold oral arguments in the Johnny Carson Theatre on Norfolk High School campus on October 7, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. "Hosting the Nebraska Supreme Court Oral Arguments in Johnny Carson Theater at Norfolk High School is an honor. We appreciate the Justices' commitment to providing our students and area students with the opportunity to experience our judicial system in action,” said Norfolk High Principal Jake Luhr. This experience fits perfectly with our vision of providing outstanding educational opportunities for our students – it is a fantastic educational opportunity for our students and community." The visit is part of a continuing effort by the Nebraska Supreme Court and the legal community to raise awareness of court processes and the importance of civics education to our society. “The justices of the Nebraska Supreme Court take seriously the mission to assist in the development of competent citizens who have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to participate in the civic life of our democracy,” said Chief Justice Mike Heavican. “Our visit to Norfolk High School is one of several outreach activities the Judicial Branch has designed to help students appreciate the importance of an independent judiciary in a functioning democracy.” For over 30 years, the Supreme Court has traveled annually to each of Nebraska’s law schools for the purpose of making the Court’s business accessible to students on their campuses. This marks the second time this year that the Supreme Court has held arguments on a high school campus. Justices will hear two cases and spend time after the argument session talking to students about the appellate process and career opportunities as lawyers. Cases are selected to demonstrate the variety of legal arguments that face the court system on a regular basis. National Public Trust and Confidence studies have shown that when people have a greater knowledge of the American justice system and the role of the courts, their confidence in and support for the courts is reinforced. In developing educational opportunities for people of all ages, Nebraska’s legal community and court system support learning about the role, functions, and accomplishments of courts in order to cultivate a more engaged, active, and conscientious citizenry. All argument sessions, whether held at the Supreme Court courtroom or outside of the State Capitol, are open to the public. Educational Service Unit 8 will livestream both arguments to neighboring high schools and the recording will be available on the Judicial Branch Website along with the Court’s archived audio. •Supreme Court Audio/Video archive (listed by date) •Public Trust and Confidence in the Courts: A National Conference and Beyond