“Young people in their formative high school years need to be exposed to as many ideas as possible in regard to government, especially the judicial branch of government,” noted Chief Justice Heavican following a visit with one of Lincoln’s high school classes.  “I hope that a visit to the Nebraska Supreme Court is a great learning experience for students since it is a great learning experience for us on the Court.”

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on September 26, 2022, Lincoln Southeast High School Business Instructor, Stephani Olson, ushered students into the courtroom to hear arguments in five cases, followed by an open question-and-answer session with the justices.

“We are excited to visit the Court and to listen to oral arguments relating to actual Nebraska cases,” remarked Olson on the visit to the Court.  She continued, “It is crucial for today’s students to experience the reality of being in a courtroom and seeing the presentation and procedures required by both parties.  Experiential learning is so important for today’s students who will become our future leaders.”

The Supreme Court routinely issues invitations to high school instructors encouraging visits to make the Court’s business more accessible to students.  In 2016, Justices established the Nebraska high school outreach program to benefit students outside the Capital city.  The Court most recently held argument sessions in McCook on April 28 and will travel to Nebraska City High School on November 2.

Heavican has often noted that the Court offers question and answer sessions in hopes that students learn the importance of courts in society and that some might want a career in the legal profession.

Whether held in the Supreme Court courtroom or outside the State Capitol, all argument sessions are open to the public.

Watch Channel 8: Lincoln Southeast class goes to Nebraska Supreme Court