Shortly after 1:00 p.m. on November 3, 2017, Beatrice High School Principal Jason Sutter announced the transformation of the school auditorium into a courtroom – a Supreme Court courtroom -- where justices, along with Court of Appeals Chief Judge Frankie Moore, listened to two arguments, answered questions and discussed with the students some of their insights into the legal community.

Before starting the session, District Court Judge Rick Schreiner instructed the students on the differences between the trial and appellate court systems and gave a bit of background on the pending argument sessions.

High school visits are 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 American society. 

Attending the arguments were students from Beatrice High School along with students from Lewiston, Falls City, Fairbury, and the High School Mock Trial team from Johnson-Brock.

Following the argument session the local bar association and attorney Rob Schafer hosted a reception for the Court and the individual attorneys who visited Beatrice High School to prepare students for court arguments.  Classroom volunteers included: Attorneys Jeff Gaertig and Jeff Davis with Retired District Court Judge Paul Korslund.

All argument sessions, whether held in the Supreme Court courtroom or outside of the State Capitol, are open to the public. 

Photos:

• Chief Justice Heavican surveys the crowd of student during Supreme Court oral arguments in Beatrice
• Justices and Chief Judge Moore sit with Beatrice High School student ambassadors and Principal Sutter (back, second from right)
• Judge Rick Schreiner explains the structure of the trial court system
• Attorneys for the first argument take the stage in Beatrice with the Nebraska Supreme Court

Read the Beatrice Daily Sun: Nebraska Supreme Court holds hearings at BHS

For additional information: Nebraska Supreme Court High School Outreach webpage