Nebraska Court of Appeals convenes at Concordia on Sept. 16

The Nebraska Court of Appeals will convene on the campus of Concordia University, Nebraska in Seward on Sept. 16, 2015, as part of its “College Campus Initiative” outreach program.

Designed by the judges of the Court of Appeals, the “College Campus Initiative” is intended to provide young Nebraskans with a firsthand look at how the court operates and to learn more about the judicial branch. In the past, the Court has traveled to University of Nebraska at Kearney, Peru State College, Midland University and Nebraska Wesleyan University. 

Court of Appeals Chief Judge Frankie Moore said, “We appreciate the invitation to visit Concordia University and share our work directly with students. Holding court sessions on college campuses provides us with a unique opportunity for community outreach targeting an age group that is not generally found in our court audience.”

As is customary, the Court will divide into two panels, each consisting of three judges, to hear oral arguments. Sessions will begin at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and will be held in the Thom Leadership Education Center (TLEC) located on the Concordia University campus at 212 College Avenue in Seward. Students will be given detailed descriptions of each case to help them follow the legal arguments. A question and answer period with the judges will follow each session.

Along with Concordia University students, area high school students and the general public are invited to attend. Student journalists and reporters are also welcome and encouraged to attend.  

“As a Nebraska university, we are honored to have the Nebraska Court of Appeals on campus,” said Concordia President Brian Friedrich. “This is a valuable learning opportunity for our students, area high school students and community members. I am confident that all who attend will benefit from seeing firsthand how our judicial system works, and we are pleased to be a part of making this experience available.”

The Court of Appeals is Nebraska’s second-highest court and reviews appeals of state trial court decisions. The decision of the Nebraska Court of Appeals is final unless granted further review by the Nebraska Supreme Court. The six judges on the Court of Appeals issue an average of more than 400 written opinions each year. 

For general court information, information on audio recording of oral argument sessions, photography or information about the “College Campus Initiative,” contact Janet Bancroft, Nebraska Supreme Court public information officer, at janet.bancroft@nebraska.gov. 

More information about the Court of Appeals and other Nebraska courts can be found on the Judicial Branch website at https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov.

TEACHERS/INSTRUCTORS: 

To make arrangements for your students to attend the oral arguments, please contact Aaron Roberts, Concordia University director of undergraduate admission, at 402-643-7394 or email him at aaron.roberts@cune.edu.