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Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Jan. 14: NM Court of Appeals to Hold Oral Argument Before Santa Fe High School Students

The theatre of Santa Fe High School will be transformed into the courtroom of the New Mexico Court of Appeals this Thursday, January 14, 2010, at 10:00 AM. Students will observe the proceedings as the Court of Appeals hears oral argument in a criminal case currently pending before the Court. After oral argument, the panel of judges and the attorneys who argued the case will answer questions posed by the students.

“The Court of Appeals hears oral arguments throughout the state in an effort to educate students about the appellate court system and offer them a first hand view of the judicial process,” said Chief Judge Cynthia A. Fry of the New Mexico Court of Appeals in a statement released about the program. “The program is enriched by volunteers from the local bar association. Volunteer attorneys receive copies of the appellate briefs, study the issues presented and then meet with students and their teachers to familiarize them with the issues and arguments prior to the hearing of oral argument. We appreciate all of those who contribute to making this program an exceptional learning experience for the students.”

Judge Jonathan B. Sutin greatly expanded the program during 2007 and 2008 when he became Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. Motivated by his commitment to educating students about the appellate process, then Chief Judge Sutin met with local bar associations all over the state to encourage support for the program. Judge Sutin has continued the Court’s efforts to reach out to high school students in New Mexico. Over the past three years, the Court of Appeals has held more than twenty oral arguments in ten different cities throughout the state.

Santa Fe High School is located at 2100 Yucca Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

January 12, 2010 at 09:32 AM in Education, Events, Justice, Legal Issues | Permalink

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