Posted: Thursday, April 7, 2016

The Minnesota Supreme Court convened at Lakeville North High School in Lakeville today as part of a biannual program that seeks to teach students about the court system and build the public’s trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch.

The state’s highest court heard oral arguments of an actual case, State of Minnesota, Respondent, vs. David Lee Haywood, Appellant (Case No. A14-1792), in front of nearly 600 Lakeville North students. The event was also broadcast on local cable television and streamed live on the Internet.

 

Following the oral arguments, members of the Court held a question-and-answer session with the students in attendance, shared lunch with student representatives, and spent the afternoon visiting classrooms to talk more about the state’s court system.

 
Last week, area attorneys, including the coaches of the Lakeville North Mock Trial Team, volunteered in classrooms to help students understand the Supreme Court oral argument process and the case that was before the Court today.
 
“Bringing our court to the school is a great way to educate students about the importance of their judicial system,” said Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea. “Our visit to Lakeville North was a success, and we are grateful to Lakeville Area Public Schools for their partnership and support. It was great to meet so many smart, engaged students, and we hope they leave school today with a better understanding of the role our courts play in ensuring their rights and freedoms.”
 
Since the Supreme Court convened oral arguments in Rochester, Minn., in 1995, school visits have taken center stage in the Court’s public outreach and education efforts. The April 7 visit to Lakeville North High School was the 43^rd traveling oral argument event for the Court.
 
The visit also marked the final time Associate Justice Christopher Dietzen will participate in the traveling oral argument program. Justice Dietzen currently serves as the Supreme Court’s liaison to the program, helping to plan and oversee each of the school visits.  In March, Justice Dietzen announced his intent to resign from the Supreme Court effective August 31, 2016.
 
The Supreme Court generally issues its opinions on cases three to five months following oral arguments.  All Supreme Court opinions are available upon release at www.mncourts.gov.