In front of a live audience of more than 600 students, a three-judge panel of the Minnesota Court of Appeals hosted oral arguments at Fergus Falls High School in Fergus Falls on Thursday, April 23.
"I think it was great for our community," said Fergus Falls Mayor Anthony Hicks, who attended the event alongside local judges and attorneys. "And I think it was a fantastic event for the kids at the school to see something that is real -- this wasn't made up, it was actually a real appeal."
Court of Appeals Judges JaPaul Harris, Elizabeth Bentley, and Anne Rasmusson heard arguments in State of Minnesota vs. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdi. Afterward, they held a question-and-answer period with the entire student body, shared lunch with a group of student representatives, and then hosted a small get together with roughly 50 students to delve more deeply into questions about the law and how to become a lawyer.
"Having been in [YMCA] Youth in Government, I already knew the premise of what was going to happen, but seeing actual lawyers and judges...it's been very eye opening," said Fergus Falls High School School senior Thirdy Abarte. "I've been very passionate about being a lawyer since I was young, so I think this opportunity will spark more lawyers in our country."
"I thought it was really fascinating," said Fergus Falls High School senior Olivia Rogholt. "I was just surprised that we got to see this in general -- I wouldn't expect [this] to come to our school."
“We are grateful for the opportunity to host members of the Minnesota Court of Appeals," said Fergus Falls High School Principal Mark Anderson. "It’s real-world learning experiences like this that are so exciting and beneficial for our students.”