News Item

ST. PAUL, MN (March 9, 2004) – The Minnesota Supreme Court has announced that it will hear oral arguments at Harding High School in St. Paul, MN on Tuesday, April 6, 2004.  Nearly 1,000 St. Paul students will pack the school auditorium to watch oral arguments and ask questions of the justices.

The visit is part of a biannual program that seeks to teach students about the work of the state’s highest court while building the public’s trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch.

The Justices will hear oral arguments of an actual case, A-03-1951 (Thomas Paul Clark vs. Dwight R.J. Lindquist).  Following oral arguments, the justices will answer students’ questions, eat lunch with student leaders and visit Harding High School classrooms.  Further information, including the visit itinerary, will be released later this month.  Media is welcome to attend all events.

Since the Supreme Court convened oral arguments in Rochester, MN in 1995, the school visits have taken center stage in the Court’s efforts to improve public understanding of the judiciary’s work.  The Harding High School visit marks the 19th in-school oral argument for the Court.

“Students and staff at Harding are thrilled to host the Supreme Court,” said Harding High School Principal Deb Henton.  “We are already developing lessons that will prepare students to be informed participants.  Students are filled with anticipation.  We are so grateful for this unique educational opportunity.”

About the Minnesota Judiciary

The Minnesota Judicial Branch is made up of the seven justices of the Supreme Court, 16 judges of the Court of Appeals and 274 district court judgeships that serve courthouses divided amongst 10 judicial districts.  In addition to hearing cases, the Supreme Court oversees the administration of justice in the state.  For more information about the court system, visit www.courts.state.mn.us.