The Vermont Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in three cases at Rutland High School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024.
The Justices usually hear oral arguments in the Supreme Court building in Montpelier, but in the fall the Court goes “On the Road” to hear arguments at a Vermont high school.
The Rutland High School Encore Theatre will be transformed into a courtroom for the day so that students and teachers can experience the appellate process. Arguments will follow the same pattern as ones held in the Supreme Court courtroom. Each side will have fifteen minutes to argue its case. The three cases scheduled for oral argument include appeals from a conviction for aggravated assault, an order releasing portions of school records on physical restraint of students, and the denial of a permit for a dog rescue operation.
The goal of this event is to help students understand Vermont’s judicial system by providing students with the opportunity to observe the state’s highest court up close and to interact with the Supreme Court Justices. For many, the judicial branch is the least understood branch of government, and “On the Road” is a way to show the community how it works.
“We are honored to bring the work of the Vermont Supreme Court to Rutland High School,” Chief Justice Paul Reiber said. “I am excited to meet students and I am sure that the Court will learn from them. I hope that students will understand more about the justice system, and it might even cause some to gain an interest in public service or a career in the law.”
Greg Schillinger, the principal of Rutland High School, emphasized the positive impact of the visit on students. “Every graduate of RHS takes Civics and this is a real-world example of civics in action. Seeing our judicial system at work is a valuable reminder of the need to stay involved in government. As we approach the upcoming elections, the reminder is timely and relevant.”
The students will have an opportunity to interact with the Justices during a question-and-answer session and over lunch.
The public is welcome to attend the hearings, scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Existing rules of etiquette apply for members of the public and for the media during court proceedings. Everyone will be required to go through routine security screening, so early arrival is advisable.
From Teri Corsones, Vermont State Court Administrator
Office of the State Court Administrator
For more information, contact Therese.Corsones@vtcourts.gov
