Firearm Possession, Sexual Abuse, and Drug Possession on Tap for SHSU Courtroom

Although Huntsville residents have their share of exposure to the criminal justice system, they rarely have a chance to see an appeals court in action.  That changes this Wednesday, April 1, when the Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics hosts the Texas 10th Court of Appeals at Sam Houston State University (Kerper Courtroom), with hearings at 10am, 11am, and 1:30pm.  The cases involve possession of a firearm by a felon, charges, sexual abuse of a minor, and possession of a controlled substance.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, 10th Court of Appeals, Chief Justice Tom Gray,

“The cases are interesting to the local community and students alike,” notes LEAP Ambassador Michelle Cardenas. “It’s a rare chance to see our appeals court in action, and this year’s cases are especially intriguing.”

The 10th Court of Appeals typically meets in Waco, where they hear cases two-three times a year.  But the Texas Legislature allows the appellate courts to travel to county seats within their jurisdiction.  The 10th Court of Appeals’ jurisdiction extends to some 18 counties, including Walker County, and they have travelled to SHSU every year since 2012 to hear three or, sometimes, four cases.

In addition to changing the venue, the justices also alter the courtroom procedures slightly to suit the educational setting.  Attorneys for both the plaintiff and the defendant have three minutes to turn, face the audience, and provide the facts of the case.  Although this component of the hearing has no impact on the justices’ decision, it is designed to allow those in attendance to better follow the legal arguments that will be put forth.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, 10th Court of Appeals, Chief Justice Tom Gray,

This year’s cases involve diverse issues and will take place at the times listed below:

10am: Milton Rederick Miller v. State of TX : This appeal involves possession of a firearm by a felon, with the legal issues addressing, among other things, whether barring guns from non-violent felons violates the 2nd amendment and whether the defendant was competent to represent himself.

11am: Tacoby Davis v. State of TX: this appeal involves charges of sexual assault of a child. The legal issue involves the question of what constitutes a “public trial” and whether barring a testifying witness from the courtroom compromises that constitutional guarantee.

1:30pm: Tyrone Shepard v. State of TX—This appeal involves a conviction for possession of a controlled substance.  The legal issues involve the relevance of the defendant’s previous arrest for controlled substance and his right to a speedy trial.

Unlike trial courts, which select juries and are presided over by a single judge; the 10th Court of Appeals is presided over by a three-justice panel: Chief Justice Matt Johnson, Justice Steve Smith and Justice Lee Harris. In appeals hearings, there are no juries, no witnesses, no direct or cross-examinations, and no outcome is decided immediately at the end of the hearing.  Rather, each side is given 20 minutes to argue their case, with the justices often interjecting to ask questions, challenge an interpretation, or to seek additional information.

The cases will be heard at the Kerper Courtroom in the CJ Center at Sam Houston State University.  Although the courtroom rarely reaches capacity, it has occurred, and seating is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.  Local residents are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Mike Yawn at 936-294-1456 (or by email at mike.yawn@shsu.edu).

Please note there is a dress and etiquette code enforced by the court. It is:

Dress Code – All persons attending any portion of the oral argument sessions must wear proper attire.  The following is a list of inappropriate attire that includes, but may not be limited to:

  • Shorts (includes cut-offs, running shorts, Daisy Dukes)
  • Tank tops; Halter tops
  • Caps/hats
  • Mini skirts; Sweat pants, leggings
  • T-shirts with any type of inappropriate language or picture

Weapons – Weapons of any type are NOT allowed in the room where the oral arguments are taking place.
Electronic Devices –ALL electronic devices must be either turned off or set to silent.
Recording– No photos, broadcasting or recording devices are allowed during the oral argument session.
Food and/or Drink – No food or drink is allowed during the oral argument session. This also includes tobacco products and chewing gum. 
Behavior – Any person who disrupts the proceedings by talking, making noise, public display of signs, or similar conduct will be required to leave the courtroom.
Entrance and Departure – The Court strongly discourages the entering and departure of the courtroom during hearings. The bailiffs will permit entry at the top of the hour, at the beginning of hearings, and at 50 minutes past the hour.

Pre-Law Society hosts Dr. Rhonda Beassie

Written By Madison Thurkettle

Pre-Law Society is back in session for Spring 2026! PLS held its first meeting of the semester and welcomed 133 members, who came back in style. As part of a goal to promote professional development in our students, Pre-Law Society members were encouraged to participate in the “Bearkats in Blazers” initiative—with many students doing so!

Once the meeting officially began, President Olivia Discon introduced our guest speaker for the evening, Dr. Rhonda Beassie, Vice President for Administration at Sam Houston State University. While her current role covers a diverse range of departments such as procurement, human resources, Title IX, and many more–it only begins to shine a light on the breadth of her impressive career. Indeed, she explained that her career was truly a “non-linear” path to where she is today.

Dr. Beassie highlighted her career, emphasizing that paths in law and related fields are rarely linear. She described her journey as “circuitous,” in that she began in real estate, then moved into various levels of the legal—without the initial plan to attend law school.

After working as a legal secretary, Dr. Beassie earned her paralegal degree and worked as a paralegal, a role she described as one of her most fulfilling due to the collaborative nature of litigation. She later returned to school for her undergraduate degree before attending law school.

Once she completed law school, Dr. Beassie worked in legal education and student legal services, then served as General Counsel for the Texas State University System. Her advisory experience led to leadership roles in administration at Sam Houston.

Dr. Beassie emphasized that flexibility and openness to opportunities shaped her career and encouraged students not to feel pressured to follow a traditional path directly from undergraduate studies to law school.

Dr. Beassie encouraged students not to let uncertainty or lack of confidence prevent them from pursuing opportunities in the legal field, reminding members: “You deserve a seat at the table.” She highlighted the importance of initiative, networking, and embracing new challenges, even when they seem intimidating. Many of her own career advancements, she explained, came from accepting opportunities that required extra research, preparation, or learning new subjects.

After her presentation, students asked various questions about Dr. Beassie’s career path and her experiences in legal and leadership roles.

Members asked about:

  • how she decided to pursue law school after initially working in other fields
  • Managing responsibilities such as family while attending law school
  • Whether a paralegal background strengthens a law school application
  • What roles did she find more fulfilling throughout her career

Dr. Beassie said that while law schools focus on GPA and LSAT scores (most important), practical experience, such as paralegal work, can help applicants stand out when qualifications are similar or competitive, and provides valuable preparation for legal work. She also encouraged students to pursue internships and volunteer opportunities, and that even unpaid roles build professional credibility and transferable skills.

Dr. Beassie concluded her presentation at 7:15 PM. President Olivia Discon thanked her and transitioned to the business portion of the meeting…

Treasurer Nataly Elizondo provided a finance update, Secretary Madison Cawthon presented the meeting minutes, and VP of Membership McKenna Nonnenmann and VP of Marketing Jackie Balbuena shared their updates as well. Pre-Law Advisor Jean Loveall also informed members of upcoming changes to the LSAT beginning in August 2026, noting that while the exam’s structure will remain the same, students will be required to take the LSAT in person, with the option to test either on computer or paper.

With a lot of good information and high spirits, the meeting adjourned with excitement for the semester and our futures ahead.