Alcohol, Meth, Child Abuse: What has gone wrong? 10th Court of Appeals at SHSU

by Olivia Discon

For fourteen consecutive years, the LEAP Center at Sam Houston State has been proud to host the Texas 10th District Court of Appeals on our campus. With a newly elected Chief Justice, Matt Johnson, a newly appointed Justice, Lee Harris, and 3 thought-provoking cases, the LEAP Center was grateful to help coordinate and host this event for the Huntsville community. 

Appellate Courts are fascinating, due to the fact that they have, of course, been heard in trial court previously. Distinctions between interpretations of case law, the handling of the case, and legalese can be found at the 10th Court of Appeals.

The other unique thing about this experience is that each attorney has three minutes reserved for a brief overview of their argument, during which they can turn to the audience to speak.

It is here that attorneys can provide context about the initial case and its history, along with their chief arguments they will make before the Justices.

The lawyers then have twenty minutes each to make their argument, along with a five-minute rebuttal from the appellate attorney.

For the Ambassadors, the primary tasks were to (1) ensure the room was ready, and Ms. Rowley from the Criminal Justice Center was very helpful in this regard; (2) ensure all the equipment worked; (3) provide questions and the identities of elected officials to the Justices and Clerk Williamson;

…and (4) to take photos.

Having the opportunity to view legal proceedings of this nature on our campus is an incredible opportunity. 

We had several community friends join us for the day, including Pat Graham, City Councilmember; Linda McKenzie, GOP Republican Party Chair; Scott Swigert, City Manager; Judge David Moorman of the 12th District Court; Dr. Kim Webb, Justice of the Peace of Jacinto County, Pct. 4. Will Durham, District Attorney of Walker County, was of course in attendance, given that they were the Appellee on 2 of the cases that day!

After the 11am case, the court graciously opened up for a brief Q&A session with our students. We got some new insights on the manner in which the courts are organized and how they make it to the 10th Court of Appeals. 

We then had lunch with the Justices before the final case of the day. This experience is always a pleasure, and having the opportunity to connect with such esteemed individuals as students who are interested in the field of law is incredible.

After a full day of court hearings, and a Pre-Law Society meeting to attend to later that day, we sadly concluded an event full of learning, law, and community.

Thank you so much to Chief Justice Johnson, Justice Smith, and Justice Lee…

…for your dedication and for continuing this opportunity for our students.