Texas 10th Court of Appeals to hear cases on MCC campus

McLennan Community College will host the Texas 10th Court of Appeals on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in the Conference Center at MCC, located at 4601 N. 19th St. The court will sit in session beginning at 10 a.m. and will hear two cases, followed by a question and answer session at 11:45 a.m., allowing students to witness the law in action and meet the justices. The court will hear a third case beginning at 1:30 p.m.

The Texas 10th Court of Appeals, consisting of Justices Matt Johnson, Lee Harris, and Steve Smith, is based in Waco and hears approximately 400 civil and criminal appeals per year from 18 counties in Central Texas, including McLennan County. The court has made visits to colleges throughout the counties for decades, but this will be the third visit to the MCC campus.

"Other than attorneys, few people take the time or have any interest in attending appellate court oral arguments. We appreciate MCC for allowing us to hold a session of court on campus where so many students and faculty can observe an appellate court at work,” Justice Johnson said. “It is significant that we conduct oral arguments on Constitution Day at MCC each September, and I hope that people who attend will leave with a better understanding of our legal system and the role the courts play in our constitutional democracy."  

The visit, sponsored by MCC’s Paralegal Studies program, is open to the public. However, no video, audio recording, or photography will be allowed in the courtroom while the court is in session. Individuals attending the session must wear appropriate attire, power off or silence electronic devices, and are not allowed to bring in food or beverages. Please note that oral arguments may include details that are offensive, harmful, or traumatizing to some audiences. The media is invited to attend the question and answer session for interviews with students and the justices.

For more information, contact Lindsey Vanek at 254-299-8140 or lvanek@mclennan.edu.