The Ohio Supreme Court includes, standing from left, Justice Judith L. French, Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger, Justice Sharon L. Kennedy and Justice William M. O’Neill. Seated, from left, are Justice Paul E. Pfeifer, Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor and Justice Terrence O’Donnell.
When the Ohio Supreme Court convenes at 9 a.m. on March 25 it will be in the auditorium of Mansfield Senior High School.
Mansfield Senior and 10 other high schools will participate in the civics program as part of the court’s biannual Off-Site Court Program. More than 500 students are expected to observe one of three cases the court will hear.
“Part of our mission as an institution is to educate the public about the court system,” Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said. “By conducting oral arguments in communities across Ohio, students have the opportunity to observe the court in action and how the judicial branch works.”
The court’s first-ever visit to Richland County was at the invitation of Judge Brent Robinson of Richland County Common Pleas Court.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and those of surrounding districts,” Mansfield City Schools Superintendent Brian Garverick said. “This isn’t television or a movie. Students will witness first-hand the proceedings as three cases are argued before the state’s highest court.”
In addition to Mansfield Senior High participating schools will include Clear Fork, Crestview, Lexington, Lucas, Madison, Ontario, Plymouth, Shelby, Saint Peter’s and Temple Christian.
Students and teachers will receive curriculum material to study beforehand, including summaries of the specific cases to be argued. A court spokesman said members of the Richland County Bar Association will team with educators at each school to explain Ohio’s judicial system and to review case materials.
During the court’s visit some students will participate in a question-and-answer session with the justices. After the oral arguments students will meet with the case attorneys for a debriefing and discussion about the legal issues.
The March 25 visit will be the court’s 70th time to hear arguments outside of Columbus.