Southeastern to host Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
by: Tonya Lowentritt
COURT WILL BE IN SESSION - The Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal will hear oral arguments in three different cases at Southeastern Louisiana University on April 16. Court will convene at 9:30 a.m. in the Student Union Theater with a panel discussion following adjournment at approximately 11 a.m. Judges hearing appeals include, from left, Allison H. Penzato, Mitchell R. Theriot and Hunter Greene.
HAMMOND – The Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal will hear oral arguments
in three different cases at Southeastern Louisiana University on April 16. Court will
convene at 9:30 a.m. in the Student Union Theater with a panel discussion following
adjournment at approximately 11 a.m.
Judges Mitchell R. Theriot, Allison H. Penzato and Hunter Greene will preside
over the arguments, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Students, faculty, local
legal professionals and the community at large are invited to attend.
Southeastern President William S. Wainwright has been working with Judge Penzato
to bring the event to campus. A similar event was coordinated by retired First Circuit
Judge James E. Kuhn several years ago, and Judge Penzato says she looks forward to
once again having Southeastern as the court’s backdrop.
“It really is a learning experience for undergraduate students in many different
fields of study and for attorneys who have yet to appear before an appellate court,”
Judge Penzato said. “Since our court is in Baton Rouge, in coming to Southeastern
we hope to provide the community with an opportunity to view the court in session
and learn more about its work.”
After oral arguments, the panel discussion will focus on the role and function
of Louisiana appellate courts. The judges will explain the constitutional authority
of the court, as well as its rules and procedures, and answer questions.
“Southeastern welcomes this as an opportunity for those interested in political
science, criminal justice and history,” Wainwright said. “We are very fortunate to
have people in our community who support the university through these events - engaging
with our students and understanding what this means to them.”
Law enforcement will be stationed at the entrance door to allow attendees in
and out between each case. Attendees are permitted to bring keys, paper and pens to
the hearing. No book bags, purses or cell phones will be allowed. Audience members
must remain quiet throughout the proceedings.