DWU to host SD Supreme Court hearings next week

Talk about it

Dakota Wesleyan University will host the South Dakota Supreme Court next week.

The South Dakota Supreme Court will be on campus Monday through Wednesday in the Sherman Center.

The court will hear oral arguments in three cases each day. Court will open at 9 a.m. and cases will commence on the hour. Booklets containing a schedule of the cases to be heard and a short synopsis of each case, as well as biographical information on the justices and a short summary of appellate procedure will be available for individuals attending any of the court’s sessions. Synopses of each case are also available on the DWU website.

“We are thrilled to host the court again,” said Amy Novak, DWU provost. “It’s a great educational opportunity for our students and for area high school students to see how our judicial system works.”

DWU last hosted the court in 2004. The sessions will be open to the public, but there will be a security check at the entry doors and highway patrol officers and Mitchell Public Safety officers will be present throughout the three days.

Here is a list of safety and courtesy measures:

• Remove caps or hats before entering the courtroom (the Sherman Center).

• Enter the courtroom prior to the commencement of an argument.

• Stand when the justices enter and leave the courtroom.

• Turn off phones before entering courtroom.

• No food or drinks are to be brought into the courtroom.

• Do not enter or leave a session; please wait for the 10-minute breaks.

• Do not create any distractions or engage in any conversations during proceedings.

The South Dakota Supreme Court employs security methods to insure the well-being of all who attend its proceedings. All attendees will be requested to pass through a metal detector.

The court requests attendees leave backpacks and other items in their vehicles and school buses. All bags, backpacks, purses, etc., are subject to inspection by security personnel.

In addition to the nine cases scheduled for oral argument during the October 2011 term, there are several cases on the court’s nonoral calendar.

Individuals requiring assistance should contact the State Court Administrator’s Office at 605-773-3474 at least 48 hours before the session to make any arrangements. For further information, go to http://www.dwu.edu/supremecourt/index.htm.

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