DEARBORN – Local students will see the Michigan Supreme Court in action May 10 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
The event is part of the Court Community Connections program, which will introduce the appellate court to students from Dearborn High School, Edsel Ford High School, Fordson High School, Divine Child High School, Riverside Academy and the Henry Ford Academy. Local university and college students will be in the audience as well.
Limited seats are available to the public.
The Supreme Court normally convenes at the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing. About twice each year, the court holds oral argument in locations outside Lansing to further people’s understanding of the state’s justice system.
Participating students and teachers will study the case in advance with the help of local judges and attorneys.
The case before the court is People v. Richardson, which involves a Detroit man who claims self-defense in a shooting. A jury found the defendant guilty of assault and felony-firearm; the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed those convictions. On appeal, the defendant argues in part that the trial judge did not properly instruct the jury on the elements of self-defense.
City of Dearborn Television, a division of the Department of Public Information, will broadcast the proceedings to Dearborn schools.
Those attending the session should arrive by 11 a.m. and must go through security and a metal detector before being admitted inside the Michael A. Guido Theater at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. Cell phones, cameras, electronic devices, backpacks, bags, weapons, food, drinks and other items will not be allowed in the theater.
For more information about attending call (313) 943-3074. For more information about the case go to http://courts.michigan.gov/supremecourt/Press/index.htm.
The 19th District Court will be closed on May 10 to accommodate the program.