Constitution Day

Constitution Day 2024

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

Sept. 17
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Conference Center at MCC

McLennan Community College will host the Texas 10th Court of Appeals Tuesday, 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 also hear a third case beginning at 1:30 p.m.

The Texas 10th Court of Appeals, consisting of Justices Tom Gray Justices, Matt Johnson and Steve Smith, is based in Waco and hears approximately 400 civil and criminal appeals a 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 second visit to the MCC campus.

“The opportunity to hold oral arguments on college campuses so that the students can more easily see this part of the judicial process is wonderful. It gives the students a window into the process that goes on across this nation every day,” Justice Gray said. “In this country we have a robust and independent judiciary. It is set forth in the Constitutions as the third branch of both our state and federal governments. This is an integral part of that process, and it is great to celebrate Constitution Day with the students in this manner.”

The visit, sponsored by MCC’s Paralegal Studies program, is open to the public. However, no video or audio recording or photography will be allowed in the courtroom while 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 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.