By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Students at Presque Isle High School will be able to witness Maine’s justice system at work later this year as the state’s top jurists hear real appeals on the road.
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court, a panel of seven justices, will hear arguments Oct. 28 at PIHS.
According to Principal Donna Lisnik, the session will not be an all-school assembly, but will be open to any teachers who want to bring their classes.
“Students will not stay the entire time, but will follow a schedule that will be least disruptive to the process,” she said. “I also would like to invite interested community members to attend.
“This is a rare opportunity, not only for students but for anyone interested in the judicial process, to watch the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in action,” said Lisnik. “To watch the arguments concerning cases that the justices have the opportunity to overturn or hold up will be a very different experience than a trip to the local courthouse to watch court in session. I hope our students will develop a greater appreciation of the judicial process in Maine.”
Assistant House Republican Leader Alex Willette of Mapleton helped arrange the visit.
“This has been an incredible opportunity for some time for students at other schools throughout the state and I’m thrilled that the Court is coming to Presque Isle,” said Willette, a 2007 graduate of PIHS and current student at the University of Maine School of Law.
Students will receive handouts that educate them about the history and function of the state’s highest court before taking their seats to watch lawyers argue their clients’ cases and take questions from the justices.
“The Court appreciates the opportunity to hold court at PIHS,” said Mary Ann Lynch, government and media counsel for the Maine Judicial Branch. “It will be the Court’s third visit to a high school in The County, and it is a wonderful opportunity to teach students about the Rule of Law and the appellate process. Of course, this is particularly special as Associate Justice Warren Silver is a graduate of PIHS.”
Lisnik and Assistant Principal Ben Greenlaw will meet with a representative from the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in April to discuss the particulars such as time, place and setup.
