Court of Criminal Appeals Brings Experience to High School Students

From WCYB

 

GREENEVILLE, Tenn -About a thousand students from across the region got a rare glimpse of the Tennessee Criminal Court of Appeals proceedings in Greeneville.

The Tennessee court heard four cases before the student body at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.           

The program is called C.A.S.E.S. which stands for Criminal Appeals Civics Education for Students.
The goal is to give the students a unique perspective on the court system.

"What we're doing here today is showing them that even after a jury trial that defendants have the opportunity to have another set of judges, another set of eyes take a look at their case," said Judge Robert Montgomery.

"My own personal view is that society today has somewhat of a lack of understanding of civics as a rule. I think anything we can do to enhance that education is, not only important for society, but it's important for sustaining a democracy," added judge Curwood Witt.

The cases being heard today by the three judge panel were all murder cases that were up for appeal.

See more here.

Local trial court judges, members of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals and Attorney General Herbert Slatery
Local trial court judges, members of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals and Attorney General Herbert Slatery
Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Approximately 1000 students took part in the event.
Approximately 1000 students took part in the event.
Judge Ogle, Judge James Curwood Witt, Jr.,and Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.
Judge Ogle, Judge James Curwood Witt, Jr.,and Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.