Michigan Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments on Hillsdale College Campus, Hosts Local Students as Part of Community Outreach Program
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College hosted the Michigan Supreme Court’s 26th Community Connection outreach program on April 26 in Plaster Auditorium. The seven justices of the Michigan Supreme Court heard oral arguments and met with students at a reception following the case. The program aims to help local high school and college students understand the appellate court and Michigan’s judicial system.
“We look forward to all of the learning that happens today,” said Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack. “We hope that this event leaves you better informed about the rule of law, the justice branch, and its important role in our democracy.”
This is the first time the College has hosted an actual hearing of the Michigan Supreme Court.
“The hearing that will be held here today is a great example of the robustness of our state constitution,” said Robert Norton, vice president and general counsel at Hillsdale College. “The court will be asked to determine the constitutional balance between that of law enforcement that provides each of us with protection versus that of individual rights.”
Norton provided a brief history of the College, the public service of its graduates, and the role of circuit judge before introducing the Honorable Sara Lisznyai, chief judge of the Hillsdale County court system. Lisznyai introduced all Hillsdale, Branch, and Lenawee County judges present, as well as West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Beth Walker, who graduated from Hillsdale College in 1987.
Students from all local schools were present.
“I believe that each of us as Michiganders and Americans must have an understanding of our system of government,” said Lisznyai. “I’m thrilled we will not just be reading about what the highest court in Michigan is doing but seeing it and hearing it with our eyes and ears. Today we highlight the Judicial Branch, and I am proud to be here.”
Tuscola County Assistant Prosecutor Eric Wanink and defense attorney Bernard Jocuns argued the case People of the State of Michigan v. David Allan Lucynski.
Hillsdale College Professor of Constitutional Law and retired Chief Justice Stephen J. Markman acted as moderator for a question-and-answer session after oral arguments were made.
Hillsdale College is the first place the court has visited since reconvening its Community Connections outreach program. The current makeup of the Michigan Supreme Court also includes Justice David Viviano, who graduated from Hillsdale College in 1994.
A summary of the case and additional information is available here.
View photos from the event here.