North Dakota Supreme Court Hears Appeal at Fargo South

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The North Dakota Supreme Court was in Fargo to visit local students.

The ND Supreme Court held a talk with students at Fargo South High School to help them better understand the court’s job, and develop their interest in law.

Students had a Q and A session with the justices, asking questions about the court’s role, and the justices’ responsibilities.

The visit was part of a program that the court does to engage with students, with the hope that they’ll be better informed, or inspired to pursue a career in law.

“I personally think it’s important because we have so many citizens who know about the courts based on what they watch on TV. But they really don’t know what the district courts are, or the appellate court does.“

The justices say they were impressed with the students’ questions, both those about the hearing and those about their lives.

“I like some of the ones that’re like, “How’s it being a Justice?” “How’s that impact your personal safety?” “Your family, your mental health?” It shows that the students are thinking about things beyond just sentencing and what happens in a court?“

The students then went down to the auditorium, where the court held a hearing of a man’s appeal. The case involved discrepancies between an oral and written order regarding the appellant’s probation.

After the hearing the lawyers stuck around with the court to take questions from the students about the procedure.

The appellant’s attorney, Kiara Kraus-Parr said that the environment didn’t affect her arguments.

“As far as appellate, advocacy standpoint is a little bit more challenging, but it’s also a lot more electric. There’s you know, individuals and the audience there. Pink tension and want to ask questions after and you generally don’t have that.“

She added that she did enjoy getting to talk to the students after the hearing.

“I think attorneys, well, some of us like to hear yourself. Talk anyways, so that’s there’s that aspect. But I also don’t think that we come from a perspective of wanting to educate the public so that they know more about our judicial system so that they can get involved.“

Justice Barr said that events like this are important to connect the court with their communities across the state.

“I never had this opportunity. As a high school student to watch a court actually hold a hearing or proceeding. And so I think it’s a great thing that we have the chance to do that and appreciate the support of the schools.“

The Supreme Court also visited with over 300 students at NDSU.