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Delaware Supreme Court Holds Oral Arguments on College’s Georgetown Campus

March 25, 2025

The Delaware Supreme Court held oral arguments on the 麻豆视频 Jack F. Owens Campus in Georgetown, providing students from the College and high schools across Sussex County the opportunity to see firsthand how the court operates. This is the second consecutive year the justices have traveled to the Owens Campus as part of ongoing community and educational outreach efforts.

Delaware Tech’s students from its criminal justice, legal studies, and human services programs attended the March 18 event, joined by nearly 400 high school students from the Academic Challenge Program, a partnership between the College and Sussex County public schools.

Students heard arguments in both a criminal and civil case. The criminal case involved a defendant found guilty by a jury of drug crimes and resisting arrest. In the appeal, his attorney argued that certain evidence should not have been admitted at trial because it was improperly obtained by police. The civil case involved an appeal from a trial judge’s ruling that a plaintiff’s expert testimony could not be admitted in the case of a child who suffered from complications following birth. The court took both appeals under advisement and will issue opinions deciding the cases in the coming months.

“This was a very interesting experience and a rare opportunity to be able to watch a live Delaware Supreme Court argument,” said John Henry, a legal studies student.

Emily Davis, an Academic Challenge student, also appreciated the chance to watch the court in action.

“The questions of the justices were complex and addressed many things I hadn’t thought of,” she said. “It was cool to get an insight into their thinking through their questions.”

Following each case, the students had a question-and-answer session with the justices discussing court procedures, legal terms, and how the lawyers and judges became interested in legal careers, which was a highlight for Delaware Tech criminal justice student Ellie Zook.

“This was such a great way to connect with people who seem so untouchable,” said Zook. “I got to have conversations with attorneys and talk to justices and I felt that they actually cared about my questions, which is such an empowering feeling when going into such a respected field.”

Delaware Tech President Dr. Mark T. Brainard also acknowledged the significance of the interaction between the justices and students.

“We appreciate the Supreme Court’s return visit to our campus, which provides our students with an opportunity to witness firsthand how our court system operates and understand its importance to the people of our state,” said Brainard. "We were especially appreciative of the justices' generosity and the gracious discussion session they conducted after the hearings to offer insights into the legal field and answer questions from our students and staff. These events are extremely valuable to the community, and we look forward to continuing this partnership with the Court in the future.”

The justices also found the experience rewarding and productive.

“We enjoyed our return to Delaware Tech,” said Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz, Jr. “We hope our visit was educational and illuminating for the students. Perhaps a few students might be inspired to pursue a legal career and public service in the First State.”