麻豆视频

State's Supreme Court Holds Oral Arguments on Owens Campus in Georgetown

March 26, 2026

Students from 麻豆视频 and high schools across Sussex County had the special opportunity to observe the Delaware Supreme Court as the justices held oral arguments March 17 on the College's Jack F. Owens Campus in Georgetown.

Delaware Tech students enrolled in the criminal justice, legal studies, and human services programs were in attendance, as were several hundred high school students from the Academic Challenge program, a partnership between the College and Sussex County public high schools.

Getting a firsthand look at the state's highest court in action was impactful to several students studying criminal justice at the College.

"It was a very humbling experience that gave me a small glimpse into the workings of a real court," said Triinu Shimkus. "It was also fascinating to hear the oral arguments. Both the appellant and the appellee were asked highly-relevant questions by the justices in order to clarify or defend their position and it was a great challenge to try to follow the thinking of all parties and where they might steer their arguments next."

Tim Hammack agreed that observing the oral arguments was highly compelling.

"The oral arguments were fascinating," said Hammack. "Instead of the loud mess you often see hearings portrayed as in TV and film, the hearings were respectful, even-toned, and entirely focused on the efficacy of the arguments at hand.

"I found it interesting to see the way in which both sides of a decision hammer home their arguments while also handling intermittent interruptions from the bench. The amount of stress and scrutiny that the appellant and appellee thrive under gives me a new respect for the art of argument. Watching them have to think on their feet made me want to continue to grow as a debater."

Leah Green also shared that the experience was informative and highly beneficial.

"I found the Delaware Supreme Court oral arguments to be valuable for my personal growth in navigating the law enforcement and justice system," said Green. "I learned the importance of evidence collection and investigative procedures that must be followed in order to reach a clear conviction."

The student audience also participated in a question-and-answer session with the justices discussing court procedures, legal terms, and how the lawyers and judges became interested in legal careers.

This is the third consecutive year the Delaware Supreme Court has held oral arguments on the Owens Campus as part of the Court's ongoing community and educational outreach efforts.

Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz, Jr. has previously shared that the visit is a worthwhile endeavor and one he hopes can be of inspiration to those in attendance.

"We hope our visit was educational and illuminating for the students," Seitz said following last year's Court appearance. "Perhaps a few students might be inspired to pursue a legal career and public service in the First State."