Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judges at the evening reception held at Texas A&M School of Law.

In late September, Texas A&M Law proudly welcomed to campus the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, which travels periodically to hear oral arguments at various locations around the state.

On Wednesday, September 27, the Court heard oral arguments for two cases, presented to a packed room of more than 200 students and guests.

“While law school generally involves reading about cases, the hearings allowed our students to observe the legal system in action,” said Neil Sobol, Professor of Law and Director of Texas A&M Law’s Legal Analysis, Research & Writing Program. “Students saw attorneys present their cases and respond to questions from the state’s highest Court. Afterwards, the Court had a question and answer period giving our students an opportunity to interact with the judges.”

Texas A&M Law student Megan Reed, who will clerk for Judge David Newell in 2018, served as bailiff.

“It was an honor to serve as bailiff during the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals oral argument at our school,” Reed said. “This was also the perfect opportunity to encourage first-year students to think about the benefits of either interning or clerking for a judge. I hope the 1Ls will seek out those positions in response to the judges’ encouragement.”

“We are delighted that the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals heard oral arguments at our law school,” said Interim Dean Thomas Mitchell. “All of the judges were incredibly gracious. Our students and guests had the rare opportunity both to observe an esteemed appellate court in action hearing very difficult cases and to hear directly from the judges in a very illuminating question and answer session.”

On the evening before the hearings, Texas A&M Law hosted a reception for the nine judges on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, also including local judges, members of the Tarrant County Bar Association, law faculty, and students. Dean Mitchell welcomed the Court to Fort Worth.

The Court of Criminal Appeals is the highest state court for appeals in criminal cases. Annually, the Court disposes of nearly 10,000 matters.

Aggie Law students Taylor Wood and Megan Reed with Judge David Hagerman of the 297th District Court, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Judge David Newell and Texas A&M Law Professor Mark Burge. Reed, who will clerk for Judge Newell in 2018, served as bailiff for the ​oral ​arguments held at the law school in Fort Worth.