The Nebraska Court of Appeals will be in session on the campus of Omaha’s College of St. Mary on Constitution Day: September 17, 2025. The Court of Appeals will divide into its customary two panels with three judges each to hold legal arguments at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on campus in the Gross Auditorium, 7000 Mercy Road, Omaha, Nebraska.

“It is a privilege for the Court of Appeals to hold arguments at the College of Saint Mary. We welcome the chance to meet students, faculty, and area residents, and we are grateful for the college’s partnership in making this event possible," noted Chief Judge Francie Riedmann.

The Court of Appeals will hear several cases during the morning and afternoon sessions, followed by an open question-and-answer session with the judges. Students will be given detailed descriptions of each case to help them follow the legal arguments.

St. Mary College students, along with government classes from area high schools, are invited. Reporters, including student journalists, are encouraged to attend.

This college campus initiative, designed by judges of the Court of Appeals, is intended to provide Nebraskans with the opportunity to learn about the judicial branch. The Court has been holding arguments at colleges statewide since September 2012.

The Court of Appeals of Nebraska is the state’s second-highest Court and reviews appeals from state trial court decisions. The six judges on the Court of Appeals handle and dispose of just under 1,000 cases per year. A decision of the Nebraska Court of Appeals is final unless granted further review by the Nebraska Supreme Court.

The sessions are open to the public, and visitors are encouraged to attend.

High school classes or groups can make arrangements to observe Court of Appeals oral arguments sessions on September 17 at the 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. by contacting the St. Mary Campus Visit and Experience Coordinator Emily Thompson, 402-399-2425 or ethompson@csm.edu.

For information on audio recording of oral argument sessions at the college, or about the Court of Appeals traveling oral arguments, email Janet Bancroft at janet.bancroft@nejudicial.gov.