A three-judge panel from the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments at The University of Tulsa’s College of Law early next year.
The event, set for Feb. 6, 2025, will offer students and the public the chance to witness six cases – some that could potentially land in the U.S. Supreme Court, according to Karen Grundy, associate dean for academic affairs. The 10th Circuit is based in Denver and includes Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, and Oklahoma.
“Judges can travel the circuit,” she said. “It goes back to the olden days where they actually used to get on horses and go hear cases in other places.” The three judges and six cases to be heard at UTulsa are not yet known.
Although the panel has heard cases on campus before, it’s been more than a decade ago, Grundy said.
“This is a really great opportunity for our students to see what an appellate court does, and the 10th Circuit sits right below the Supreme Court,” said Grundy, who has argued before the 10th Circuit in Denver and elsewhere.
The Supreme Court often takes up cases that have divided lower courts. For example, she said, if two circuits hear similar cases and come to different conclusions, the Supreme Court can choose to resolve the cases through one consistent ruling.
Grundy added that there will be enhanced security at the February event, which will be held in the college’s Wm. Stuart Price and Michael C. Turpen Courtroom, so people planning to attend should arrive early to get a seat and be prepared to wait.