On Thursday, Jan. 28, the Utah Court of Appeals will hold a special live court session at Southern Utah University as part of the 2016 spring semester SUU Convocation Series. The hearing will give students an insight to the real life application of law, enhance understanding of the courts work, and provide an opportunity to see the Court of Appeals in session. Students and the general public are encouraged to attend the free event at 11:30 a.m. in the SUU Gilbert Great Hall.
The Court of Appeals will hear the case of the State of Utah vs. Abisai Martinez-Castellanos. Justices Gregory K. Orme, Stephen L. Roth and Kate A. Toomey will preside over the case. The court session will be followed by a question and answer session with the lawyers and justices involved.
Eric Kirby, executive director of completion and student success at SUU — and a practicing attorney — said of the event, “This will provide an educational opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and community members to give them a unique perspective on our justice system.”
The State of Utah vs. Abisai Martinez-Castellanos began in June 2010 when Martinez-Castellanos was charged and later found guilty of drug and paraphernalia possession. A week after the trial ended, concerns were addressed about Martinez-Castellanos’ attorney not adequately representing him during the proceedings. Martinez-Castellanos was appointed a new attorney, but the motion for a new trial was denied. He is now appealing his previous convictions and asking for a new trial.
As this convocation will be a real court session, there will be a security check at the entrance, and interested attendees are encouraged to arrive at least fifteen minutes early. The court session will begin promptly at 11:45 a.m. at which point the doors will be closed.
