The Connecticut Supreme Court will travel to the University of Connecticut in Storrs on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2006, as part of its annual “Supreme Court on Tour” program.

The justices will hear two cases, one criminal and one civil, in the ballroom of the Rome Commons Building. Their visit to the campus is part of an ongoing educational initiative of the Connecticut Judicial Branch to introduce students, educators and the public to the role of the appellate court system.

“The Supreme Court is pleased to be part of this wonderful opportunity for students to learn about the appellate court system,” Senior Associate Justice David M. Borden said. “We look forward to visiting the UConn campus, and we thank everyone there who has helped prepare for our visit.”

“The Supreme Court’s visit to UConn provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to see, first-hand, the workings of a vital branch of government,” university President Philip E. Austin said. “Many of our students are contemplating careers in law, and they are especially looking forward to the court sessions. But the judicial process is something of general interest, and I know this will be a valuable educational experience for all who attend.”

The criminal case, State of Connecticut vs. Mark St. John, will start at 10 a.m., and the civil case, Ricigliano vs. Ideal Forging Corp. et al, will start at noon. Arguments in both cases will last about an hour. A question-and-answer period with the attorneys involved in each case will follow each argument. Volunteer attorneys -- who meet with the students beforehand to prepare them for the arguments -- will facilitate these sessions. Attorney Kathryn Ward Bare, a special deputy assistant state attorney, is assigned to the civil case; Attorney Andrea Donovan Napp of Robinson & Cole is assigned to the criminal case. Both Attorney Bare and Attorney Napp are former Supreme Court law clerks.

News organizations may record, broadcast, televise and/or photograph all or part of these question-and-answer periods.

If a news organization wishes to broadcast, televise, record or photograph the actual arguments before the court, it must file a written request with the appellate court clerk (fax number 860-757-2217). The news organization also must send a certified copy of the written request to each counsel in the case. If the request is granted, only one television camera, still camera and audio system will be allowed into the arguments. Media organizations will be responsible for coordinating any pool arrangements.

The following items may not be brought into the ballroom during the event: cellular telephones, pagers, radios, laptop computers, cassette players, compact disc players, DVD players, televisions, recording devices, cameras and video equipment, boom boxes or any type of musical listening devices, backpacks, suitcases, duffel bags, bladed or pointed items, including but not limited to umbrellas, nail files, scissors and razors, knives of any kind, including key chain Swiss Army-type tools, weapons or dangerous instruments of any type, and food or beverages of any kind, including snacks, candy and gum. To help the screening process, it is recommended that guests not bring briefcases, backpacks, pocketbooks or bags.

For further information, please contact Rhonda Stearley-Hebert, manager of communications, Connecticut Judicial Branch, at 860-757-2270.