The Connecticut Appellate Court, at the invitation of the University of New Haven's Legal Society and Legal Studies Program, will travel to the University of New Haven on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, to hear arguments in two criminal cases. The arguments will take place in Dodds Theater on the university campus, located at 300 Boston Post Road in West Haven.

The court's appearance at UNH is part of an ongoing educational initiative of the Connecticut Judicial Branch to acquaint students, educators and the general public with the role and responsibilities of the court process. Prior to the oral arguments, members of the New Haven County Bar Association will meet with the students to discuss the court system and provide an overview of the cases to be argued.

Chief Judge Joseph P. Flynn will be the presiding judge on the panel. “We believe that having students attend Appellate Court oral arguments gives the students a greater understanding of our legal process. We appreciate the hospitality that has been extended to us by the University of New Haven in hosting this event. I feel a connection with the University of New Haven because my late cousin David Hennessey served in the university administration and once taught labor law there." Chief Judge Flynn said. Judge Lubbie Harper, Jr., a 1965 graduate of UNH and a recipient of UNH's Distinguished Alumni Award, will also serve on the panel, along with Judge Richard A. Robinson.

UNH President Dr. Steven H. Kaplan looks upon the on circuit visit as a great experience for the university: “Having UNH students hear Connecticut Appellate Court arguments right here on campus underscores the University’s commitment to experiential education. To extend our commitment to our neighbors, students in UNH’s Legal Society and Legal Studies Program have invited the West Haven High School AP American government and civil/criminal law classes and mock trial team to take part in this unique opportunity.”

The arguments are open to the public. The first case, State v. Channy Nee Khuth, will start at 9:30 a.m. and involves whether the defendant was aided in an assault by two or more other persons. The court will also consider whether a statement to the police should have been suppressed as the product of the defendant’s intoxication.

The second case, State v. Stephen J. Walters, will start at 10:50 a.m. and involves whether the defendant’s convictions of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and interfering with an officer were supported by sufficient evidence. The court will also consider whether a conviction under General Statutes Section 14-227a (a) (1) requires proof that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired.

Arguments in each case will last for approximately 40 minutes. A question-and-answer period with arguing counsel, Yale Law School Professor Sarah Russell and Quinnipiac University School of Law Professor Elizabeth Marsh will follow each argument. The judges do not participate in the question and answer periods or discussions about the cases.

Attorney Jane I. Milas, President-elect of the New Haven County Bar Association, and moderator of these sessions said, “The New Haven County Bar Association is delighted to participate with the Judicial Branch and the University of New Haven in order to provide a very special learning opportunity for UNH and West Haven High School students. Students will not only hear appellate arguments of actual cases, but will also have the unique opportunity to discuss the cases and the legal system with the appellate attorneys, attorneys from the New Haven County Bar, and faculty members from Yale and Quinnipiac Law Schools and UNH.”

News media organizations may record, broadcast, televise, and photograph the oral arguments in compliance with the rules governing cameras in the Appellate Court and the protocol adopted by the Court. In particular, please note that the protocol requires media outlets to make pooling arrangements among themselves if there are multiple requests to videotape, broadcast, televise, record or photograph the same argument. For information, contact Jim Senich at 860-757-2270 by Tuesday, Sept. 23.

Representatives of the news media do not need to pool if they wish to videotape, broadcast, televise, record or photograph the question-and-answer periods.

The following items may not be brought into the courtroom: bladed or pointed items, weapons, food and beverages. To help facilitate the screening process and movement in and out of the theater, it is recommended that guests not bring briefcases, backpacks, pocketbooks or bags.

For additional information about this program, please contact Jim Senich, Manager of Communications, for the Connecticut Judicial Branch at 860-757-2270.