The Connecticut Appellate Court will travel to Bassick High School in Bridgeport on Thursday, April 30, 2009, to hear arguments in one criminal and one civil case. The arguments will take place in the main auditorium, located at 1181 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport.

The court’s appearance at Bassick High School is part of an ongoing educational initiative of the Connecticut Judicial Branch to acquaint students, educators and the public with the role and responsibilities of the court process. Both arguments are open to the public. Prior to the oral arguments, Bridgeport Bar Association President Richard A. Cerrato, Attorney Michael Ewing and Attorney Jarad Lucan will be meeting with Bassick High School students to provide an overview of the court system and the cases to be argued.

The arguments will commence at 10:00 a.m. in the criminal case, State v. Ontario I. Gainey. The civil case, Ann Swanson, Administratrix (Estate of Grover Bressert, Sr.) et. al. v. City of Groton et. al., will begin at 11:00 a.m. Arguments in each case will last approximately 40 minutes. A question and answer period with the arguing attorneys will follow each argument. The judges do not participate in the question and answer periods or discussions about the cases.

Appellate Court Chief Judge Joseph P. Flynn will be the presiding judge on the panel. He will be joined on the bench by Judge Richard A. Robinson and Judge Trial Referee William J. Lavery. “We believe that students in our state’s largest city will benefit from witnessing actual appeals being argued.” Judge Flynn said. “We are grateful for the cooperation received from Principal Ronald Remy and faculty members of Bassick High School.”

Principal Remy commented, “The Appellate Court visit to Bassick High School will be a rare opportunity for students and teachers in our Government & Human Services Academy to experience authentic learning. Students will have the opportunity to connect what they have been learning in the classroom with the real world.”

Attorneys Cerrato and Ewing have coordinated their efforts with Bassick High School Principal Remy and social studies teacher Jason Purzycki. Attorney Cerrato said, “This year, the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association has included the Appellate Court session at Bassick High School as part of its annual Law Day program. We are preparing the students to understand the appellate process.”

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, which is available on the Judicial Branch’s website at www.jud.ct.gov. 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 Wednesday, April 29th.

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 auditorium, 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.