04/08/15
The Kansas Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on three cases when it convenes in a special session on Monday, April 13, at Fort Hays State University.

Dr. Mirta M. Martin, FHSU president, noted that the session in Hays from 6:30 p.m. to about 8:30 p.m. Monday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall, would provide a rare firsthand opportunity to learn about the high court, its work and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.

"I encourage members of the Tiger family and the general public to participate in this historic event," she said. It will be the Supreme Court's first visit to Hays in its 154-year history. It is also believed to be the first time the court will hear cases in the evening.

The docket includes:
• Appeal No. 102,256 and 102,257: State of Kansas v. Heather Page Hilton, on a petition for review of a case that originated in Ellis County.
• Appeal No. 109,796: City of Atwood v. Richard David Pianalto, on a petition for review of a case that originated in Rawlins County.
• Appeal No. 105,183: State of Kansas v. Steve Kelly Moyer, on a criminal appeal of a case that originated in Sherman County.

Summaries of the cases and briefs filed by the attorneys involved are available online by following the Hays Supreme Court Docket link under "What's New" on the Kansas Judicial Branch website at www.kscourts.org.

Sheridan Hall will open at 5:30 p.m. Entrance will be available only through the doors at the front of the building, facing Park Street. Those who attend the special session should plan to arrive at Sheridan Hall before 6 p.m. to allow time to get through security screening.

Court security officials offer these guidelines to ease the process:
• Do not bring large bags, large purses, backpacks, computer cases or briefcases.
• Do not bring knives, pepper spray, firearms or weapons.
• Do not bring electronic devices such as laptop computers, handheld games, personal digital assistants or tablets. If you have to carry a cell phone, it must be turned off or its ringer silenced, and it must be stored out of sight while court is in session.
• Do not bring food or drink.

Members of the audience are prohibited from talking during oral arguments because it interferes with the attorneys' remarks and questions asked by the justices. If someone arrives after proceedings start, or must leave the auditorium before it ends, he or she should be as quiet as possible entering and exiting the auditorium. Talking in the hallway outside the auditorium is also discouraged.

After the hearing concludes, the justices will greet the public in an informal reception in the Dreiling Lobby at the front of Sheridan Hall.

A live stream of the special session will be available on the Internet by selecting the "Watch Supreme Court Live!" link on the judicial branch home page at www.kscourts.org.