The Minnesota Supreme Court is set to conduct oral arguments at Montevideo High School on October 11, as part of its outreach initiative aimed at educating students about the state's judicial system. The session will feature the case Minnesota v. Anthony James Trifiletti, followed by a question-and-answer segment with the justices.
Justice Natalie Hudson emphasized the program's value: “The Supreme Court Traveling Oral Arguments program not only gives young people an up-close-and-personal look at our judicial system, it also allows them to ask us questions about it.” She added that the interaction is mutually beneficial: “The students aren’t the only ones who enjoy this—we love meeting with them and helping them learn about Minnesota’s judicial system.”
Participants in this educational event include students from several high schools: Yellow Medicine East, Lac qui Parle Valley, Dawson-Boyd, MACCRAY, and Montevideo High School. After the morning proceedings, justices will engage with students over lunch and visit classrooms for more personalized discussions.
Ahead of the court session, a community dinner will take place on October 10 at 6 p.m. at the Montevideo Armory Training and Community Center. Justice Hudson encouraged public participation in this event: “The community dinner is a great way for people to meet Supreme Court justices in a relaxed atmosphere.” Tickets are available online until noon on October 3 for $15 but won't be sold at the venue.
Initiated in 1995, the Traveling Oral Arguments program aims to foster understanding and trust in the judiciary by visiting two high schools annually—one each during spring and fall—with each fall visit featuring a community dinner. The upcoming event marks their 53rd such engagement.