College of Law to host Tennessee Court of Appeals

The University of Tennessee College of Law will host the Tennessee Court of Appeals on Feb. 20, turning a classroom into a courtroom where four appellate cases will be presented.

Judges John Westley McClarty, Thomas R. Frierson and W. Neal McBrayer, three judges from among the 12-member Tennessee Court of Appeals, will journey to the university campus to demonstrate the work of the appellate court, giving Tennessee residents and students an opportunity to witness the legal system in action.

“We are truly honored that judges from Tennessee’s prestigious Court of Appeals would make the effort to sit at the College of Law and interact with our students,” College of Law Dean Melanie Wilson said.

After hearing the arguments of the cases, yet to be finalized, the judges will speak to the audience and answer questions about the appellate process. Opinions deciding the cases will be issued by the court at a later date.

Professor Penny White, who oversees the students planning the event, said the “docket day” exposes students to the appellate process in a unique way.

“When law students have the opportunity to see the legal system up close in action, it is always a tremendous benefit for their preparation as lawyers,” White said. “We feel fortunate to be able to host this event and look forward to expanding our students’ learning through the process.”

The event takes place in the College of Law, Room 237 beginning at 9 a.m. It is open to the public.