The Illinois Supreme Court is coming to Macomb.
Justices will hear oral arguments in two cases beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11 in the University Union Grand Ballroom at Western Illinois University. The doors will open at 8:30 a.m., and the university is encouraging people to arrive by 9:30 a.m.
A moderated question-and-answer session with 9th Judicial Circuit Court Judges Heidi Benson and Nigel Graham, along with attorney Emily Sutton, will follow the oral arguments.
Details about the cases will be released later.
In a news release, the university said area middle and high schools are invited to bring students. Schools interested in attending can RSVP at go.wiu.edu/groups by Wednesday, March 4, or contact Interim Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations Amy Crosby at al-crosby@wiu.edu.
The university also said a limited number of seats are available to the public. Those interested in attending should RSVP at go.wiu.edu/individual by Wednesday, March 4 or contact the Director of Donor Relations and Special Events, Drew Donahoo, at am-donahoo@wiu.edu.
The hearings will also be livestreamed on Western’s YouTube channel.
Justices travel the state to hear cases as part of the high court’s Riding the Circuit program to raise awareness of the role courts play in interpreting state law.
In the news release, Illinois Supreme Court Justice and WIU alumna Mary K. O’Brien said, “We hope to show the WIU community that the Court is a transparent forum where every argument and action is tested against the framework of the Illinois Constitution and the rule of law, which ultimately serves as the bedrock of our free society.”