KAILUA, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court convened today at Kailua High School, giving more than 300 students the opportunity to observe oral argument in an actual case. Students from various schools attended as part of the Judiciary’s Courts in the Community outreach program.
They watched attorneys representing both parties present their legal arguments in a specific case involving a defendant accused of operating a vehicle under the influence. Following the oral argument, students had the chance to engage in two question-and-answer sessions with the attorneys and the five justices.
Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald expressed the significance of the event, stating, "Today was our 20th Courts in the Community event... This would not have been possible without the support of the many HSBA members and staff who have given of their time and expertise to help Hawaiʻi’s next generation of leaders gain a clearer understanding of our system of justice."
Acknowledging the collaborative effort involved, Chief Justice Recktenwald extended gratitude to the teachers, the Hawaii State Bar Association, the Hawaii State Bar Foundation, and the volunteer attorneys for their contributions to the success of the program.
HSBA President Jesse Souki also commended the volunteer attorneys, saying, "Thank you to our attorneys who volunteered their time to learn the case and visit participating classrooms to engage with students."
The event was made possible with the support of the Hawaii State Bar Association and the Hawaii State Bar Foundation, which provided the students with lunches and transportation. The proceedings were livestreamed on the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary’s YouTube channel and broadcast live on ʻŌlelo Community Media Television.
Courts in the Community serves as a hands-on civics education initiative, aiming to enhance students' understanding of the Judiciary's role in government and how disputes are resolved in a democracy. Students had the opportunity to study a curriculum developed by the Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center and engage in a moot court activity facilitated by attorneys from the HSBA.