Colorado Supreme Court Hears Cases at Falcon High School

Falcon High School students witnessed the Colorado Supreme Court as it heard live oral arguments in two court cases in the auditorium on Thursday, May 15, as part of the Colorado Judicial Department’s “Courts in the Community” outreach program. 

“I thought it was a very cool opportunity to have a real live experience,” said Taylee Black, FHS junior. “You learn stuff in the classroom. We read the textbooks and go over all the slide shows. It was just a cool experience to be there in the courtroom. Experience it firsthand.”

“It was nice to see something where you didn’t have to rely on watching TV,” said Nathaniel (Nate) Gbekobu, FHS senior. “I felt like seeing this up close was interesting, especially when you are in a school setting.” 

These are real cases being argued in front of students as the FHS auditorium was considered a courtroom. Courts in the Community is an educational program that gives high school students a firsthand look at how the Colorado judicial system operates and how disputes are resolved in a democratic society. 

“It’s an incredible opportunity for our students to see the judicial process in action and get to watch and learn to see how the judicial part of government works,” said Falcon Zone Superintendent Brian Smith. “We are honored to be selected by the Colorado Supreme Court to host them and let our kids participate in the process.”

The program began in 1986. The Colorado Supreme Court goes to about two high schools each year to hear cases. Colorado Court of Appeals does it four times a year. 

“We want to make this tangible and accessible to kids, to help them realize this is a gettable goal or dream for them. When they see it right in front of them they realize these are just people doing things that are obtainable for them too,” said FHS Principal Seann O’Conner. “There is also learning in watching the legal process in action is valuable.” 

The two cases that were heard are Hobbs v. City of Salida and People v. Hollis.

At issue in the Hobbs v. City of Salida civil case is whether a local government can grant a

permit allowing for increased noise limits to a private, for-profit business that is holding an event on private property. The Court will consider the meaning of the Noise Abatement Statute.

At issue in the People v. Hollis criminal case is whether a defendant can be required to pay restitution to a police department for money the department used to execute a controlled drug buy, and which the department never recovered. 

The justices did not provide a verdict in either case, but will discuss the matter further before issuing an opinion. 

Students from two classes, civics and Ethics and Legal Issues in Healthcare attended the hearings. After each case, they were able to ask the attorneys questions. Topics covered law school to what they liked about their jobs. At the end of court, the students were then able to ask all of the justice questions. 

Taylee liked the “Q&A.” I thought it was awesome. It just showed how they are regular people. Helps to recognize the awesome things they can do in our state.” 

About a dozen students had the honor of eating lunch with the justices. 

One highlight for Nate was a light-hearted moment during the proceedings. He was able to talk about that moment with one of the justices at lunch. At the beginning of the first case, an attorney called a justice by the wrong name. “Everyone was laughing,” Nate said. “It showed we are all human—regardless of what they are doing, what their job is or their status.”