Nebraska Supreme Court to Hold Court Session at Kearney High School

March 25, 2025 Kearney High School students will get a rare firsthand look at the judicial process from inside their school when the Nebraska Supreme Court convenes a special Law Day session in the Kearney High auditorium on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. This marks the first time the Court has held arguments at Kearney High, an event made possible through the invitation of Principal Jeff Ganz.

The visit underscores the Court’s commitment to civics education and public engagement, a mission supported by the Nebraska State Bar Foundation.

The session will begin shortly after 10:00 a.m., with Principal Ganz setting expectations for students as the auditorium temporarily transforms into an official courtroom. Local attorney Tom Tye will provide insight into the history and significance of Law Day, observed annually on May 1, while Judge John Rademacher will explain the key differences between trial and appellate courts.

The justices will hear arguments in two cases: State of Nebraska v. John Parks, Sr., a criminal appeal from Douglas County, and Estate of Paul A. Knapp, a civil appeal from Dodge County concerning a premarital agreement and a family allowance dispute.

As with all Nebraska Supreme Court argument sessions, this event is open to the public. Audio and most video recordings of past proceedings are available in the oral argument archive on the Nebraska Judicial Branch website.