The Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeals held arguments for hearings in the Student Union Theatre on March 19 and March 20 with each day beginning at 10 a.m.
Hearing over 35 cases, the Appellate Court included Judge James E. Kuhn, Judge John T. Pettigrew and Judge J. Michael McDonald. Kuhn is a Southeastern alum and has taught at the university in the past.
“Judge ‘Jimmy’ Kuhn, who is a judge on the first circuit, is a graduate of Southeastern,” said Head of the History and Political Science Department, Dr. William Robison. “He has a political science degree from Southeastern. He taught here part-time for a number of years in intro-level political science classes, so we have a long association with him.”
As the presiding member representing the district encircling Southeastern and acting as panel chief for the three judge-panel, Judge Kuhn originally pitched the idea of bringing the court to college campuses aforetime.
The appellate hearings were open to the public, including the student body. Specifically, criminal law classes were scheduled to attend the hearings along with students who could potentially receive extra credit for attending.
Once court was in session, the public had to abide by standard court guidelines. Silence was mandatory at all times during the hearings.
Extending over 16 parishes, the First Circuit Court reviews cases previously heard by lower courts. It is one of 5 appellate courts in Louisiana and consists of 12 judges altogether.  
Kuhn has previously stated his gratitude to President John L.  Crain and Robison for allowing the Appellate Court to hold hearings on campus.