The Mississippi Court of Appeals will hold a session at Alcorn State University in Lorman on March 31, according to a March 27 announcement. The court will hear oral arguments in a civil appeal beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Gold Room on the second floor of the Clinton Bristow Jr. Dining Hall.
The event is part of the Court on the Road program, which aims to provide students and members of the public with an opportunity to observe appellate court proceedings firsthand. By bringing sessions to college campuses and other locations, the court seeks to enhance understanding of how appeals are handled within Mississippi’s judicial system.
Judge Deborah McDonald, who serves on the Court of Appeals and is an alumna of Alcorn State University, said that observing legal proceedings can increase awareness about how government works. “An educated society is always a better society,” McDonald said.
During this visit, judges will preside over oral arguments in Ocean Blue Land & Timber Co., LLC and Patrick Terrell v. Tatia Marsolais, cause number 2024-CA-00154-COA—a case involving a dispute over property deeds related to land sales in Jefferson Davis County that has lasted for fifteen years. Attorneys for both sides will have thirty minutes each for their presentations and questions from judges. Afterward, judges plan to speak with students about legal careers but will not discuss details regarding pending cases.
Members of the public are invited but should arrive fifteen minutes before proceedings begin. Media representatives wishing to photograph or record must file appropriate notices as outlined by court rules; additional guidance and forms are available through official judiciary resources online.
Judge McDonald said she hopes witnessing these proceedings may inspire more students toward careers in law because lawyers serve communities across many types of legal issues beyond criminal defense.