Staff report

SALEM — The Seventh District Court of Appeals returned to the classroom March 4 when its judges held oral arguments at Salem High School as part of the court’s “Back-to-School Program.”

With a court session in the auditorium of Salem High School, the students had first-row seats to the judicial system at work.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Seventh District Court of Appeals for holding oral arguments in front of our students. It gave them a firsthand look at how our judicial system works, far beyond what they can learn in a textbook,” said Principal Todd McLaughlin.

The students observed four oral arguments, including three criminal matters and one civil case. Presiding and Administrative Judge Cheryl L. Waite stressed the diverse backgrounds of each member of the judiciary on the appellate bench and encouraged the students to consider a career in law.

“I commend the students for their composure and attention during the oral arguments. I would also like to extend our gratitude to Principal McLaughlin and all the educators at Salem High School for their commitment to such unique learning opportunities for their students,” she said.

The session provided a glimpse into the practice of appellate law. “Watching real attorneys present their cases and seeing the judges ask thoughtful questions was a powerful, real-life learning experience,” McLaughlin said.

Students engaged in a discussion with the judges at the conclusion of the session on issues such as the decision-making process.

The Seventh District Court of Appeals is one of 12 appellate districts in the State of Ohio. The Court has jurisdiction over eight counties — Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Jefferson, Mahoning, Monroe and Noble, according to the court’s website. The 7th District is on West Federal Street in Youngstown.

The court consists of four judges who are all elected by popular vote, serving terms of six years. Each case on appeal is reviewed by a panel of three judges, one of whom is randomly assigned to write a decision after reviewing the record and the briefs filed in the case. The decision, once released, can be appealed further to the Ohio Supreme Court