Anderson, Turpin Government Students Gain First-Hand Experience with First District Court of Appeals Visit

Anderson and Turpin High School students taking second semester government were invited to view live court of appeals cases at Anderson High School. FHSD and Anderson High School welcomed Ohio’s First District Court of Appeals to Titus Auditorium. As part of its Courtroom in the Community program, the First District provides local communities with the opportunity to view the Ohio Judicial System in action. 

Anderson and Turpin government students had approximately 45 minutes dedicated to Q&A with the judges after watching the Court of Appeals in session. This was an incredible opportunity for students to see first-hand the workings of law and have the chance to ask questions for more insight into the profession. 

The First District Court of Appeals in Ohio is one of 12 appellate districts and deals with cases throughout Hamilton County. Its job is to review decisions made by lower courts and see if they were correct. At Anderson High School, a panel of three judges, which included Presiding Judge Ginger Bock, Judge Robert Winkler and Judge Jennifer Kinsley, heard two cases–one about a crime and one about something civil, or non-criminal. Each side in these cases received 15 minutes to explain their point of view. 

Before making a decision, the judges read documents, check records from the lower court and conduct research. After hearing arguments, they discuss the cases, and one judge is randomly chosen to write a detailed explanation of their decision, which is called an opinion. If another judge disagrees, they can write a different opinion called a dissenting opinion. This whole process is public and can be viewed on the court’s Youtube page. 

Students were able to participate in this experience thanks to the Community Partnership Program.