Wednesday, May 16, 2007

WILMINGTON, N.C. - The North Carolina Court of Appeals will hear four cases when it holds session at the University of North Carolina Wilmington beginning at 9:30 a.m., Monday, May 21 in the Fisher Student Center Lumina Theatre.

Judges hearing the cases will be Chief Judge John C. Martin, Judge Sanford L. Steelman Jr. and Judge Linda Stephens. They will hear oral arguments in four cases: State v. McLamb; State v. Hess; Farley, et al v. Holler, et al; and Griner v. Griner. Another eight cases will be heard without oral argument.

Bringing the session to Wilmington provides a rare opportunity for the public and students to observe the North Carolina Court of Appeals in session. Students from Isaac Bear Early College High School are expected to attend along with UNC Wilmington students enrolled in a sociology and criminal justice course about criminal courts.

All visitors will be screened for security purposes. Leave backpacks and large tote bags at home. Please also leave laptops, cell phones, PDAs and pagers in your car or office. Such devices will not be allowed in.

Media are invited to cover this event. However, the court session MAY NOT be captured in any way including photographs, video or audio recordings. Photo ops will be available at the conclusion of the session.

Court of Appeals Judge John Marsh Tyson is a 1974 graduate of UNCW and 2006 Alumnus of the Year award winner. He was instrumental in suggesting UNCW as a location to hold a session outside Raleigh.

For additional information, contact Mimi Cunningham at 910.962.3171 or cunninghamm@uncw.edu.