Students from Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School had a rare opportunity to step inside the world of appellate law this week, as the Smith County Bar Foundation hosted the 12th Court of Appeals for a live oral argument session at the Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center at Tyler Junior College.
The session, held in honor of Constitution Day, featured two real cases giving eighth graders a front-row seat to the judicial process. The event required participants to maintain court decorum while students took careful notes as attorneys presented their arguments and judges asked probing questions.
Attending the annual Constitution Day event offered students an unforgettable, hands-on learning experience. They saw how appellate courts focus on reviewing legal arguments rather than hearing new evidence, giving them a clear picture of how laws are interpreted and applied. They will find out the opinions from the judges when they are released in October.
Matt Rowan, President of the Smith County Bar Foundation, underscored the event’s educational value: “It’s a powerful opportunity to engage young minds in civic learning and observe our Constitution at work.”
Teachers agreed that the experience connected classroom lessons to real-world applications. “This brings the legal system to life for our students,” said Alejandra Grijalva, a Birdwell teacher. “They see the importance of constitutional principles and the role appellate courts play in shaping legal decisions.”
Beyond understanding how the court system works, the activity encouraged students to think critically, analyze both sides of an issue, and form their own opinions about the appeals. It also strengthened their sense of civic engagement, showing how constitutional principles continue to shape everyday life.
“Opportunities like this embody Tyler ISD’s vision that Next is Now,” said Dr. Bobby Markle, Chief Innovation Officer at Tyler ISD. “By connecting classroom learning with authentic, real-world experiences, we empower our students to think critically, engage as citizens, and see themselves as the leaders who will shape what comes next.”
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.