The Nebraska Supreme Court conducted oral arguments at the University of Nebraska College of Law on March 5, 2026. This session allowed law students and undergraduate participants from the University of Nebraska Kearney’s Law Opportunities Program to observe four cases presented in the school’s courtroom. It was also the first time newly appointed Justice Derek Vaughn participated in a law school argument session.
Following the proceedings, students engaged with the justices during a question-and-answer segment. Discussion topics included legal writing and research, the oral argument process, experiences as a law clerk, and judicial responsibilities.
Since 1980, the Nebraska Supreme Court has regularly held argument sessions at the law school to give students direct exposure to real court proceedings led by professional attorneys. The program has become an important component of legal education in Nebraska, providing opportunities for students to connect academic study with practical legal experience.
The State of Nebraska Judicial Branch engages communities through educational initiatives such as traveling oral arguments at schools and provides resources on guardianship and mediation. More information is available on their official website. The branch maintains court facilities across urban and rural areas within its 18 judicial districts to ensure public access (source). The Supreme Court consists of seven justices and works alongside judges from appellate, district, and county courts (source). The Judicial Branch emphasizes delivering justice with integrity while supporting self-represented litigants and improving community access to legal resources (source).
