Two months from now, the Ohio Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in three cases in Sandusky County. The visit is part of the Supreme Court’s twice-a-year Off-Site Court program.

Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor and Justices Paul E. Pfeifer, Terrence O’Donnell, Judith Ann Lanzinger, Sharon L. Kennedy, Judith L. French, and William M. O’Neill will hear oral arguments beginning at 9 a.m. at Fremont Ross High School. The cases include: State v. V.M.D. (Case No. 2014-0990), Clayton v. Ohio Board of Nursing (Case No. 2014-1092), and State v. Leak (Case No. 2014-1273). Previews of the central arguments in each of these cases will be released in the coming weeks.

“Part of our mission as an institution is to educate the public about the court system,” Chief Justice O’Connor said of the 71st time the court will take its show on the road. “By conducting oral arguments in communities across Ohio, students have the opportunity to observe the court in action and how the judicial branch works.”

Besides the host school, nine other high schools will participate: Bellevue, Clyde, Gibsonburg, Lakota, Margaretta, Old Fort, St. Joseph Central Catholic, Temple Christian, and Woodmore.

Sandusky County Common Pleas Court Judge Barbara J. Ansted extended a formal invitation to the Supreme Court and is hosting the event along with the Sandusky County Bar Association, whose president is Sandusky County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Bradley J. Smith.

Initiated in 1987, Off-Site Court enhances students’ understanding of the legal system by providing an opportunity for them to observe proceedings in person and to interact with justices, attorneys, and court staff.

Students and teachers receive curriculum material to study beforehand, including summaries of the specific cases to be argued. Local attorneys team with educators at each participating school to explain Ohio’s judicial system and to review case materials.

On the morning of Sept. 16, students will participate in a question-and-answer session with the justices. In addition, after attending oral arguments, students will meet with the case attorneys for a debriefing and discussion of the legal issues.

Access background information and a video illustrating the program, including footage from past Off-Site Court sessions.