Missouri Western Court of Appeals to hear three cases at Westminster

The public will have an opportunity to observe three Missouri Western Court of Appeals cases on Thursday, Nov. 14 at Westminster College.

First-degree murder, suspended driver's license and a civil suit involving Shelter Mutual Insurance are the basis of the three cases, chosen by clerk for the court Terry Lord. He said the court tries to find cases that are near the hearing location.

In the appellate court, judges listen to attorney arguments that detail the original case. The attorneys can state if they believe the trial in circuit court was flawed and would warrant a possible decision reversal.

Lord said because the Missouri Western Court of Appeals is located in Kansas City, it's not convenient for people in the court's district to witness proceedings.

The purpose the western appellate court going "on the road," he said, is to educate the public on how the appellate court system works. Audience members can ask questions during the hearings.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.