Students from Big Rapids High School and other local schools had the opportunity to watch the Michigan Supreme Court in action Wednesday morning as a part of the state's Court Community Connections program.
The program, which has been running since 2007, allows students to watch oral arguments to the court in person with a question and answer segment afterwards.
During the event, lawyers discussed case 167737, People of MI v Freddie Wilkins, III.
The arguments concerned whether "the search of the defendant’s vehicle was permissible under the automobile exception to the warrant requirement, where the trooper had probable cause to believe that the defendant was responsible for a civil infraction for possessing marijuana while under 21 years of age contrary to the protections of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act".
As the program began, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Commissioner Cheryl Nowak greeted the students, probing them to carefully consider the case and come up with questions.
"Students, as you watch this case, consider what the implications could be for the decision regarding whether the automobile exception to the warrant requirement applies to searches for evidence of civil infractions," Nowak said. "How could this decision affect other cases? I hope you have lots of questions and think of more questions as you watch oral argument."
The program has been around since 2007 and marked the 32nd time the court participated. 49th Circuit Court Chief Justice Kimberly Boer noted how even she had never had the opportunity to watch the Michigan Supreme Court in person before the event.
"Not only are there high school students here, but there are college students here that are watching our oral arguments in front of the Supreme Court, making memories today that will hopefully be able to be shared with their children and grandchildren someday," Boer said. "It is a rare opportunity for us to be able to see the oral arguments take place here in person in front of the Supreme Court."
Once the arguments concluded students asked questions on clarifications of the fourth amendment and whether or not the smell of marijuana can be considered in a search, as well as broader questions on the court itself.
A reception took place once the event concluded, allowing students to speak directly with the justices.
