Supreme Court to hold 2 cases TOMORROW at Eastern

'On Circuit' program returns with cases on warrantless entry, freedom of information

Willimantic, CT (10/18/2022) — Eastern Connecticut State University will host the Connecticut Supreme Court on Oct. 19 as it hears two cases at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., respectively. The event marks the resumption of the Court's "On Circuit" program, which has been suspended since 2020 due to the pandemic.

"On Circuit" provides students, educators and the public with a greater understanding of the appellate process. The Supreme Court has heard arguments at several universities and colleges since the program began in 1986-the justices first visited Eastern in 2003; this is their second visit to the campus.

"We are so pleased to resume the 'On Circuit' program with a visit to Eastern's beautiful campus," said Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson. "This is the second time we've heard arguments at Eastern, and it is always a pleasure to be there to educate students about the appellate process. We are very grateful to the university for its hospitality and assistance in planning the event and to Volunteer Attorney Cody Guarnieri, himself a graduate of Eastern, and faculty at Eastern for familiarizing the students with the cases and appellate process."

"Eastern is extremely proud to welcome the Connecticut Supreme Court justices back to our lovely campus for their 'On Circuit' program on Oct. 19," said Eastern President Elsa Nunez. "Our students and community will gain powerful knowledge of the inner workings of our justice system by watching the justices deliberate the two cases on their docket that day. At Eastern, employability is a major focus, and having our students watch the justices engaged in debate may persuade these young people to one day pursue a law career. Thank you for choosing Eastern as the first location to resume this wonderful program in Connecticut."

When & where:

Wednesday, Oct. 19, in the Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) Concert Hall. The first argument will start at 10 a.m.; the second case is scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m. A 20-minute question-and-answer period with counsel from the case, students and faculty will follow each argument. Please allow enough time to clear security upon arrival; also, no backpacks will be allowed inside the center.

First case:

The 10 a.m. case is State of Connecticut v. Shaila M. Curet, from the Waterbury Judicial District. At issue is whether the Appellate Court correctly concluded that warrantless entry by police into the defendant's apartment was not justified under the Exigent Circumstances Doctrine or the Emergency Doctrine.

Second case:

The 11:30 a.m. case is John Drumm, Chief of Police, et al. v. Freedom of Information Commission et al., from the New Britain Judicial District. At issue is whether the trial court erred in determining that requested police records were not exempt from disclosure under state law and whether the trial court erred in concluding that substantial evidence in the record supported the FOIC's findings.

Camera rules:

If a media organization wishes to submit a camera request, please review Chapter 70 of the Connecticut Practice Book and the Protocol for the Broadcasting, Televising, Recording or Photographing of Supreme Court Oral Arguments.

For more information:

External Affairs Division, Connecticut Judicial Branch, 860-757-2270.