In honor of Black History Month, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal will hold court at Dillard University to hear oral arguments on five pending cases. The session is part of an ongoing effort to educate students and the public about the work of the appellate court. The session will convene at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6 in the Justice Revius O. Ortique Jr. Mock Trial Center. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal Judges Dennis Bagneris, Terri Love and Madeleine Landrieu will hear the oral arguments.

“Justice Ortique was a judicial trailblazer, civil rights activist, and mentor to many judges, and we are honored to hold oral arguments at a location that recognizes him and his contributions to Louisiana law and public service,” Love said.

The late Ortique was the first African-American elected to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court. As an attorney and judge, he engaged in many landmark decisions. The Justice Revius O. Ortique Jr. Mock Trial Center grew out of Dillard University’s commitment to undergraduate students who seek careers in law, government service, criminal justice, social work, public policy, and environmental justice.

In advance of the oral arguments, Love and attorney Adria Kimbrough, wife of Dillard President Walter Kimbrough, will host an information session on Jan. 31 at noon in the West Wing of Kearny Hall. “The information session will give students and the public an overview of the appellate court process and an opportunity to ask questions,” Love said.

Both events are free and open to the public. Students are encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact Mona Duffel-Jones at (504) 816-4024.