BHS Participates in 'On Circuit'

The Connecticut Appellate Court will travel to 185 E. Main St., on Thursday, Oct. 18, to hear arguments in two cases, one civil and one criminal, as part of the Court’s annual “On Circuit” program.

This educational initiative began 16 years ago and is intended to provide students, educators and the public with a greater understanding of the Court and its role and procedures. The arguments, which are open to the public, will occur at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the high school’s auditorium.

Appellate Court Judge F. Herbert Gruendel is coordinating the visit. He said: “I am very proud to join my colleagues, Judge Robert E. Beach Jr. and Judge Richard A. Robinson, to be at the Appellate Court session at Branford High School – in a town where I was a principal, where all of my sons went to school and where one is now a teacher. I am also very grateful to Branford High School for hosting this event and to attorneys Andrew Campbell, Martha Wieler and Robert Casale, who are helping prepare the students in advance of the arguments.” 

“Branford High School is proud to host this event,” Vice Principal Anna Puglia said. “We also want to thank those instrumental in organizing the visit, including the Hon. F. Herbert Gruendel, a Branford native; the Hon. Robert E. Beach Jr.; the Hon. Richard A. Robinson; the Branford High School Social Studies and Forensics Science departments; and area lawyers and dignitaries. More than 500 students will attend the arguments, which will be of great educational value.”

The civil case, Robin Mulcahy v. Gary E. Hartell, D.C., will be heard at 9 a.m., and the criminal case, State v. Christopher Doyle, will be heard at 10 a.m. Arguments in each case will last approximately 40 minutes. A question-and-answer period with counsel from the case and faculty from Branford High School will follow each argument.

Judicial marshals will screen everyone entering the auditorium, and bladed or pointed items, weapons, food and beverages are not allowed. Guests are requested to not bring in briefcases, backpacks or large bags.