We are delighted that the Texas Supreme Court has set oral arguments in the Fort Worth and Northwest Texas (San Angelo) cases for October 16, 2012 to begin at 9:00 a.m. in the Supreme Court’s Courtroom in Austin.
General information regarding oral arguments before the Court is posted on the Court’s website at www.supreme.courts.state.tx.us/oralarguments/oa.asp.
In the Fort Worth case, general information regarding case events, with direct links to the various pleadings, briefs, and other documents filed in the case, is located at www.search.txcourts.gov/Case.aspx?cn=11-0265.
In the Northwest Texas case, general information regarding case events, with direct links to the various pleadings, briefs, and other documents filed in the case, is located at www.search.txcourts.gov/Case.aspx?cn=11-0332.
Episcopalians in the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth have multiple opportunities to watch and listen to the court proceedings:
- Live Video: The State Bar of Texas distributes live video broadcasts of oral arguments before the Supreme Court, with links from State Bar website. Instructions and information are posted at www.texasbarcle.com/CLE/TSC.asp .
- Audio Recordings: The Supreme Court also posts MP3 audio recordings of oral arguments to allow ready access to the arguments by the public and lawyers across the state. The recordings are usually posted within a few hours of the oral argument. Instructions and information are posted at www.supreme.courts.state.tx.us/oralarguments/audio.aspon the Court’s website.
- Attend the proceedings in Austin: If you are brave enough to take on a six-hour round trip, Austin morning rush hour traffic, Capitol area parking challenges, and a contest for limited courtroom seating, the Supreme Court’s courtroom is open for members of the public to watch oral arguments in cases presented to the Court. We expect much competition for seats from the many Episcopalians and former Episcopalians on both sides of both the Fort Worth and Northwest Texas cases, as well as from the bishops, the named parties themselves, and the parties’ attorneys on both sides, as well as media representatives, and others interested in this nationally high-profile case.
A link to a map of the Capitol Complex is www.tspb.state.tx.us/spb/Plan/FloorPlan/pdf/Accessguide.pdf
Oral arguments begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and are held in the Supreme Court’s Courtroom on the first floor of the SUPREME COURT BUILDING at 201 W. 14th Street (corner of 14th & Colorado), located on the west side of the Capitol Building.
Parking is available in the State Visitor Parking Garage at 1201 San Jacinto, between 12th and 13th Streets on San Jacinto, located on the east side of the Capitol Building.
For the Episcopalians who intend to try to attend the proceedings in person: Please contact Chancellor Kathleen Wells at chancellor@episcopaldiocesefortworth.org to discuss courtroom expectations and logistics, e.g., parking, cell phones, decorum, dress code, etc.
- Video and Audio Recordings: For your later access, the Diocese will also post on its own website links to the video and audio recordings as soon as possible after the arguments are completed on October 16.
Who is up for a “watch party” on October 16? How about scheduling a “Supreme Court Watch Party” in each deanery, with a digital projector, screen, speakers, and laptop with an Internet connection to the State Bar’s live video link? Unlike those sitting in the courtroom, or worse yet, those standing in the hall outside because they could not get a seat in the courtroom, you will have the best seats in the house.
Let me know if you have any questions. Please keep the Church and all of the parties, their attorneys, and the faithful Anglicans on both sides in your prayers.
Kathleen Wells, Chancellor
Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth