Texas Judiciary Partnership with Sul Ross State University

By Gisselle Rueda, Skyline Reporter

ALPINE – In a unique collaboration between the Texas criminal justice system and Sul Ross State University, the Court of Criminal appeals will relocate to the Alpine campus to hear oral arguments in two high-profile murder cases. 

The arrangement was first proposed during May by three retiring judges who were interested in helping nurture the university’s Criminal Law Program. 

Ben Telesca, vice president of student affairs, said involving pre-law students in a real-life situation would present an important learning opportunity that could help them decide on whether to pursue a legal career. 

“Bringing students into the process is super encouraging and valuable to us,” Telesca said. 

All students are welcome to attend the oral arguments in front of the full bench of nine justices, from Sept. 30 to Oct 2. Additionally, students are invited to join the justices for networking and lunch. For those who can’t make the hearings, they will be live streamed on YouTube. Some students will be picked to serve as timekeepers and bailiffs. 

For more information, contact Kendra Dehart and/or Jessica Velasco. 

The two murder cases are Otis Tyrone Mckane V. The State of Texas and Aaron Rayshan Wells V. The State of Texas. All murder convictions in Texas, which by far has the highest rate of executions in the United States, are appealed.