Visiting judges to hear cases at GU

Gonzaga University School of Law is hosting three judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for a public hearing of two cases Wednesday.

But students, faculty and staff will have first preference for seating. Only eight of 144 seats on the main floor of the Barbieri Courtroom remain open to the public, said Susan Harmon, assistant to the dean.

“Normally, these things are open. But we have not publicized that. We’ve done nothing but send e-mail to faculty, staff and students,” Harmon said. “If we open this up to the public, what do we do with the 200-plus people who have signed up and already expect the seat?”

However, Dave Madden, spokesman for the 9th Circuit, said law school officials were confused and the public is welcome to attend.

Former Gonzaga student Lea Conner-Dudley said she initially was denied a seat but later was told she could attend after checking with Madden.

“I just don’t like the idea of someone deciding who can attend a public hearing of a public body,” Conner-Dudley said. “Here they are teaching the law, but they aren’t following the court’s direction.”

The three judges will hear two 1983 cases, one from Stevens County and one involving the city of Kennewick.

The hearing will start at 9:30 a.m., but anyone wishing to attend should arrive early because of security and seating concerns, Harmon said.