Oral Arguments Notice

     

    NOTICE

    Security

    When oral arguments are scheduled, admittance to the courtrooms of the Nebraska Supreme Court and Nebraska Court of Appeals is permitted only upon compliance with security requirements.  Before entering the courtrooms you will be required to walk through a metal detecting device.  Personal items, such as brief cases and purses, will be inspected by security personnel on duty.  Therefore, it would be helpful not to bring unnecessary materials to oral arguments. 

    Entering and exiting the courtroom

    Entering and exiting the courtroom is limited to the following time periods:

    • before and after the court session.
    • when a recess is taken by the court.
    • between cases when attorneys are changing places.

    Restrictions

    • Under no circumstances are food or drinks to be taken into the courtroom.  Hats and caps shall be removed.
    • Except for assigned oral arguments, silence shall be maintained at all times during the court session.
    • No photographs or recordings of court proceedings are allowed except as provided by Supreme Court Rule 17.
    • All electronic devices should be silenced during oral arguments.  If used during oral arguments, they should be positioned in a manner not to interfere with microphones or recording equipment of the Court.  Internet access may not be available so download documents prior to your arrival at oral arguments. 

    Lawyer's room 

    The lawyer’s room, located directly to the south of the courtroom, is now open for attorney use.

    Display equipment 

    A document stand camera and 50" plasma TV are now available in the courtroom for use in displaying exhibits or other documents during oral argument.  If you wish to utilize this equipment, please advise the bailiff prior to the start of the court session.  Instructions regarding the use of this equipment are available on our web site at https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/Courts/av-instructional-sheet.pdf. If you require additional information, please contact the Clerk's Office at 2413 State Capitol, 402-471-3731.

    Restrooms

    A restroom is located outside the lawyer's room.  A women's restroom is located at the end of the hallway to the west of the courtrooms.  A men's restroom is located down the west hallway and around the corner.

    Nebraska Supreme Court Policy for Audio Files Available over the internet​

    • Notice to Attorneys

    Digital audio files of appellate court proceedings held before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals (the “Court”) are uploaded to the Judicial Branch website within 24-hours of that day’s oral arguments, unless otherwise directed by the Court. All oral arguments of the Court are livestreamed from the appellate courtrooms through Nebraska Public Media’s Live & On Demand: State Government website, http://nebraskapublicmedia.org, and the video is uploaded and can be found on the Judicial Branch website.

    •  Limiting Personal Information

    If confidential information is stated on the record in open court, it will become publicly available through the audio file, video file, and live streaming of the oral argument. Since counsel and the parties are solely responsible for guaranteeing that confidential information be protected, the better practice is to avoid stating confidential or sensitive information during oral argument. Also, counsel and the parties are advised that audio files and video files cannot be edited before they are uploaded to the website.

    If confidential information is stated during oral argument, counsel or the parties may move the Court to seal, restrict, or otherwise prohibit placement of the audio file or video file on the Judicial Branch website.

    • Privacy Rules

    Nebraska court rules protect certain personal and financial information from public disclosure at the trial court level. See Neb. Ct. R. App. P. §§ 6-1521, 6-1464, and 6-1701. These rules are available on the Judicial Branch website under the Rules tab. If such protected information is stated during oral argument, before the Court, it will become available to the public through the placement of the audio file and video file on the Judicial Branch website or through the live streaming of oral argument.

    Revised: 12/1/2022