AUGUSTA -- The Maine Supreme Court will be holding cases at three high schools across the state to inspire future law professionals and show a side of the government people often don't get to see.
For 21 years, the Maine Supreme Court has been hearing appeals cases in front of high school students to shine a light on the inner workings of government, and inspire the next generation of lawyers and judges.
The schools gyms, auditoriums, or cafeterias are turned into court rooms, then used for oral arguments on real Maine cases.
"I always think it's helpful for the students to see who it is that is doing what I think is very important work, and that these are things that they may be able to aspire to as well," said Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill.
Starting October 6th, the highest court in the state is traveling to high schools in Staceyville, then Bath and Kennebunk on the 7th and 8th.
Chief Justice Stanfill says that understanding appellate courts is important in today's world where the United States Supreme Court sees challenges to national decisions everyday.
However, she says that federal courts only see 2-3% of all cases, and while those may be the most televised, the other 97-98% are the ones affecting peoples lives.
"I think its really important for people to understand that state court and state government play a critical role in what we do everyday," said Stanfill.
She says showing how the judicial process works is the main goal, but motivating students to pursue law is another. According to Stanfill, Maine has a shortage of lawyers, particularly in rural areas.
"And we need people, its such a noble calling, it matters. And we need people to do it. So I hope maybe we inspire a few students here and there to think about that as a career path. Its incredibly rewarding, and its incredibly necessary," said the Chief Justice.