Texas 10th Court of Appeals to hear three cases at the Blinn College-Bryan Campus

Annual visit allows Blinn students and the public to witness the law in action, meet judges, and ask questions

November 11, 2026

The Blinn College District invites students and the public to witness precedent-setting appellate cases when the Texas 10^th Court of Appeals holds session in the Blinn College-Bryan Campus Administration Building (2608 E. Villa Maria Road, Bryan, Texas) on Wednesday, Nov. 18.

The court will convene at 10 a.m. in the second-floor banquet room, giving attendees the chance to see the legal process in action, meet judges, and participate in a question-and-answer session. Now in its 14^th year, the annual event is coordinated by the Blinn Paralegal and Legal Assistant Program and the Legal Assistant Student Organization.

The docket includes three criminal cases:

• 10 a.m. – Shawn Leslie Martin v. The State of Texas
• 11 a.m. – Robert Lockett, Jr. v. The State of Texas

The court will reconvene at 1:30 p.m. for:

• Kenneth Eugene Giddens v. The State of Texas

Each case is expected to last 50 minutes. At noon, the judges will host a public question-and-answer session, giving attendees the opportunity to ask about the judicial process. The public is welcome to attend any individual argument or the entire session.

“Holding oral arguments at Blinn College allows us to connect with the community while providing students with a meaningful educational experience,” Chief Justice Matt Johnson said. “It is important for people to understand not only how courts operate, but also why an independent judiciary is essential to our system of checks and balances. We hope this experience encourages curiosity and inspires future generations to explore the legal profession.”

No video, audio recordings, or photographs will be allowed in the courtroom while court is in session. Individuals attending the session must wear appropriate attire, power off or silence electronic devices, and may not bring food or beverages.

The Texas 10^th Court of Appeals, consisting of Johnson and Justices Lee Harris and Andrea Westerfeld, is based in Waco and hears approximately 400 civil and criminal appeals a year from 18 counties in Central Texas, including Brazos County.

After hearing arguments, the justices will return to Waco, research the legal issues and precedents, and then issue a written opinion.

“Bringing the 10^th Court of Appeals to Blinn allows students to see the legal system in action rather than simply study it in a textbook,” said Robert Stanberry, Paralegal Program Department Head. “This event is so unique and gives our students and the community an opportunity to witness an appellate hearing, learn about the court’s role, and better understand the decisions and procedures that shape our justice system.”

For more details regarding the cases, visit www.txcourts.gov/10thcoa.

To learn more about Blinn’s Paralegal and Legal Assistant Program, visit www.blinn.edu/paralegal.

About the Blinn College District

With innovative programs and award-winning co-enrollment partnerships, Blinn’s academic transfer rate ranks No. 1 among Texas community colleges. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu.