Milwaukee, Wisconsin (February 23, 2026) – High school students will get a front-row view of the Wisconsin appellate process when the Wisconsin Court of Appeals District I hold oral arguments at Rufus King International High School on Wednesday, March 19. The event is part of a public outreach and civics education program modeled after the Justice on Wheels initiative.
The program will give students an opportunity to observe the appellate process firsthand and learn about the work of Wisconsin’s courts. More than 100 Milwaukee Public Schools students are expected to attend the program.
Oral arguments will begin at 10:00 a.m., preceded by a brief introduction explaining how appellate courts decide cases. The court will hear arguments in State of Wisconsin v. Kimberly D. Zapata, Case No. 2025AP425-CR. During oral arguments, attorneys for each side present their legal positions, and judges ask questions about the issues on appeal.
Following the oral arguments, the judges and attorneys will take part in a moderated question and answer session with students focused on the judicial process, careers in the law, and the role of courts in the community.
The program will conclude with a presentation honoring Chief Judge Maxine A. White in recognition of her upcoming retirement after more than 30 years of judicial service. Appointed to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in 1992, Judge White became a trailblazer in Wisconsin’s judiciary and later served as Chief Judge for the First Judicial Administrative District.
Throughout her career, Judge White has provided leadership on statewide initiatives involving access to justice, domestic violence, racial equity, and judicial education. She has been widely recognized for her thoughtful approach to the law, her dedication to public service, and her commitment to ensuring that the courts are fair, accessible, and understandable to the communities they serve.
Seating for the oral argument portion of the event will be open to the public, subject to space limitations and school security procedures. Additional information regarding media access and event logistics will be provided closer to the date.