The Hon. Melanie L. Cradle, Chief Judge of the Connecticut Appellate Court, served as the presiding judge. Judge Dawne G. Westbrook, and Judge Robin L. Wilson joined her on the panel. The judges heard one criminal and one civil case during the well-attended public session.

After each argument, the judges retired to confer, and students were invited to engage directly with the appellate litigants, asking questions about their experience arguing before the court. With all full-time first-year law students in attendance, the event filled the courtroom and an overflow viewing room, where Connecticut Network (CT-N) livestreamed the proceedings.

This immersive experience aligns with Quinnipiac Law’s Integrated Professionalism course, a required component of the innovative Bridge to Practice curriculum, designed to build foundational legal skills and professional identity from day one.

The “On Circuit” program, which began in 1996, has brought the Connecticut Appellate Court to more than 20 high schools, colleges, and universities across the state. The October 10 visit marked the court’s fourth appearance at Quinnipiac Law, following previous visits in 1996, 1999 and 2018.

During his opening remarks preceding the arguments, Dean Brian Gallini reflected on the court’s enduring impact since its constitutional establishment in 1982.

“The Connecticut Appellate Court has played a vital role in shaping our state’s legal landscape—expanding access to appellate review, refining doctrine, and building a consistent and impressive body of law,” Gallini said. “Its commitment to innovation, collegiality, and clarity in decision-making continues to influence not just our state, but jurisdictions looking to Connecticut as a model. The ‘On Circuit’ program exemplifies that commitment.”

Gallini emphasized that the visit was more than a learning opportunity—it was a moment to reflect on the responsibilities of the legal profession.

“Today’s visit is more than an observation. It’s a moment to see the law in action and to consider the skills you’re building Monday through Friday as you prepare to become stewards of the profession,” he said.

Chief Judge Cradle opened the session with remarks to the Quinnipiac Law community.

“We are pleased to be here today at Quinnipiac University School of Law through the Judicial Branch’s ‘On Circuit’ program, which provides students with the opportunity to observe oral arguments in actual court cases,” Judge Cradle said. “These sessions are a wonderful opportunity for students and others to learn about the appellate process and our system of justice.”

The Connecticut Appellate Court expressed its appreciation to the Quinnipiac Law community, including Dean Gallini, Associate Dean Emerita of Career Development Shelley R. Sadin, Associate Dean of Career Development Millie VandenBroek, and the faculty and staff who helped make the visit possible.

During back-to-back one-hour sessions, students observed oral arguments in two compelling cases. In State v. Stanley Velazquez, the court examined the boundaries of criminal procedure and constitutional protections surrounding search warrants. In Annette Afonso v. Isaiah Torres, the judges considered the intersection of statutory liability and common-law negligence in a dog bite case.

“These cases remind us that the law is not static,” Gallini said. “It evolves through dialogue between advocates, judges, and the communities we serve. Through moments like this, I hope our students see themselves not just as learners of the law, but as future stewards of it.”