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Courts And Community: Live-Streaming Of Oral Arguments

The Arkansas Supreme Court began live-streaming its oral arguments in 2010 with the goal of giving citizens better access to the courts and the judicial process. When the Supreme Court is hearing a case, anyone with an internet connection can watch the proceedings live.

The public can also come to the Justice Building and watch any oral argument in-person in the Supreme Court courtroom.

Oral argument provides an opportunity for the legal teams on both sides to speak in front of the justices and answer their questions.

A decision is not made on the day of oral argument. Instead, the justices deliberate and majority and minority opinions are written. With seven members on the Arkansas Supreme Court, a concurrence of at least four justices is required for decisions in all cases. Live streaming and an archive of oral arguments can be accessed at arcourts.gov.

Karen Tricot Steward hosts Courts and Community, a one-minute interstitial program on KUAR. She is Public Education Coordinator for the Arkansas Supreme Court. Her position is responsible for planning and implementing statewide public education programs to raise awareness and understanding of the role of the judiciary. She organizes outreach events, develops educational materials and exhibits, facilitates group tours of the Justice Building in Little Rock, and makes presentations about the court system.