In celebration of Constitution Day, eight justices from the California Court of Appeal 5th Appellate District met Wednesday with students in an open panel discussion.

Dr. Jeff Cummins, a political science professor at Fresno State, organized the event at the Satellite Student Union.

“The court reached out to us and said they would be willing to come out to give a presentation to our students for Constitution Day,” Cummins said. “Usually I would be out there searching for different speakers and topics and it just so happens that this event kind of fell into my lap and they were able to come out and give this presentation.”

The judges present were justices Brad R. Hill, Rebecca A. Wiseman, Bert Levy, Gene M. Gomes, Stephen Kane, Charles S. Poochigian, Jennifer R.S. Detjen, Donald R. Franson, Jr. and Rosendo Peña, Jr.

To open the panel to discussion, Hill gave a brief description of what happens in the court of appeal.

“People’s lives are unfolded,” Hill said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a civil case, a criminal case, family law matters or juvenile matters. People need not only their day in court, but they need the case to be over and be able to get on with their lives. And that’s what we are trying to do, make sure these cases get through the system.”

The district covers nine counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne.

Each justice described how they made their way into the court of appeals. They shared personal experiences and memories, and they gave advice about seeking the right career path regardless of whether students are interested in law school.

Justices Hill, Cornell, Poochigian, Pena and Wiseman are Fresno State alumni.

Wiseman was originally a journalism student at Fresno State.

“I did not have any idea I was going into law school,” she said.

Wiseman made up her mind that she wanted to go into law after being rejected by a public affairs firm for an executive job.

Because of her experiences, Wiseman advised students that they should move forward with the aim “to be taken seriously right from the start.”

Justice Levy said he found his passion for law during a business law class. As he moved on to law school and worked in the field, he realized how important connections were to build a career.

“Whether you are here at Fresno State as a student or you’re a law student or a graduate student””or whatever path you take””those opportunities to network, and the relationships you develop as you proceed in your education and future career are crucial to your success,” he said. “Always remember that the people you’ve met along the way can be very important to your success.’

After the justices introduced themselves, Levy took out a thick folder and introduced it to students as the “dog house,” which contains documents relating to current cases in their court.

“What we do at the court of appeal is, after an appeal is filed — like a criminal case — the records must be prepared. The records are the transcript of what happened within the court, Levy said.

He went on to brief students on the case assignment process that goes on with every appeal.

During a question and answer session, students asked about the cases they face on a daily basis and how they come to decisions.

Hill said the justices would discuss a case before and after they enter the court. Although they may not see eye-to-eye on certain cases, the justices do come to a clear conclusion, Hill said.

It is rare for the justices to make a large number of dissents, Hill said, but, when they do happen, it is important to have a discussion and reach some point of consensus.

“It is valuable because it signals the Supreme Court that the law may be unclear and requires clarity.”

After the event, Wiseman encouraged students to think outside the box. Students, she said, should not let people set their limits for them. Students should understand what works best for them and pursue their goals.