Southern Arkansas University is honored to welcome the Arkansas Supreme Court to campus as it holds oral arguments in a high-profile appeal as part of its Appeals on Wheels outreach program. The event will be held in the Donald D. Reynolds Center Grand Hall on Thursday, April 24, at 10 a.m. in Magnolia.

The case of Amber Waterman v. State of Arkansas will be heard by the Court during this special session, offering students, faculty, and the surrounding community a rare opportunity to witness the judicial process firsthand. The appeal centers on whether capital murder charges brought by the State of Arkansas violate protections against double jeopardy, following Waterman’s federal conviction and life sentence for the 2022 murders of Ashley Bush and her unborn child.

The Appeals on Wheels program was launched by the Arkansas Supreme Court in 2002 with the goal of making the judicial system more accessible and understandable to Arkansans of all ages. By holding court sessions in communities and schools throughout the state, the program provides a unique educational experience, allowing students and citizens to observe real court proceedings and interact with justices and legal professionals. Each session is followed by opportunities for discussion and Q&A, helping clarify the legal process and promoting civic engagement.

Southern Arkansas University is proud to serve as a host site for this impactful educational initiative. “It is a privilege to have the Arkansas Supreme Court on our campus,” said Sheryl Edwards, associate vice president for strategic initiatives. “This experience brings the highest level of our state’s judicial system directly into our students’ lives and reinforces our commitment to civic education and public service.”

The University invites students, campus community members, and members of the public to attend and engage in this unique civic learning opportunity.