U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals to hear oral arguments at the law school
The Army Court of Criminal Appeals (ACCA), a fixture of the American military legal system, will visit the University at Buffalo School of Law this fall. UB Law students, alumni, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to observe the Court as it hears appellate oral arguments in the law school’s Francis M. Letro Courtroom on Thursday, September 26th at 1 p.m.
Oral arguments are expected to last approximately one hour and will be followed by a Q&A session featuring a judge and appellate advocate. The session will end with an informal reception with the Court on the Law Library’s second floor, hosted by the law school's Military Law and Veterans Association. Space in the courtroom is limited and registration is required.
Prof. David Coombs
Created under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the ACCA was initially known as the United States Court of Military Appeals before its modern title was adopted in 1994. The current Court is comprised of three panels, each consisting of three appellate judges who review specific court martial convictions of Army personnel.
The Court’s visit will provide an opportunity for participants to observe a highly specialized area of the law and allow future legal professionals to learn more about this unique practice opportunity. UB Law Professor David E. Coombs, a fellow at the National Institute of Military of Justice, explains the significance of the Court’s visit to the law school. “The visit by the Army Court of Criminal Appeals demonstrates the law school’s commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences,” says Coombs. “This rare opportunity allows students, faculty, alumni, and distinguished guests to observe the military justice system in action.”
Dean S. Todd Brown adds that the Court’s visit is especially meaningful as many of the law school’s students and alumni are veterans. “As the son of a 30-year military veteran myself, I am thrilled that the Court has agreed to hold arguments in the Francis M. Letro Courtroom,” says Brown. “Last year, we had the honor of hosting the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Our support of the military’s important work is longstanding and deeply rooted.”