KNOXVILLE — On Thursday, part of the College of Law at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will become an actual courtroom where hearings take place. Order of Protection Day — an effort to raise awareness about domestic violence — gives law students an up-close look at real proceedings.
The 4th Circuit Court for Knox County is in charge of the day’s events.
Perpetrators, victims, police officers and other personnel will be present. Visitors will be required to pass through metal detectors before entering the building.
Court will begin at 8 a.m. with a lecture by Judge Bill Swann about domestic violence and orders of protection.
Courtrooms will be set up in rooms 132, 135 and 136. Hearings are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and will continue until 4:30 p.m., with a break for lunch.
Judge Swann and two Special Masters are likely to hear matters involving the granting of civil protection orders as well as contempt proceedings. Issues likely to arise include domestic abuse, substance abuse, family law, criminal assault and civil procedure.
This is the fifth year the College of Law has hosted Order of Protection Day.
All events are open to the public.
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Contacts:
Kristi Hintz, (865) 974-3993, khintz@utk.edu
Ralph G. Smithson, (865) 974-0687, rsmithso@utk.edu