N.M. Supreme Court to Re-enact Case at ENMU for Rule of Law Civic Education Program

PORTALES, N.M. - March 11, 2026 - In a rare opportunity to witness the judicial branch in action, the New Mexico Supreme Court will travel to the Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) University Theatre Center on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

As part of the Court's "Rule of Law" civics education initiative, the Justices will hear oral arguments for an actual case through a recreation of a real Supreme Court case, allowing students and the community to see firsthand how the state's highest court upholds democracy.

The event, organized locally by the ENMU Criminal Justice program and the Portales and Clovis courts, features real judges and attorneys involved in the case. Adding a special connection to the campus, former New Mexico Supreme Court Justice and ENMU alumnus Ed Chavez will also be in attendance.

Due to limited seating capacity in the Theatre, an RSVP is strictly required for all in-person attendees. Teachers from Roosevelt and Curry County schools are encouraged to bring their classes and students. ENMU students interested in law, criminal justice, history, or court translation are also encouraged to register to attend. Distance learners may also RSVP to receive access to the livestream.

To RSVP: Email Tamara Mitchell at [email protected].

Event Details

• What: New Mexico Supreme Court Rule of Law Program
• Where: ENMU University Theatre Center, Portales, NM
• When: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 (RSVP Required)
• Timeline: Seating begins at 11:30 a.m.; oral arguments run from 1-3 p.m.

Bridging the Classroom and the Courtroom

The Rule of Law Program is designed to give middle school, high school, and college students a transparent look at the judicial system.

Participants will gain insights into:

• The role of oral arguments and appellate reviews.
• How the court interprets laws and protects due process.
• The real-world impact of judicial decisions on communities.

Event Accessibility:

To ensure inclusivity, the event and its livestream will include translation into American Sign Language, Spanish, and Diné.

For more information, including classroom toolkits and case materials, educators and students can visit: https://supremecourt.nmcourts.gov/services-programs/rule-of-law-program/

About the New Mexico Supreme Court Rule of Law Program:

The Rule of Law Program is a civics education initiative that connects classroom learning to the real judicial process, helping students witness how courts shape democracy and protect individual rights.

For more information regarding the event and to RSVP, contact:

​Contact: Tamara Mitchell
Email:[email protected]