Maine’s top court turns Kennebunk High into a courthouse for a day
Maine Supreme Judicial Court Holds “Courtroom‑In‑Classroom” in Kennebunk for First Time
Kennebunk, Maine – Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 – The Maine Supreme Judicial Court (MSJC) turned the Kennebunk High School auditorium into a functioning courtroom for a day of live oral arguments, marking the first time the state’s top court has visited the town. The event, part of an annual program that began in 2005, aims to give high‑school students a front‑row view of the judicial process and a chance to interact directly with judges and attorneys.
The program is organized by the MSJC’s “School Court” initiative, which requires an invitation from a local state legislator. This year, Rep. Dan Sayre of Kennebunk extended the invitation, allowing the court to travel to the town’s high school. Principal Scott Tombleson welcomed the visit, saying, “It’s an incredible opportunity for us and our students to see how the justice system works. I mean, I’m 56 years old and I haven’t gotten to see something like this before.”
Two Real Cases on the Record
The hearing was led by Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill and included two cases that were already pending in the court.
Bree A. Blalock v. Birchlane LLC – A small‑claims dispute over a rental unit in Portland. Blalock sued the landlord for a refund after deciding not to occupy the apartment, citing the property’s unsatisfactory condition upon move‑in. Her attorney, Regan Sweeney, testified that Blalock was unhappy with the apartment’s state when she arrived.
State of Maine v. Darrel Sproul – A criminal case that drew the attention of the student audience. Although details of the indictment were not disclosed in full, the proceedings involved a discussion of sentencing and the complexities that arise when children are involved.
A third case that was scheduled for the session was canceled, giving the students more time for questions.
Students Take the Floor
Two 16‑year‑old Kennebunk High students, Elliot French and Catie Thombs, expressed surprise at the conversational tone of the hearing. French said, “It was a lot more emotionally charged than I thought it was going to be,” noting that he had imagined the law to be purely logical and technical. Thombs agreed that the atmosphere was more relaxed than a typical courtroom, a feeling that both lawyers, Anya Sproule and Rory McNamara, acknowledged during their exchanges.
The Q&A segment proved lively. One student asked, “Do you actually get to bang the gavel?” Justice Andrew Mead replied, “This is my favorite question, but we do not have a gavel.” The student frowned, muttering, “But that’s the best part!” Another query probed the hardest cases each justice has faced. The panel explained that while it is hard to single out one, decisions involving sentencing or children are among the most challenging. Chief Justice Stanfill added, “I’ll admit it, there have been times where I’ve cried up here. We make a lot of tough decisions.”
Impact on the Students
The experience left a lasting impression on the participants. French, who is considering a future as an art teacher, remarked, “I have an interest in the way that people handle these kinds of criminal cases. I do think that now I might want to look a little bit more into that.” Thombs laughed, “I’m not sure I would want to be a part of it though,” while 15‑year‑old Isabelle Westlander shared, “I don’t think I’d be able to come up with responses from the judges as quick as that.”
Despite not pursuing careers in law, all three students agreed the day was more engaging than expected. The MSJC’s initiative continues to serve as a unique educational outreach, allowing students to witness firsthand the deliberations that shape Maine’s legal landscape.
