Posted
October 14, 2025
Inside the Kahl Center, a hush falls as 100 Edsmen rise. Three judges in black robes—Administrative Judge Eileen A. Gallagher, Judge Michelle J. Sheehan, and Judge Mary J. Boyle—file into the makeshift courtroom. The gavel strikes, and suddenly, “class” is in session.
Administrative Judge Gallagher welcomes attendees to her mobile courtroom inside the Jack Kahl '58 Student Life & Leadership Center, preparing the students for what they are about to witness: a live appellate hearing on a homicide case. “This isn’t a mock trial,” she tells them. “We’re hearing an actual appeal. This is an opportunity.”
A Rare Honor
Chosen from more than 80 applicants, St. Edward is one of just six schools—and one of the first Catholic schools—selected for the Courtroom to Classroom experience. Throughout the year, the Eighth District Court of Appeals visits a small number of campuses, allowing students to witness the appellate process in real time.
The goal of the initiative is to help young adults understand how the judicial system functions in Cuyahoga County and beyond—and why the rule of law matters in their daily lives. “As a court, we wanted to be more involved in the community,” explains Administrative Judge Gallagher.
“I honestly think it’s amazing that we have this opportunity,” says Mason Wilhelm ’26. “Watching how actions have real consequences helps us grow—not just as students, but as men.”
Justice in Motion
Students from all grade levels attended, including those in the Law and Government classes and members of the Mock Trial team. “We really dove into the case and studied it for two weeks leading up to the hearing,” said Social Studies Teacher Tim Sullivan ’92.
The case was complex. The 2024 trial involved a homicide and two counts of attempted homicide. The defendant, now serving a 28-years-to-life sentence, claimed he mistook his roommate for an intruder when he fired 14 shots through a closed door, killing her and endangering two others nearby.
To prepare, students examined the Castle Doctrine—the legal principle allowing the use of force to defend one’s home—and explored how post-traumatic stress disorder factored into the defense’s argument. “We looked at how those ideas are applied and what the limitations are,” Sullivan said. “That was central to the appeal.”
The appellate hearing wasn’t a reenactment—it was the real thing. “Students had to learn the language ahead of time,” Sullivan explained. “They needed to understand how an appellate hearing differs from a trial, the roles of the appellant and the appellee, and the terminology they’d hear from the bench. When the court arrived on campus, they were ready to follow every word.”
Court in Session
Only the attorneys appeared before the judges—each with 15 minutes to present their arguments. Jack Norman ’26 studied the case in detail. “Both sides had strong arguments,” he said. “I was impressed by how calm and prepared the attorneys were when the judges pressed them with questions. It showed how much research and confidence go into their work.”
After the hearing, the judges and attorneys opened the floor to questions. The students’ engagement impressed everyone in attendance. “They were professional, insightful, and genuinely curious,” Sullivan said. “It was powerful to see them connect what they’ve learned in class to what they were witnessing in real time.”
“We really didn’t take a side,” Wilhelm added. “We just wanted to understand how justice works. Having the court come to us is something I’ll never forget.”
Attorneys John Martin and Gregory Paul ended the day with a lesson that transcended law. “Someone with a different opinion is still a person—a child of God,” Martin said. “Respect them.”
Knowledge in Practice
The three judges will make their decision in the coming weeks. If the attorneys choose to appeal, the next step will be the Ohio Supreme Court. The classes plan to follow the outcome closely.
Norman went into the case interested and came out inspired. “My mom is a magistrate, and my dad is a partner at a law firm. He knows Attorney John Martin and was looking forward to me seeing him in action. I may go into criminal law, or possibly become a prosecutor.”
Mason, too, left inspired. “I was planning to major in business, but now I’m thinking about law. This made me realize it’s a field that will always need people who want to make a difference.”
Eagle Connections
The day ended with a reminder of St. Edward’s far-reaching legal legacy. Judge Sheehan shared her own family’s connection to the school—her husband, Judge Brendan J. Sheehan ’85, is a proud member of the Legal Eagles, and their son Tim ’21 is in his first year of law school.
Two other Eighth District Court of Appeals judges also have strong St. Edward ties: Judge Sean C. Gallagher ’73, is an alumnus and father of Fergus ’14, and Judge Michael John Ryan, serves on the school’s Board of Trustees and is the father of Michael ’15.
Additionally, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge John J. Russo ’83—father of JJ ’13 and Jacob ’15—serves on the St. Edward faculty, pulling double-duty in the courtroom and social studies classroom.
For the students who witnessed justice in action, the lesson will stay with them long after the decision is decided by the court, echoing through the halls of St. Edward and into the futures of these emerging Legal Eagles.
