The Supreme Court of the United States began its new term with Villarreal v. Texas, a case that centers on a key Sixth Amendment question: when there’s a long recess during the defendant’s testimony, whether the trial court violates the right to counsel by preventing the defendant and counsel from discussing his testimony during that recess. Representing the respondent was Assistant District Attorney Andrew Warthen, a 2011 Catholic Law graduate with experience in appellate advocacy. The case presents important issues that could impact how the right to counsel is interpreted going forward.

To support the preparation for oral argument, Catholic Law hosted a moot court session on September 30, 2025, in the Slowinski Courtroom. Law students had the valuable opportunity to observe as Mr. Warthen was questioned by attorneys from the Washington legal community, offering insight into the complexities of Supreme Court advocacy and a practical perspective on legal preparation at an advanced level.

More about the case can be found here: Villarreal v. Texas on SCOTUSblog.