Students from all over Gallatin Valley gathered on the Montana State University campus for a lesson on the Montana Supreme Court. The teachers? The court justices themselves.

They listened to attorneys from Sanders county argue over a convicted killer's appeal, and whether his defense attorney did an adequate job.

It was part of Montana Law Day. Each year, the Supreme Court goes on the road show and holds an oral argument at MSU, so the public can see firsthand how the system works.

Those in attendance ranged from Manhattan Christian 8th graders to MSU students and their professors, to members of the general public.

"I found it was really interesting to see the interaction between the judges and the attorneys" MSU senior Evelyn Norman said. "Especially how the judges kind of grilled them with some questions, and their preparation in answering those questions."

We caught up with Supreme Court Justice Jim Nelson to see what the experience was like for him.

He said it's his 18th year attending the oral argument- and his last- because he'll be retiring.

Justice Nelson said taking the show on the road is one of his favorite parts of the position, because it's fun and he's happy to see students learning about the process in person.

"This is a really good opportunity for students and members of the public to see their Supreme Court in action" he said, adding "not too many people get to see this sort of thing."

Originally, Montana's Supreme Court had planned to hear arguments over the state's medical marijuana law during Montana Law Day on the MSU campus.

The justices showed, but the case was delayed.

The Supreme Court said procedural complications made the medical marijuana case inappropriate for oral arguments.