Collins at Historic Supreme Court Session

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court used a historic venue at Independence National Historical Park on September 13, 2011 to commemorate Constitution Week and introduce television cameras into the court room. Arguments were held in Philadelphia's Old City Hall for the first time in more than 200 years.

Lycoming County's own Mike Collins participated in this historic event, while arguing an appeal involving a unique medical-legal issue.  Those in the know, were able to watch Mike's argument, which was broadcast on television later that evening. 

Mike said that he was thrilled to be a part of the historic event.  Of course, the main reason for his appearance was to argue to sustain a Superior Court decision allowing a claim against a prison doctor to go forward.  The issue:  "Does a physician have a duty to a third party with whom he has no doctor /patient relationship when he negligently diagnoses his patient, an inmate, as not having a contagious disease?"  Judge Gray initially dismissed the claim on preliminary objections, in Seebold vs. Prison Health Services, Inc.  The Superior Court reversed and remanded.  The Supreme Court will ultimately decide the issue.

The Supreme Court has promised to televise all of its future argument sessions, so Mike's experience is likely to be shared by others in the bar.  But the aura of history - appearing in a location where arguments were last heard in 1800 -  is not likely to be repeated.