What's Being Discussed

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a criminal case: State of Hawaiʻi vs. Alvin Tran (Case No. SCWC-25-0000006). During oral arguments, attorneys for both sides present their legal positions and answer questions from the justices. Both the State (as plaintiff) and Tran (as defendant) have filed appeals, meaning each side is challenging some part of a lower court's decision.

• The State of Hawaiʻi is the respondent and cross-appellant — meaning the State is also appealing a portion of the earlier ruling.
• Alvin Tran is the petitioner and cross-appellee — he brought the case to the Supreme Court and is responding to the State's cross-appeal.

Decisions Expected

No final decision will be made at this hearing. Oral arguments allow justices to ask questions before they deliberate. A written ruling will be issued at a later date. The court's decision could affect how the lower court's judgment stands — it may be upheld, reversed, or modified.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Members of the public interested in how criminal cases are reviewed at the highest court level in Hawaiʻi
• Legal professionals and students following criminal law and appellate procedure
• Anyone who wishes to watch court proceedings — the session is open to the public in person and will be livestreamed on YouTube (youtube.com/hawaiicourts) and ʻŌlelo Community Television
• Individuals who need disability accommodations should contact the ADA Coordinator at 539-4700 in advance