CNN’s “Burden of Proof” panel recently included GW students in its line-up of famous legal experts.

The daily program, taped live at CNN’s Washington headquarters near Union Station, examines current events from a legal perspective, said

Jennifer Taheri, a CNN production assistant in charge of scheduling GW students for the show.

Hosts Greta Van Susteren and Robert Cossack, legal experts who gained television exposure and fame during the O.J. Simpson murder trial, discuss legal events of interest with a small jury-like panel.

“GW students are my favorite,” Taheri said. “They’re very

enthusiastic, and very open-minded. They are just great people.”

Brian Schoeneman, Student Association vice president for judicial and legislative affairs, was the first GW student to be a guest, appearing on a show broadcast Sept. 1.

“They put me in makeup and sent me out there,” Schoeneman said.

He did not participate in the live discussion during the broadcast, but Schoeneman said he was able to talk to the hosts off the air.

Schoeneman said while he prepped for the taping, he was joined by Van Susteren, who asked about his field of study and other interests.

“Their favorite guests are college students,” Taheri said of

the show’s hosts. “They always ask me when GW kids are coming on the show, not what famous guest.”

Schoeneman said the experience was more than just worthwhile.

The opportunity to take part in a live broadcast and get involved in interesting discussions was great, Schoeneman said.

“Some friends of mine who don’t go to GW called and said, `I saw you on ` `Burden of Proof,’ ‘ ” Schoeneman said. “So that was kind of nice too.”

Schoeneman will get the chance to participate in additional broadcasts as well – he will appear every Tuesday for the next few weeks.

The opportunity to be a panelist on the program is open to all GW students.

A sign-up sheet is available at the SA office on the fourth floor of the Marvin Center and the opportunity is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Schoeneman estimates about 20 students have already signed up to participate in the taping.