The Indiana University East Criminal Justice program is hosting the Court of Appeals of Indiana on campus Wednesday, April 7. The court will hold oral arguments at 12:15 p.m. in Vivian Auditorium, located in Whitewater Hall. The court session is open and free to the public.

The panel of judges includes the Honorable L. Mark Bailey (Decatur County), presiding; the Honorable Melissa S. May (Vanderburgh County); and the Honorable Margret G. Robb (Tippecanoe County).

Bob Ramsey, professor of criminal justice, said this is an educational experience for IU East students and for the public in general.

“Those attending the hearing will have a unique opportunity to view how the Court of Appeals of Indiana operates. Viewers will see, for example, how the attorneys from both sides argue their positions, and they will be able to listen to probing questions from the judges,” Ramsey said.

According to the Court of Appeals, the panel will hear an appeal from the Honorable Diane Ross Boswell from Lake Superior Court. The criminal law issue is an appeal from Jack Suprenant, who was convicted of murder and sentenced to 60 years imprisonment. The case, Jack Suprenant, Jr. versus the State of Indiana, is an appeal by Supernant on his conviction and his sentence.

Attorney Thomas W. Vanes from Crown Point, Ind., will argue the appellant’s position, and attorney Karl Scharnberg from Indianapolis will represent the Indiana State Attorney General’s Office. After the hearing the judges have agreed to answer some questions from the audience, Ramsey said.

Each side on the case will have 20 minutes to present their argument to the panel.

The Criminal Justice Club at IU East will distribute case information to attendants as they enter Vivian Auditorium.

A reception will be held at the end of the session where refreshments will be served by members of the IU East Criminal Justice Club, and the public will have an opportunity to talk to the judges one-on-one.

For more information, contact Bob Ramsey, professor of criminal justice, at (765) 973-8327 or e-mail roramsey@iue.edu.