The Court of Appeals of Indiana will hear oral argument at Indiana University East at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, in Vivian Auditorium, located in Whitewater Hall.

Judge John G. Baker

The Court of Appeals hears oral arguments across Indiana to enable Hoosiers to observe the real-world issues that face the Court and learn more about the Court’s indispensable role in Indiana government.

The oral argument is open to the media and public, though seating is limited. Once the oral argument begins further admittance by visitors to Vivian Auditorium will not be permitted. The doors will close at 11 a.m. The session will end at noon.

Traveling oral arguments, or Appeals on Wheels, help Hoosiers learn more about the judiciary’s indispensable role in Indiana government. Appeals on Wheels also provides opportunities for Court of Appeals judges to meet and talk with a broad range of citizens in relatively informal settings.

Judge Melissa S. May

Audiences get to observe skilled legal arguments and advocacy by some of Indiana’s best lawyers, against a backdrop of case-specific facts and statutory and constitutional law.

Scott Lee, assistant professor of political science at IU East is coordinating the event with the Court of Appeals. He encourages everyone in the community to participate in the session.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for all to see how the ‘Wheels of Justice’ turn in Indiana,” Lee said. “Not only do we get to personally see and hear what happens in an appellate court session, but we also get to ask the judges questions afterwards.”

A panel consisting of Judge John G. Baker, Judge Patricia A. Riley, and Judge Melissa S. May will hear Loren David Gary v. State of Indiana, 18A-CR-02067.

Judge Patricia A. Riley

Loren Gary appeals his convictions of Level 1 felony attempted murder, Level 5 felony intimidation, and Level 6 felony intimidation. Gary argues the State did not present sufficient evidence he committed the crimes for which he was conviction. In addition, Gary contends he did not waive his right to jury trial with regard to the portion of the proceedings concerning the sentencing enhancement for the use of a firearm during the crime. Finally, Gary asserts his convictions of Level 1 felony attempted murder and Level 5 felony intimidation violated his right to be free from double jeopardy because the jury could have relied on the same evidence for both convictions.

The event is sponsored by the IU East School of Humanities and Social Sciences and IU East’s chapter of the American Democracy Project.

Media Policy for Court of Appeals of Indiana
Reporters, including student journalists, may ask the Court’s permission to record the argument with still or video cameras. Requests should be sent at least 48 hours in advance of the oral argument to Court Administrator Larry Morris at CourtOfAppeals@courts.in.gov.

The following rules will apply:

• All cameras must be tripod-mounted and the operators must remain in place throughout the hearing.
• Camera movement is limited to the judges and the arguing attorneys. No audience shots allowed.
• No flash, strobes, or other distracting lights or sounds are permitted.
• Video cameras and tape recorders cannot be used during the Q/A period that follows oral argument.
• Print journalists don’t have to ask the Court’s permission to cover the argument or the Q/A session.

About Appeals on Wheels
Traveling oral arguments, or Appeals on Wheels, take the court across Indiana to help Hoosiers learn more about the judiciary’s indispensable role in Indiana government. They also provide opportunities for Court of Appeals judges to meet and talk with a broad range of citizens in relatively informal settings. Appeals on Wheels typically occur at high schools, colleges, law schools and courtrooms, but they’ve also been held at conference centers, tourist sites and even retirement communities. The Court has conducted more than 500 Appeals on Wheels since its 2001 centennial, although the program predates the centennial.

For more information about the Court, please visit courts.in.gov/appeals.