By Cathrin Verano, Special Collection Development Librarian • Office of Communication, Education & Outreach
One of the Indiana Supreme Court’s most celebrated events, the traveling oral argument, achieved two milestones on September 27. For the 50th time since 1994, the court took to the road to hear arguments outside of the Indiana Statehouse. This trip to the northeastern city of Angola also marked the 25th county in which the court has provided students, local dignitaries, media, and members of the public the opportunity to see the state’s highest appellate court in action.
Trine University’s T. Furth Center for Performing Arts served as a beautiful venue for the court to hear argument in the civil case WEOC, Inc. d/b/a Wings, Etc., et al. v. Christopher Adair, et al. Court was gaveled into session by Trine University senior Elayna Hasty, who served as honorary bailiff. For the next 40 minutes, the justices carefully considered the responsibility of businesses that serve alcohol when people they served later injure someone else.
Approximately 680 guests were in attendance, including local judges, Trine University leadership, and students from the following area schools:
- East Noble High School
- Hamilton Community High School
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Lakewood Park Christian School
- Prairie Heights Sr. High School
- Trine University
- Westview Jr./Sr. High School
Following the argument, students demonstrated their engagement with a series of insightful questions regarding the judicial appointment process, how the justices keep their personal beliefs separate from their professional obligations, and whether they had ever considered alternate career paths. This gave the justices the opportunity to explain their path to the bench, reflect on the responsibilities outlined in their oath of office, and offer advice and encouragement to those aspiring to the practice of law.