By Cathrin Verano, Special Collections Development Librarian • Office of Communication, Education & Outreach
Indianapolis Star reporter Tim Evans remarked on social media that it was “order ON the court” when the Indiana Supreme Court took to the floor of the South Newton High School gymnasium on October 1. In front of an audience of around 750 people, the justices heard arguments in Kiera Isgrig v. Trustees of Indiana University, an appeal in which the court was asked to decide the applicability of evidence rule res ipsa loquitur (“the thing speaks for itself”) after a window fell on a student’s head in a university building.
From the gym floor to the top of the bleachers, the room was packed with local dignitaries, attorneys, community members, media, and students from the following area schools:
- Benton Central Jr-Sr High School
- Frontier Jr-Sr High School
- North Newton High School
- North White High School
- South Newton High School
- Tri-County Jr-Sr High School
- Twin Lakes Senior High School
For the newest member of the court, this traveling argument was a homecoming. Justice Derek Molter graduated from South Newton High School before heading off to Indiana University. Many members of the Molter family—including his father, Newton County Judge Daniel Molter—were in the audience. Justice Molter’s long history in, and strong ties to, the community were especially evident as he thanked his former teachers, attributing his success to their support. And in the Q&A following the argument a student drew laughs from both the court and the audience when he asked if Justice Molter remembered his 800-meter relay time.
Beyond posing questions about the justices’ career paths, a typical day on the court, and how long it takes for a case to reach the Supreme Court, local students were highly involved at the traveling argument. South Newton seniors greeted the justices upon their arrival, while student ushers helped seat other attendees. After honorary bailiff, senior and student council president Aidan Mattox, gaveled court into session, students helped livestream it for virtual viewing while student photographers joined professional media in documenting the event. After the argument concluded, the members of the court joined court staff, judges, school administrators, and other special guests for a luncheon at the R. Steven Ryan Memorial Community Center. The centerpieces on each table were ceramic vases made by South Newton High School students.
Taking oral arguments on the road is an important part of the Supreme Court’s commitment to making its work accessible. By bringing these events to venues around the state, the court gives members of the public the opportunity to see the state’s highest appellate court in action in their own counties. On this occasion, the community went above and beyond to welcome back one of their own.