By Cathrin Verano, Special Collection Development Librarian | Office of Communication, Education & Outreach
For the 53rd time since 1994, the Indiana Supreme Court took to the road to hear oral argument in a location outside of their courtroom in the Indiana Statehouse. This time, the destination was the beautiful campus of Indiana Wesleyan University in Grant County. As a key component of the court’s commitment to public access, taking these events to other counties gives students, local dignitaries, and members of the public the opportunity to see the state’s highest appellate court in action without having to arrange travel to Indianapolis.
IWU’s expansive Chapel Auditorium was the perfect venue to seat the nearly 1,000 guests in attendance. They included local judges and councilmembers, as well as a very strong showing from IWU leadership, faculty members, and students. Additionally, the following area schools took advantage of the opportunity to bring student groups to see the work of the court:
- Alexandria Monroe Junior/Senior High School
- Classical Conversations of Marion
- Eastbrook High School
- Hinds Career Center
- Madison-Grant Junior/Senior High School
- Marion High School
- Mississinewa High School
- Oak Hill High School
- Paddock View Residential Center
- Taylor University
The audience listened attentively as two appeals were heard together for argument in Harjit Kaur, Individually, and as Special Administrator of Estate of Harvail Singh Dhillon, D. v. Amazon, et al. and Mahari Mrach Oukbu, et al. v. Amazon, et al. Court was gaveled into session by IWU senior Olivia Metzger, who served as honorary bailiff. For the next 40 minutes, the justices carefully considered what duty a landowner has to ensure the safety of someone who intends to come onto their property for business purposes before that person is on the property.
Following the argument, the justices welcomed questions from members of the audience, who eagerly demonstrated their engagement in the event and excitement at the opportunity to interact with the court. In front of the large crowd, both high school and university students stepped up to the microphone to ask insightful questions regarding how to pursue a legal career, what boundaries help to maintain work-life balance, and whether any traits make individuals stand out as good candidates for law school. This gave the justices the opportunity to recollect their own paths to the bench, reflect on their personal priorities, and offer advice and encouragement to any aspiring lawyers.
Justice Christopher Goff, whose personal ties to IWU he proudly shared at the outset of the event, offered a particularly inspiring comment to a student who wondered what skills they should develop after graduation. “Figure out what the world needs from you,” he suggested, “because it’s something.”