The Indiana Supreme Court Comes to NDLS

The Law School hosted the Indiana Supreme Court oral arguments in the case of Jerrme Damar Cartwright v. State of Indiana November 14.

The case involves a defendant who was convicted of attempted battery with a deadly weapon, attempted aggravated battery and possession of a handgun by a felon. The Court of Appeals reversed his conviction on grounds that the jury was selected unfairly.

Bringing the arguments to Notre Dame provided an opportunity for students and other members of the public to see first-hand how the Supreme Court operates, according to Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard. “This allows the students to consider a real case. The members of the Court also enjoy meeting with the students after the argument to hear about their classes and professional goals and answer their questions about the Court.”

The argument session was held in the Eck Hall of Law’s Patrick F. McCartan Courtroom. More spectators viewed the proceedings by video from two Biolchini Hall rooms that had been reserved as overflow rooms.

A question-and-answer period followed the oral arguments, after which NDLS students were invited to attend a reception with the Justices in the Eck Commons.

For more background on the case, spectators are encouraged to read the Court of Appeals’ decision at this link. The parties’ briefs are also available at this link.