The Indiana Court of Appeals recently traveled to the Mt. Vernon Courthouse to help the Posey County Bar Association celebrate Law Day. Those involved in the legal profession celebrate Law Day each May in honor of the rich traditions and importance of the law in our society. One of my cases which was on appeal was selected to be heard that day, so I was able to participate in the celebration.
My case involved “riparian rights,” which are rights to a waterway that a person has by virtue of his or her ownership of land on a lake or river. Several high school students from the three Posey County high schools were in attendance, so I was pressed to explain riparian rights not only to the Indiana Court of Appeals, but also to students 15 to 18 years of age.
And, the Court of Appeals was ready for me. Before such an oral argument, the lawyers have to submit fairly detailed and lengthy briefs outlining why their client should win. While you can practice your oral argument many times, the practical reality is that once you talk for two or three minutes, the Court of Appeals begins to interrupt, asking questions of their own. The time limit is only 20 minutes for each side, and when three judges are asking questions, that does not leave much time.
The high school students peppered the justices with questions following the oral argument. They asked questions from “why did you become a lawyer” to “how much money do you make.” Following the presentation, a small group of students approached me about my case. They not only had questions, but they also had some “advice” on how I might better help my clients. The students were clearly engaged by the entire process.
The Indiana Court of Appeals frequently travels throughout the state to hear oral arguments. They call this program the Court of Appeals on Wheels. They use the program to help Hoosiers learn more about the judicial branch of government. The group of justices who were in attendance for the Posey County Law Day announced that the Court of Appeals had already traveled to 23 sites in 2010. The Court encourages schools and bar associations to arrange for oral arguments to be heard at their locations. You can find out more information by calling the Court at 317-234-4859.