Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Court of Appeals holds oral arguments in Curtis Magaha v. State of Indiana at USI
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Wendy Knipe Bredhold Media Relations Specialist, News & Information Services 812/461-5259 The Court of Appeals of Indiana will hear oral argument in Curtis McGaha v. State of Indiana at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 8, in Mitchell Auditorium at the University of Southern Indiana. A panel of Judge L. Mark Bailey, Judge Melissa S. May, and Judge Elaine B. Brown will hear the case on appeal from Vanderburgh Circuit Court. The case involves Curtis McGaha's conviction of murder. At the trial, McGaha attempted to present evidence that he claimed tended to implicate another person as the murderer, but it was excluded as speculative. He also unsuccessfully challenged the admission of a medical examiner's deposition, claiming that the jury was deprived of the opportunity to question the medical examiner. On appeal, McGaha challenges the evidentiary rulings contrary to him and further argues that his sixty-year sentence is inappropriate. Arguing for the appellant, McGaha, will be Matt McGovern, and arguing for the appellee, State of Indiana, will be Angela Sanchez. The Court of Appeals hears oral argument at venues across the state to enable Hoosiers to learn about the judicial branch, and members of the audience are invited to ask questions about the judicial process in Indiana after the case has been argued. The Court has heard more than 250 oral arguments "on the road" at law schools, colleges, high schools, and county courthouses since its centennial in 2000-2001. The Court of Appeals of Indiana is the state's second-highest court. It reviews appeals from trial court decisions a decision of the Court of Appeals of Indiana is final unless granted further review by the Indiana Supreme Court. The majority of appeals filed in Indiana are decided by the Court of Appeals. The 15 judges on the Court of Appeals issue more than 2,500 written opinions each year, sitting in three-judge panels. For more information about the Court of Appeals, visit www.in.gov/judiciary/appeals. For the Court's "Appeals on Wheels" initiatives, as well as additional information on Curtis McGaha v. State of Indiana, visit www.in.gov/judiciary/appeals/arguments.html. For more information, contact Kristen Ellis at 317/234-4859 or kellis@courts.state.in.us. |
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