Skip to content
Contact USI

Law Day held along with "Appeals on Wheels"

April 11, 2014

The University of Southern Indiana will hold its annual Law Day on Tuesday, April 15, in conjunction with the Indiana Court of Appeals' "Appeals on Wheels" program.

Law Day, organized by Dr. Nicholas LaRowe, assistant professor of political science and coordinator of the Pre-Law Program, is a day full of activities centering on law and the judicial system. LaRowe will give a presentation on the Pre-Law Program from 9:45 to 10:15 a.m. in the auditorium in the lower level of Rice Library (RL 0017). From 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. there will be a mock trial demonstration in the same room.

The Indiana Court of Appeals will hear oral argument in Rogers v. Sigma Chi from 1 to 2 p.m. in Carter Hall in University Center West.

"This event promises to an excellent opportunity to see the Indiana judicial system in action, meet members of the local legal community, and learn more about what USI has to offer students interested in law school or a legal career," LaRowe said.

All Law Day events and the Court of Appeals oral argument are free and open to the public. For more information about Law Day, contact LaRowe at 812-464-1727 or nllarowe@usi.edu.

About Rogers v. Sigma Chi

Andrew Rogers was physically assaulted during a party at a house rented by some members of Sigma Chi's Terre Haute chapter. He sued the international fraternity, the local chapter, and certain individuals for his injuries. The trial court granted summary judgment for the defendants. Rogers argues on appeal that the defendants were in possession of the house for premises liability purposes and that they had a duty to protect Rogers from a foreseeable criminal attack by a third party while he was there.

A panel of Judges Melissa S. May, Elaine B. Brown and Senior Judge Betty Barteau will hear the case on appeal from Vigo Superior Court. All three judges have close southern Indiana ties. Judge May and Judge Brown were appointed to the Court of Appeals from Vanderburgh and Dubois counties, respectively, and Judge Barteau is a Boonville native.

The Court of Appeals hears oral arguments across Indiana to enable Hoosiers to observe the court in action and learn more about its indispensable role in Indiana government. The court has conducted more than 390 "Appeals on Wheels" events since its 2000-2001 centennial. This argument marks the court's 13th visit to USI. 

For more information about the court, visit www.courts.in.gov/appeals.

Recent Stories