The Court of Appeals of Indiana will hear oral argument in Jeremy D. Simpson v. State of Indiana on Tuesday, October 6th at 11 a.m. in the Globe Theater of Indiana Wesleyan University Marion Campus.  A panel of Chief Judge John G. Baker, Judge Terry A. Crone, and Judge Cale J. Bradford will hear the case on appeal from LaPorte Circuit Court.

The case involves Jeremy Simpson’s conviction for voluntary manslaughter and criminal recklessness. During an argument between two other men, Simpson ran toward the men, firing a gun and saying, “Get off him.”  One man was struck in the arm, and the other was struck several times then later died. On appeal, Simpson contends that the State failed to rebut his self defense claim, among other issues.  Arguing for the appellant, Jeremy D. Simpson, will be Donald Pagos, and arguing for the appellee, State of Indiana, will be Joby Jerrells.

The Court 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 following the submission of the case about the judicial process in Indiana.  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.