The Court of Appeals of Indiana will hear oral argument in Steven Barnard v. Metro Security Forces, Inc., et al. on Monday, November 9th at 12:30 p.m. (Central time) in the Auditorium of Michigan City High School.  A panel of Judge Margret G. Robb, Judge Paul D. Mathias, and Judge Cale J. Bradford will hear the case on appeal from St. Joseph Superior Court.

The case involves Steven Barnard’s lawsuit against Metro Security Forces, Inc. for personal injuries he allegedly sustained when he was pushed by a man wearing an “Usher” tag at a concert.  The trial court granted summary judgment to Metro, finding that the designated evidence showed that Metro provided only uniformed guard services at the venue, and therefore there was no genuine issue of material fact regarding Metro’s liability because the man wearing the “Usher” tag was not a Metro employee.  Barnard appeals the trial court’s grant of summary judgment.  Arguing for the appellant, Steven Barnard, will be Douglas Sakaguchi, and arguing for the appellee, Metro Security Forces, Inc., will be Thomas Hamilton.

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.  

The 15 judges on the Court of Appeals issue more than 2,800 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 Steven Barnard v. Metro Security Forces, Inc., et al., visit http://www.in.gov/judiciary/appeals/arguments.html.