The Indiana Supreme Court will hold oral argument at Indiana University-East, in Richmond, Ind. at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2005, Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard announced today.

The case is Norman Thompson v. State of Indiana . In this case, the State charged Mr. Thompson with carrying a handgun without a license. Mr. Thompson argued that the evidence of the handgun should be kept out of court and the Marion Superior Court judge agreed. However, the Indiana Court of Appeals overturned the trial judge's decision. Now, Mr. Thompson has asked the Indiana Supreme Court to review the case and reinstate the trial judge's original decision. The attorney for Mr. Thompson is Stephen Gerald Gray. Cynthia Ploughe will represent the State of Indiana.

"The Supreme Court was very grateful that Wayne Superior Judge Tom Snow invited us to come to Richmond. My colleagues and I feel it is important for Hoosiers to get a first hand look at how our courts work," said Chief Justice Shepard.

The argument will take place in the Vivian Auditorium in Whitewater Hall, 2325 Chester Boulevard in Richmond and last about an hour and each side will have twenty minutes to argue its sides of the case. The public and the news media are invited to attend. The case will also be webcast live over the Internet. To view it, go to: http://www.in.gov/judiciary.

NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE INFORMATION

The Indiana Supreme Court allows photography and recording of its arguments under certain conditions. The Supreme Court will allow two still news photographers and two video news photographers. No flash photography is allowed and photographers must use a tripod or monopod and remain in place for the entire argument. Radio reporters are also welcome.

If more than two still photographers and two video news photographers are present, the news organizations must agree to a "pool" arrangement for those news organizations that are present at the site Theatre but not allowed to bring their photographic equipment inside. Making the pool arrangements is the responsibility of the news media and the Supreme Court will not become involved other than to exclude all cameras in the event there is a dispute.