The Indiana Court of Appeals will hear oral argument in State of Indiana v. Errick G. Benson on Friday, April 24th at 10 a.m. at Warsaw Community High School.  A panel of Chief Judge John G. Baker, Judge Terry A. Crone, and Judge Cale J. Bradford will hear the case on appeal from Allen Superior Court.

The case involves the State of Indiana’s appeal of the trial court’s order suppressing certain evidence that was discovered after the defendant, Errick G. Benson, was apprehended following his alleged flight from an investigatory stop.  On appeal, the State argues that the trial court's suppression of the evidence was erroneous because the evidence was discovered during a valid search incident to Benson's arrest for resisting law enforcement. Arguing for the appellant, State of Indiana., will be Cynthia L Ploughe and arguing for the appellee, Errick G. Benson, will be Gregory L. Fumarolo.

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 200 oral arguments “on the road” at law schools, colleges, high schools and county courthouses since its centennial in 2000-2001. 

The Indiana Court of Appeals is the state’s second-highest court.  It reviews appeals from trial court decisions; a decision of the Indiana Court of Appeals 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 State of Indiana v. Errick G. Benson, visit http://www.in.gov/judiciary/appeals/arguments.html.