The Indiana Supreme Court will hear an oral argument on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern) at Hanover College in Jefferson County.
Schools interested in attending should contact Sarah.Kidwell@courts.in.gov.
Read the September 8 press release
What is an oral argument?
Public Supreme Court proceedings are called "oral arguments," which provide the Justices with the opportunity to ask attorneys questions about the cases. Usually, oral arguments last 40 minutes to an hour. An honorary bailiff will call the court to order. Each side has 20 minutes to argue. Typically the appealing party will open the argument, the other side then responds, and then the appealing party has the last word. More information including rules for attending Supreme Court oral arguments can be found online.
Relevant state social studies standards
The traveling oral arguments program addresses state academic standards in U.S. Government and United States History. The argument process demonstrates the principles of due process, judicial review, and an independent judiciary.
Case materials for September 30
Ajaylan M. Shabazz v. State of Indiana (25S-CR-183)
The State charged Ajaylan Shabazz with murder as an accomplice for the death of Tiffany Ferris. A jury found Shabazz guilty of murder, and the Allen County Superior Court sentenced him to sixty-three years in the Department of Correction. The Court of Appeals affirmed holding, among other things, that good cause existed to allow a witness to testify by Zoom. Shabazz v. State, 255 N.E.3d 533 (Ind. Ct. App. 2025), vacated. The Indiana Supreme Court has granted a petition to transfer and accepted jurisdiction over the appeal.
Indiana Supreme Court
- Petition to Transfer - Appellant [PDF, 760 KB]
- Brief - Response to Transfer - Appellee [PDF, 129 KB]
- Order - Granting Petition to Transfer [PDF, 94 KB]
Court of Appeals
- Court of Appeals Opinion
- Brief - Appellant [PDF, 1883 KB]
- Brief - Appellee [PDF, 378 KB]
- Order - Appealed Order [PDF, 86 KB]
If accommodations are needed for these documents or the argument, send requests to Heather.Falks@courts.in.gov.