The Indiana Supreme Court will hold an oral argument in the Tilson Auditorium in the Hulman Center at Indiana State University in Terre Haute at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 16, Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard announced today.

The appeal being heard is State of Indiana v. American Family Voices, Inc., Jim Gonzalez, and John Does 2-10.

At issue is whether “robocalls” with political content can be limited under the state’s Autodialer Law. The Indiana Attorney General sued American Family Voices Inc. in Harrison Circuit Court in 2006, following complaints about the group’s calls.  In February 2008, the circuit court dismissed the state’s complaint and the state appealed, seeking immediate transfer to the Supreme Court.  The central committees of the Indiana Democratic and Republican parties have both filed briefs arguing that political robocalls are legal.

Attorneys Thomas M. Fisher and Heather Hagan will represent the State of Indiana, and Tony Overholt and Edward O. Delaney will represent the Appellees.

The oral argument should last about forty minutes, with each side having twenty minutes to argue its side of the case.  The public and news media are invited to attend.

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 one video news photographer.  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.  To make arrangements for media coverage, contact David Remondini, 317.233.8684 or at dremondi@courts.state.in.us.

If more than two still photographers and one video news photographer are present, the news organizations must agree to a “pool” arrangement for those news organizations that are present at the site 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.