The Court of Appeals of Indiana will hear oral argument in White-Rodgers, et al. v. Kindle, et al. on Thursday, January 21st at 10:00 a.m. in the Auditorium of Carmel High School.  A panel of Chief Judge John G. Baker, Judge Ezra H. Friedlander, and Judge Terry A. Crone will hear the case on appeal from Morgan County Superior Court.

The case involves the plaintiffs’ complaint against White-Rodgers, among others, alleging a defect of the manufactured gas control on the water heater in the residence where a propane gas explosion occurred.  On appeal, White-Rodgers contends that the trial court erred by imposing monetary sanctions for alleged discovery noncompliance as well as the merits of the underlying discovery orders preceding the sanctions award.  Arguing for the appellant, White-Rodgers, will be Bryan Babb, and arguing for the appellee, Kindle, et al., will be David Herzog.

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 about the judicial process in Indiana after the case has been argued.  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 2,500 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 White-Rodgers, et al. v. Kindle, et al., visit http://www.in.gov/judiciary/appeals/arguments.html.