USI to host seventh annual Law Day

The University of Southern Indiana will host the seventh annual Law Day beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 in Carter Hall in University Center West. Law Day is an excellent chance to witness our state government in action. 

The Court of Appeals of Indiana will hear oral arguments in the case of Melvin Wolfe v. State at 1 p.m. in Carter Hall. The case concerns a dispute over a battery charge. During the bench trial, Wolf claimed self-defense. The trial court found him guilty and sentenced him to six months, suspended to probation. Wolf argues the State did not refute his self-defense claim.  He claims the trial court erred in finding the fact he called the other party names constituted provocation. The State counters the trial court was presented with sufficient evidence to find Wolf guilty. 

In addition to the oral arguments, USI's Law Day will feature keynote speaker Dr. Stephen L. Wasby who will present, "After Scalia, Now What?" at 7 p.m. in Carter Hall. Wasby's lecture promises not only to be illuminating, but timely, as the Supreme Court has remained the object of a prolonged political stalemate. 

Wasby received a bachelor's degree from Antioch College and his master's and doctorate from the University of Oregon. He was a faculty member at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale before moving to the University of Albany- SUNY where he is now professor emeritus of political science. Wasby's research interests focus primarily on the federal courts, and he continues a long-term project on decision-making in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He is the author of a number of books, as well as articles in social science journals and law reviews. He has served as chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Eastham. Massachusetts, and as director of the National Railway Historical Society's Heritage Grants Program. 

For more information please contact, Dr. Nick LaRowe, associate professor of polical science and Pre-Law coordinator, at nllarowe@usi.edu or 812-464-1727.