FRENCH LICK — The Court of Appeals of Indiana is bringing its award-winning civics education outreach program, Appeals on Wheels, to Orange County next week, offering residents a rare, front-row seat to the state’s judicial process.
A panel of appellate judges will convene at the historic French Lick Resort, located at 8670 State Road 56, on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The live, in-person oral argument is scheduled to begin promptly at 2:45 p.m.
The traveling court will hear official arguments in the civil matter of John H. Murphy v. The City of South Bend (Case No. 26A-CT-94).
Understanding the Case: Murphy v. City of South Bend
Because the Court of Appeals is a court of review—meaning it evaluates whether lower courts applied the law correctly—there will be no witnesses, juries, or new evidence presented at the French Lick session. Instead, attorneys representing both John H. Murphy and the City of South Bend will each have a strict, timed window to present their legal arguments and face intense, direct questioning from the three-judge panel.
The underlying lawsuit stems from a civil tort dispute involving the municipal government of South Bend. Legal teams for both sides will argue the finer points of statutory interpretation and municipal liability before the judges take the case under advisement to draft their formal written opinion.
A Traveling Civics Lesson Open to the Public
The event is entirely free and open to the public, providing an educational opportunity for local students, legal professionals, and curious community members alike.
Following the conclusion of the formal legal arguments, the judges will step down from the bench to hold an interactive Q&A session with the audience. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask the panel questions about the structure of the Indiana judiciary, the daily life of an appellate judge, and how the court system functions.
Due to strict judicial ethics and legal rules, the judges are strictly prohibited from discussing or answering any questions regarding the specific details, merits, or outcomes of the Murphy v. South Bend case itself.
The Appeals on Wheels initiative has traveled to all 92 Indiana counties since its inception, regularizing the practice of holding high court sessions in local high schools, universities, and community centers to demystify the state’s legal framework. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating at the resort conference venue will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
