Munster High School students Tuesday morning received a rare opportunity to see the state’s court system in action.
Seniors, Advanced Placement U.S. History, Pre-AP World History and Civics students as well as Student Government representatives were invited to watch Appeals on Wheels, an award-winning program through the Indiana Court of Appeals. The program sees the 15 appellate judges travel around the state to different high schools and hear arguments on cases that would’ve normally come before them in chambers.
There are no verdicts — the judging panel renders its opinion usually within 45 days of oral arguments — but the audience gets an up-close look at how the system works. Students, meanwhile, prepare for the hearing by reading the attorneys’ briefs.
Tuesday’s hearing covered the appeal of Kyrell Cole, who was convicted of murder when he was 17 and sentenced to the requisite 60-year sentence for murder, but with a 15-year firearm enhancement. His co-defendant, Demaryeon Robinson, received 58 years.
Defense attorney Paul Podlejski argued that the trial court erred by admitting a witness’s testimony that Cole had threatened him and not taking into consideration that Cole had developmental issues, thereby sentencing him unfairly. The State, represented by Robert Yoke, maintained that the witness testimony was admissible and that the court did not abuse its discretion by not considering the mitigating factors.
When asked by students how they choose cases, Appellate Judge Melissa May, who’s been with Appeals on Wheels for 25 years, said they try to pick those that might resonate the most with students. Each of the three judges — May, Judge Dana Kenworthy and Judge Elizabeth Tavitas, of Munster — deal with around 500 cases per year.
“It’s a heavy case load, but we like our jobs,” Tavitas said.
The Cole case was particularly compelling because it involved a juvenile defendant regarding sentencing, Tavitas said. The U.S. Supreme Court recognizes the science behind juvenile brains not being fully developed, she said.
“Indiana’s Constitution focuses on reformation, not retribution, so we have to consider all relevant factors,” Kenworthy added.
The three judges enjoy Appeals on Wheels because it shows the students what happens when they follow their dreams.
“It’s important for people to have faith in the judiciary branch, and we’re really proud of our court,” Tavitas said.
For May, the mentoring is the draw.
“We see so much potential in the room,” she said. “It’s exciting to see them visualize themselves doing what we do.”
Kenworthy, the newest judge, concurred.
“I’m from a really small town — Amboy, Indiana — and I didn’t come from much money. If I can do it, all of you can,” she said.
Senior Evanthia Fotopoulos said she was surprised to see the judges interrupting the attorneys during their arguments.
Another Senior, Hannah Loredo, had a different take.
“We already knew the case, but they talked about the age more than IQ, and I wasn’t expecting that,” she said. “But I have a lot more interest in (the system) now, because I think it’s important that our generation be involved.”
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
