Greetings!  

Our profession is an indispensable part of the system of rules that govern our society, which allows us to resolve conflicts between individual interests. On November 14, we have two opportunities to see how our how law is made, and how it is implemented. 

At 9:00 A.M., the Washington High School "We The People" team will present a mock congressional hearing in Circuit Court. "We The People" is a civic education program supported by a partnership of the Indiana Bar Foundation and the ISBA. It strives to promote civic competence and responsibility among Indiana's elementary and secondary students. The program enhances students' understanding of the institutions of our constitutional democracy. In this simulated congressional hearing, students will testify before a panel of judges, to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles, by taking and defending positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues. The hearing is open to the public.

The focus moves from the legislative to the judicial branch of government in the afternoon. The Indiana Supreme Court will hold an oral argument at IUSB at 1:00 P.M., the case of Conley v. State, involving whether a life sentence for a teenager is appropriate. The argument is open to the public, with a capacity for 200. These "travelling" oral arguments by our Indiana Court of Appeals and Supreme Court are great examples of how our profession continues to find ways to enhance the public's understanding of the judicial process.

And, as you know, the SJCBA's biannual "Local Practice Seminar" is November 10. We hope you will attend the seminar and Judicial reception that follows. The opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones is integral to our ability to effectively make and implement laws that better our society.