Indianapolis, IN

Hometowns Program

Civics Education / Hometowns Program / Indianapolis, IN

Summer 2024

Hometowns Indianapolis scholars with Chief Judge Pratt after a court proceeding.

Summary of the Program

The Indianapolis Hometowns students explored the First Amendment during their program about the Supreme Court case Hess v. Indiana (1973). The case arose following the arrest of Indiana University student Gregory Hess during a Vietnam War protest. During the course of the program students learned from:

  • 3 Federal Judges
  • The US Attorney, Federal Defender, and Chief Probation Officer
  • Indiana Supreme Court
  • 2 U.S. Veterans, a Brigadier General and Vietnam Veteran Army General
  • Several Professors and Attorneys from the Indianapolis Community

Throughout Hometowns, students worked with primary sources examining how the war impacted the United States through protest music, historic televised news reports, and newspaper articles.

Indy Hometowns students created an exhibit for the Birch Bayh Federal Courthouse’s Federal Court Learning Center. The four-panel display is installed and open to the public for viewing.

The Society is grateful to Chief Judge Pratt for opening her courthouse to the Supreme Court and My Hometowns students for the week. This program would not have been possible without the partnership and tireless efforts of Mary Giorgio, the Public Outreach Coordinator for the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana.

I think the public should understand that a judge’s decision in the federal court system takes many factors into account. While judges take into account an individual’s criminal history and other misdemeanors, they also look at past trauma and other issues that could cause the individual to perpetuate the cycle of criminal activity.
Shivani D.
The first amendment protects the rights of free speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. While there are no absolutes, this amendment as well as the 14th ensure that the federal or state government cannot infringe on your rights without compelling interest, and must be able to justify it within a court of law. The First Amendment is the backbone of all other freedoms.
Ashley P.
I would not hesitate to recommend Hometowns to a friend or classmate. I feel like I’ve learned a lot. And most of it transfers over it is good to have a knowledge of our government.
Soren O.
Hometowns was a very valuable experience to me as I really didn’t have a good understanding of the judicial system prior to this program and even if you don’t end up doing something law related all citizens should have some knowledge about their government.
Julia O.
The ability to learn from other students and hear their perspectives was amazing but the perspectives from defense attorney was amazing.
Ethan T.
I learned a lot more on the protections of the first amendment and about how cases move through the federal court system.
Maryam H.

Student Capstone Project

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