Courtroom Observation

White vs. Gibbs Courtroom Observation

The 2008 2L Moot Court Tournament at the Liberty University School of Law presented a case before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana. The case of Deborah White vs. Patrick Gibbs and O’Malley’s Tavern (Stand Alone Properties, L.L.C.), is judged according to Indiana State Law. Mrs. White is the plaintiff, represented by Amanda Babbitt and Jack Walsh. Mr. Gibbs and O’Malley’s Tavern are the defendants, represented by Benjamin Walton, and Jordan Van Meter.

On July 28, 2007, Mr. Bruno and Mrs. Deborah White dined at O’Malley’s Tavern. Almost immediately following their arrival, Edward Hard, Mrs. White’s former fiancé, approached the couple, congratulating them on their marriage. He then immediately returned to his barstool where he sat quite often. After taking four to six shots of liquor in less than 30 minutes, Mr. Hard knocked over his barstool. After picking it back up, he took a seat and proceeded to order one beer. As Mr. and Mrs. White were leaving, Mr. Hard yelled across the restaurant, “She should be my wife!” After they had walked out, Mr. Hard rushed after them and attempted to hit Mr. White in the face, but stumbled onto the floor instead. The Whites proceeded to get into their vehicle, as Mr. Hard shouted, “This isn’t over yet.” When Mr. Hard began chasing the Whites down the road, Mr. White decided to call 911. He stated that Mr. Hard was driving in the opposite lane, and had been drinking. Approximately half of a mile away from the restaurant, Mr. White decided to turn left, and Mr. Hard proceeded to slam into the driver’s side door on the White’s vehicle, killing Mr. White and injuring Mrs. White.

Mrs. Deborah White, and Mr. Edward Hard were in a long term relationship that led to an engagement. When Mrs. White decided to break off the engagement, Mr. Hard was devastated. He slumped into a long depression, began pulling out his hair and drinking heavily....