This is the eighth of our Court Times articles that highlight up close and personal a member of the Indiana Judiciary. Elkhart County Circuit Court Judge Terry C. Shewmaker is our judge featured in this issue. Judge Shewmaker was first elected as Circuit Court Judge in 1998, and re-elected in 2004. He graduated from Indiana State University, cum laude, in 1969, and attended DePaul Law School and Notre Dame Law School where he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1975. He served as Deputy Prosecutor and Chief Deputy Prosecutor in Elkhart County prior to his election to the bench in 1998. He is a former Chair of the Criminal Benchbook Committee, a former member of the Alternative Dispute Committee, and currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Judicial Conference of Indiana. He serves as Co-Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee for the Judiciary.
What do you like most and least about being a trial court judge?
In Elkhart County we have a beautiful historic courthouse immaculately maintained. An oil painting of Abraham Lincoln used as an election banner for the 1860 election hangs in my office. I look forward to greeting President Lincoln each morning. My staff is personable, polite, competent, and humorous. We work together well.
I love conducting jury trials in the Elkhart Circuit Court courtroom and watching lawyers work. Like most judges, adoptions are also a favorite type of case. Additionally, I enjoy working with other judges through my work with the Board of Directors of the Judicial Conference. In particular, the Strategic Planning Committee work has been both challenging and rewarding.
My least favorite part about the responsibilities of a judge is the amount of time spent sitting at a desk signing or countersigning orders and documents. Although necessary, this work seems less productive than interaction with lawyers, litigants, and witnesses.
What was your major at Indiana State University and why did you decide to study law?
I graduated from Indiana State University with a major in Economics and minors in Business and Geography.
After college I was employed by United Airlines for approximately five years. While at United I worked in the Contract Services area with the Legal Department, selling surplus aircraft. From this experience I became interested in law, enrolled at the DePaul University Law School in Chicago, and later transferred to the Notre Dame University Law School, graduating in 1975.
What would you do if you were not a judge?
It is likely I would still be practicing law. Once a trial lawyer – always a trial lawyer! If this did not work out as a trial lawyer or judge, I would be riding horses on a ranch somewhere in the West.
Who are the people you most admire?
Fortunately, I have two wonderful parents who are excellent role models. Both of them emphasized the need for education. Both were involved in my activities and school events. They instilled a strong work ethic in their children.
In addition to my parents I admire two high school coaches, Mr. Malloy and Mr. Martin, who taught me to compete in sports as well as life. These lessons learned early in life have been important many times to me in my legal career.
Finally, I greatly admire my wife who patiently deals with me and my job.
What are your hobbies or favorite leisure activities?
For nearly thirty years I have been a director of the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, serving in a variety of areas. This county fair is one of the largest in the nation. Both of my children were 10-year members of the 4-H Saddle Club. Horses became a part of my life through a civil case as a young attorney. Our family has raised foals, participated in horse shows, trained horses to drive a cart or pull a sleigh, and camped with horses in the mountains. For me, horses are a good outlet from the daily stress of the courtroom. You can always talk to your horse; things will be fine as long as the horse does not talk back! And working with young horses teaches one that patience is truly a virtue.
Additionally, I love living on a lake. All of my family is involved in boating and water sports of all types. My wife and I taught our two grandsons to water ski when they were very young. The 4th of July holiday is special on our lake, and we always have a house full of guests.
What are your favorite books, and have you read any recently, or are reading now, that you would recommend?
I have read and continue to read many best sellers. I also enjoy historical accounts of true events.
Presently, aside from a number of horse periodicals, I am reading The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, by Bill Bryson. My older brother gave me this book with his highest recommendation. In his book, Mr. Bryson describes life, changing times, and growing up in small town America in the 1950’s (a subject with which I am familiar.) Spontaneous, audible and unexpected laughter occurs regularly as I read this book, since many of my own childhood experiences mirror those of the author. I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Where did you grow up and how would you describe your childhood?
I had a great childhood growing up in Terre Haute, Indiana with my parents and two brothers. Since I was the middle child, I had the advantage of learning from my older brother.
Both parents encouraged us to reach out to others, be fair, work hard, and achieve one’s own potential. I often stayed with my grandparents on their farm. On summer break from school, I worked on the farm and for my father’s construction company. My father reserved the most distasteful jobs for my brothers and me to encourage us to further our education. Ultimately this experience led to a highly developed sense of humor in addition to an education.
During junior high and high school I participated in various activities, including Student Government, football, basketball and track
Having two parents in my life was a blessing.
Do you have a favorite quote?
As a former trial attorney I appreciate counsels’ efforts expended to prepare for a hearing or trial. The following quotes from two outstanding litigators express my thoughts about preparation:
“I will get ready and then perhaps my chance will come.”
—Abraham Lincoln
“I would rather be a regular person who is eloquently prepared, than a person with an extraordinarily high I.Q. who hasn’t been bright enough to prepare.”
—Gerry Spence
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
The western United States holds a special attraction for me. I love the mountains and the history surrounding the settlement of the West. Arizona is my favorite state because of the variance in terrain, elevation, climate and vegetation.
I also love summers at Simonton Lake where I live.
What is your favorite meal, recipe, restaurant?
I enjoy Italian food of all types. Any Italian restaurant can be a favorite outing.