Changes are coming to the Senior Judge Program. On August 10, 2016, the Indiana Supreme Court created the Senior Judge Committee consisting of seven members, including three senior judges and three trial court judges.
Under the Order, the “Committee is charged with making recommendations to the Court regarding the utilization of senior judges and the administration of the senior judge program. The Committee shall endeavor to promote the effective utilization of senior judges by the trial and appellate courts, to promote and increase the participation of senior judges, and to identify and recommend expanded opportunities and uses for senior judges within the Indiana judiciary.”
Former Chief Justice Brent E. Dickson serves as chair of the Committee. He is joined by Senior Judges: Terry C. Shewmaker, Cecile A. Blau, and Stephen R. Heimann; and, Trial Court Judges: Charles K. Todd. Jr., Wayne Superior Court #1; Brad Jacobs, Clark Circuit Court #2; and, Steven R. Eichholtz, Marion Probate Court.
By statute, the per day compensation for the first thirty days of senior judge service is capped at $100. After thirty days, the Supreme Court may provide for additional compensation for days 31 to one hundred, subject to a per day statutory cap of $250. Under current rules, the rate is $175 for days 31 to 74, and $200 for days 75 to 100.
The Committee recommended that the Supreme Court increase the additional compensation for service completed after 30 days. At the Judicial Conference in September, the Court announced that in 2017, days 31 through 100 will be compensated at a daily rate of $250.
The Committee is considering the creation of an electronic Senior Judge Directory so that trial court judges can more easily locate and schedule senior judges. Senior Judges may also identify their areas of expertise and available times to serve on this directory. The Committee will also conduct surveys for suggestions to boost trial court utilization of senior judges, work to create new opportunities for senior judges, and establish best practices for their utilization.
The Committee hopes to encourage more retired judges to participate in the senior judge program and will explore ways to support training for senior judges, including usage of the E-Filing system.