On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Chief Justice Loretta Rush delivered her eleventh State of the Judiciary address to the state’s new Governor Mike Braun and a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly. State leaders and more than 125 trial court judges from across the state filled the seats inside and outside the house chamber. The Chief Justice began by telling lawmakers how honored she was to report that the state’s courts are strong and steady.
In her remarks, Rush talked about how crucial state courts are to promoting justice, safety, and stability for Indiana residents, hearing cases that touch every aspect of Hoosier life. She examined the variety of ways that judges impact the people who come through their courts, including children and families, vulnerable adults, and criminal defendants. The speech is reprinted in full in the following pages.

Watch the speech online, read the text, and see photos from the event