Judges have to sign thousands of documents, sometimes hundreds of times each day. It is only reasonable that judges must find ways to ease this burden by seeking help from staff. Which leads to the question: may a judge authorize another individual to sign documents on behalf of the judge via use of a signature stamp or other means? The short answer is yes, but it is not the complete answer. While a judge may … [Read more...] about Using a Signature Stamp: When and How
Features
Farewell to the Chief
See photos from Chief Justice Shepard's Retirement Ceremony on Flickr Editor’s Note: We bid adieu and bon voyage in this issue of Court Times to our leader as he embarks on the next leg of his remarkable life journey and career. We have no adequate words to express our deep gratitude and warm admiration for all he has done in the 25 years that he has served as Indiana’s Chief Justice. Because he has had such a las … [Read more...] about Farewell to the Chief
Supreme Court Addresses Access to Justice Issues in the Small Claims Courts of Marion County
The Indiana Supreme Court recently sought the assistance of the Supreme Court Rules Committee and a specially appointed Task Force in addressing some potential access to justice issues in the Marion County Small Claims Court system. The matters were introduced to a national audience in an article appearing in the July 18, 2011 Wall Street Journal. It raised questions about some of the practices and procedures … [Read more...] about Supreme Court Addresses Access to Justice Issues in the Small Claims Courts of Marion County
CASA Rally at Indiana State House
See more photos from the CASA Rally on Flickr Volunteers from Indiana’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs came from across the state and took part in a rally in Indianapolis on March 5th. Approximately 350 people clothed in blue T-shirts filled the north atrium of the State House. The goal of the rally was to draw attention to the need for more CASA volunteers and the importance of their role as a v … [Read more...] about CASA Rally at Indiana State House
Trial Rule 81.1 Procedures for Cases Involving Family or Household Members
The Indiana Supreme has adopted a new rule of trial procedure that provides trial courts special flexibility in handling multiple cases involving the same family or household. Trial Rule 81.1, which became effective January 1, 2012, is based on the special rules, which have been available to courts participating in the Indiana Family Court Projects since the inception of the project in 1998. After the Family Court … [Read more...] about Trial Rule 81.1 Procedures for Cases Involving Family or Household Members