By Greg Anderson, Deputy Director | Office of Judicial and Attorney Regulation Hoosiers have three methods of becoming judges—partisan campaigns, nonpartisan campaigns, and appointment with retention elections. Because becoming a judge requires varying degrees of political involvement, the Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct allows candidates and judicial officers limited participation in political activities. J … [Read more...] about Do this, not that: Running for judicial office in Indiana
Ethics
(Ab)Use of Power: Effective Methods for Exercising Contempt of Court Powers
By Marcus Alan McGhee, Staff Attorney (former) Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications Managing a docket, staff, and one’s own mental and physical health can be challenging on any day, but especially when you have an abusive individual appearing before you in court. Some may talk over you, curse you, and the very audacious may even threaten you. While instinct might encourage a proportional response, the C … [Read more...] about (Ab)Use of Power: Effective Methods for Exercising Contempt of Court Powers
Don’t panic: Just follow the rules
By Adrienne L. Meiring, Counsel & Luba Gore, Staff Attorney · Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications For the ethically minded criminal court judge, few pleadings cause more angst than the motion for a change of judge due to bias. Understandably, it can be difficult not to take an allegation of bias as a personal attack or to refrain from a defensive response. But just take a breath and let the rules be … [Read more...] about Don’t panic: Just follow the rules
The Good, the Bad, and the Disappointing
Adrienne Meiring, Executive Director | Disciplinary Commission From March 2020 through half of 2021, even the most patient souls have been tested: a pandemic, social unrest, and political uncertainty. In such times, there is a temptation to suggest that ethical standards should be relaxed in the name of survival. But challenging times make for creative solutions, and many Indiana judges found innovative ways to … [Read more...] about The Good, the Bad, and the Disappointing
Remote or Not…It’s Still a Court Proceeding
By Adrienne Meiring, Counsel | Judicial Qualifications Commission The past year has provided a number of unprecedented challenges for the judiciary, which has allowed the court system to demonstrate its adaptability and innovation to keep the wheels of justice moving. With the advent of video-conference hearings and court proceedings being livestreamed, parties and witnesses may participate in proceedings from a … [Read more...] about Remote or Not…It’s Still a Court Proceeding