The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 137, Sen. Bray’s bill on magistrates and criminal trials. This bill provides that a magistrate may not preside over a criminal trial or sentencing hearing if the defendant timely requests that the elected circuit court or superior court judge preside. The amendment, adopted by consent, requires that the same magistrate must preside over the t … [Read more...] about Magistrates and criminal trials
Judicial Administration
Court staff attorney pilot project
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1039 authored by Rep. Washburne and Rep. DeLaney on the court staff attorney pilot project. This bill establishes a two-year pilot circuit and superior court assistance project administered by the Indiana Judicial Center to handle complex motions. The bill provides for legal assistance from an attorney, senior judge, or third … [Read more...] about Court staff attorney pilot project
Vanderburgh circuit court magistrate
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1058, authored by Rep. Washburne and Rep. McNamara, adding a Vanderburgh circuit court magistrate. Lilia Judson, Executive Director of State Court Administration provided background testimony on judicial weighted caseload measures. Judge Felts, Allen Circuit Court, and Judge Pera, Lake Superior Court, testified on behalf of the … [Read more...] about Vanderburgh circuit court magistrate
Clark circuit court magistrate
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1110, authored by Rep. Stemler and Rep. Steuerwald, adding a Clark circuit court magistrate. Lilia Judson, Executive Director of State Court Administration, provided background testimony on judicial weighted caseload measures. Judge Felts, Allen Circuit Court, and Judge Pera, Lake Superior Court, testified as to the duties and … [Read more...] about Clark circuit court magistrate
Lake County city and town jurisdiction
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1307, authored by Rep. Fine, pertaining to Lake County city and town jurisdiction. The bill raises the limit of the amount in controversy from $3,000 to $6,000 in Lake County city and town courts with concurrent civil jurisdiction with the circuit court. An amendment, adopted by consent, added the Crown Point City Court to the … [Read more...] about Lake County city and town jurisdiction