Chief Justice Rush highlights ways judicial system is working to improve the lives of Hoosiers

Yahoo

30-01-2025

Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush greets lawmakers during her State of the Judiciary speech on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo by Schyler Altherr/The Statehouse File)
Delivering her 11th State of the Judiciary speech to the Indiana legislature Wednesday, Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush highlighted programs, people and legislation that the courts have used to innovate the judicial system in the state.
'Our work is not done in isolation but in partnership with you, our legislative colleagues, the executive branch, legal professionals and the people we serve.' said Rush. 'We are active in our shared mission to promote justice, safety and stability for all Hoosiers while steadfastly anchored within our constitutional authority.'
During the 30-minute speech in the Indiana House, Rush mentioned creating and updating child support guidelines, helping create 4,600 adopted families, supporting elderly volunteer advocates, almost tripling the number of problem-solving courts in the past decade, and enhancing access to justice through technology like AI.
'I often get asked, 'What's the most important case you've heard?'' Rush said, noting trial judges in the audience are familiar with that question. 'Here is the answer: It is the case before me right now because I guarantee you, for the people involved in that case, it is the most important matter to them.'
Every seat on the floor was taken; extra seating even had to be brought in during this joint session of the General Assembly. The balcony, which was filled to the brim, seated a record number of judges. The attendees also included Gov. Mike Braun, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and guests of the chief justice, whom she would honor during her speech.
Beckwith was visibly impressed by the content of her remarks.
'I thought the chief justice did a great job; it makes me even more proud to be a Hoosier. Very rarely do you think the State of the Judiciary matters, but it's super important,' he said.
Making her way from her Supreme Court chambers, through the hall of the capitol building to the House, Rush waved, shook hands and hugged members of the General Assembly as she walked down the aisle to the podium. After Beckwith introduced Rush, the chamber erupted into applause.
'I am honored to be with you all today, fulfilling my constitutional duty to report to you on the condition of Indiana's courts,' she said. 'Hoosier courts remain sound, steady and strong.'
Much like last year's State of the Judiciary, Rush focused on the work of individual judges and the results of newly instituted programs. She began with a light-hearted joke about the 'Night Court' held during the 2024 legislative session, when Republican leaders worked as court bailiffs for the evening.
'I want to dispel the rumors that your leadership — Speaker (Todd) Huston and President Pro Tem (Rodric) Bray — have applied to be our full-time court bailiffs,' she said as the audience laughed.
Rush then got into the meat of her speech as she spoke to the court's role in helping children and families, highlighting the judiciary's work in revising child support guidelines.
'You tasked us with creating, updating and enforcing them. And we have,' Rush said. 'Court-ordered child support last year resulted in over $770 million in payments for children,' she said, receiving boisterous applause.
Rush also spoke about the work of the trial courts around the state in their struggle to find safe homes for adoptive children. She highlighted the work of Morgan County Judge Dakota Van Leeuwen, who enlisted the help of her community to get 500 Squishmallow stuffed animals to give to adopted children that go through her court.
'Each adopted child leaves her court with a cuddly reminder of how much they are loved,' said Rush as Leeuwen showed off a green and a pink Squishmallow to the audience.
In addition to discussing court programs for Hoosier children, Rush spoke about work being done for the elderly through the Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) program. As part of this initiative, volunteers have advocated for over 800 elder Hoosiers.
'Many elders suffer from abuse, neglect or isolation, and some just have no one in their corner,' Rush said.
She followed that by thanking a longtime Johnson County resident, Linda Kruger, who not only volunteered to assist in the VASIA program but was last year's Volunteer Guardian of the Year.
Rush selected as chief justice for a third five-year term
'Her work and that of more than 260 other court volunteers, embodies the highest ideals of compassion and justice,' said Rush.
The speech then turned to the innovative problem-solving courts. These courts are an alternative form of judicial action that Rush has praised in two consecutive State of the Judiciary speeches.
Rush celebrated the Military Veteran Problem Solving Courts in this year's address, including a personal story of Mark McDaniel, a recent graduate of Tippecanoe's Veterans Treatment Court.
'Mark is working full time, was just named employee of the month at a large Lafayette manufacturing plant, has his own home, is reconnected with his family, and has been sober for the last three years,' Rush said.
When recognized by Rush, he held up and then draped the handmade 'quilt of valor' that he was wrapped in upon graduation from the program over the balcony. Lawmakers, judges and guests gave a loud and long-lasting standing ovation. Mark choked back tears as he held the quilt made by community members that commemorated his achievement.
Rush then talked about the drastic changes in technology that have impacted the court system. From data sharing applications that changed the way law enforcement verify the legality of carrying a gun to improved public transparency with MyCase software and, most recently, AI innovations in court recording. Rush said the court's technology has made their jobs more efficient.
'Where it used to take weeks or months to get that record, it now takes only minutes,' Rush said, referring to transcribing a trial.
She concluded her remarks by honoring the newest members of Indiana government, including the governor and lieutenant governor, leaving them with words of advice for the future.
'Though we are separate branches with separate responsibilities, we are a team because we have all been called to public service to build a stronger state for all Hoosiers,' Rush concluded as the standing ovation began.
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