Press Release
Responding to a Tough Economy:
State of the Judiciary Focuses on Courts' Role in Rebuilding America's Confidence
January 8, 2009

Chief Justice of Indiana, Randall T. Shepard, will address a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly for the annual State of the Judiciary.  The formal update on the accomplishments and challenges facing the judicial branch will be held January 14, 2009 at 2 p.m.

The Chief Justice is required to provide Indiana lawmakers with an update on the “condition of the courts” according to Article 7, Section 3 of the Indiana Constitution.  However, the speech and related events encompass more than an obligatory synopsis.  The event is rich in history and has grown into a State House tradition that the media is invited to attend.

The historic Supreme Court courtroom serves as a robing room for dozens of members of the judiciary.  Trial court judges from across the state, Court of Appeals Judges, and the Supreme Court Justices dress in traditional black robes for the event.  Prior to the start of the speech they form a processional line from the robing room, across the third floor atrium, to the Indiana House of Representatives.

Media organizations interested in attending should contact Kathryn Dolan, Supreme Court Public Information Officer, at (317) 234-4722 or kdolan@courts.state.in.us.