Ind. Code ch. 33-33-45

Ind. Code ch. 33-33-45
in effect

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-1 Application

Sec. 1. IC 33-29-1 does not apply to this chapter. [2004 Recodification Citation: New.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-2 Judicial circuit

Sec. 2. (a) Lake County constitutes the thirty-first judicial circuit. (b) The judge of the Lake circuit court may appoint two (2) full-time magistrates under IC 33-23-5 to serve the Lake circuit court. One (1) of the magistrates shall serve the domestic relations counseling bureau established under IC 31-12-2. The judge shall specify the duties of a magistrate appointed under this subsection. A magistrate continues in office until removed by the judge of the circuit court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-4-1-45.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-3 Establishment of superior court

Sec. 3. There is established a superior court in Lake County (referred to as "the court" in this chapter). [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-1.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-4 Name

Sec. 4. The court shall be known as the superior court of Lake County. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-2.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-5 Seal

Sec. 5. The court shall have a seal consisting of a circular disk containing the words "superior court of Lake County, Indiana" and "seal" and a design as the court may determine, an impression of which shall be spread of record upon the order book of the court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-3.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-6 Juvenile court jurisdiction

Sec. 6. Notwithstanding IC 31-30-1-2, the juvenile court has exclusive jurisdiction over a child who: (1) has been taken into custody in the county; and (2) has allegedly committed an act that would be a misdemeanor traffic offense if committed by an adult. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-4.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.201-2011, SEC.59.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-7 Court of record; force and effect of judgments and orders

Sec. 7. (a) The court is a court of record. (b) The court's judgments, decrees, orders, and proceedings: (1) have the same force and effect; and (2) shall be enforced in the same manner; as those of the Lake circuit court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-5.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-8 Power and authority of court

Sec. 8. (a) The court: (1) may make and adopt rules and regulations for conducting the business of the court; and (2) has all the powers incident to a court of record in relation to the attendance of witnesses, the punishment of contempts, and the enforcement of its orders. (b) The judges may administer oaths, solemnize marriages, take and certify acknowledgments of deeds and all legal instruments, and give all necessary certificates for the authentication of the records and proceedings in the court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-6.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-9 Additional court powers

Sec. 9. The court has the same power to grant restraining orders and injunctions, to issue writs of habeas corpus, to appoint receivers, masters, and commissioners to convey real property, and to grant commissions for the examination of witnesses, and to appoint other officers necessary to facilitate and transact the business of the court as is conferred on circuit courts or the judges of the circuit courts in counties where there is no criminal court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-7.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-10 Magistrates of criminal division

Sec. 10. (a) The judges of the criminal division may appoint two (2) full-time magistrates under IC 33-23-5 to serve the criminal division. A magistrate appointed under this subsection continues in office until removed by the judges of the criminal division. (b) The judges of the civil division may appoint two (2) full-time magistrates under IC 33-23-5 to serve the civil division. A magistrate appointed under this subsection continues in office until removed by the judges of the civil division. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-7.1.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-11 Magistrates

Sec. 11. (a) The judge of division No. 1, division No. 2, division No. 3, and division No. 4 of the court may each appoint one (1) full-time magistrate under IC 33-23-5 to serve as the court requires. A magistrate appointed under this section: (1) must be a resident of the county; and (2) continues in office until removed by the judge that the magistrate serves. (b) The appointment of a magistrate under this section must be in writing. (c) The judge may specifically determine the duties of the magistrate within the limits established under IC 33-23-5. (d) The county executive shall provide and maintain suitable facilities for the use of the magistrate, including necessary furniture and equipment. (e) The court shall employ administrative staff necessary to support the functions of the magistrates. (f) The county fiscal body shall appropriate sufficient funds for the provision of staff and facilities required under this section. (g) A magistrate is entitled to annual compensation as established under IC 33-23-5-10. The state shall pay the salary set under IC 33-23-5-10. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-7.2.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.123-2021, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-12 Personnel

Sec. 12. (a) The senior judge of each division may appoint the number of bailiffs, court reporters, probation officers, and other personnel as the senior judge believes is necessary to judicially and efficiently facilitate and transact the business of the division. All appointments shall be made without regard to the political affiliation of the appointees. The salaries of the court personnel shall be fixed and paid as provided by law. The officers and persons appointed shall: (1) perform the duties prescribed by the senior judge of each respective division; and (2) serve at the pleasure of the senior judge. (b) The court shall appoint an administrative officer who has the duties the court determines are necessary to ensure the efficient operation of the court. The court may appoint the number of deputy administrative officers as the court considers necessary to facilitate and transact the business of the court. Any appointment of an administrative officer or deputy administrative officer shall be made without regard to the political affiliation of the appointees. The salaries of the administrative officer and any deputy administrative officer shall be fixed by the court, to be paid out of the county treasury by the county auditor, upon the order of the court, and entered of record. Any administrative officer or deputy administrative officer appointed by the court shall: (1) operate under the jurisdiction of the chief judge; and (2) serve at the pleasure of the chief judge. (c) The court may appoint part-time juvenile referees and magistrates as provided by IC 31-31-3. (d) The court may appoint the number of probate commissioners provided for by IC 29-2-2. The probate commissioners shall be vested with the powers and duties provided by IC 29. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-8.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-13 Location of court sessions

Sec. 13. The court shall hold continuous sessions in places in Lake County as the court periodically determines. The board of county commissioners of Lake County shall: (1) provide and maintain: (A) suitable and convenient courtrooms for the holding of the court, together with suitable and convenient jury rooms and offices for the judges and other court officers and personnel; and (B) other facilities as may be necessary; and (2) provide all necessary furniture and equipment for rooms and offices of the court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-9.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-14 Books, papers, and records

Sec. 14. The clerk of the Lake circuit court, under the direction of the court, shall provide order books, judgment dockets, execution dockets, fee books, and other books, papers, and records that are necessary for the court, and all books, papers, and proceedings of the court shall be kept distinct and separate from those of other courts. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-14.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-15 Order books

Sec. 15. The court shall maintain an order book at each location of the court and the order books may be signed on behalf of the court by any of the judges of the court, and the signature constitutes authentication of the actions of each of the judges in the court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-15.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-16 Laws and rules governing the court

Sec. 16. All Indiana laws and rules adopted by the supreme court governing the circuit courts apply to the superior court. However: (1) a person other than a judge of the superior court of Lake County may not serve as a special judge when a change of judge is requested from the superior court of Lake County; (2) a judge of the superior court of Lake County may not receive compensation other than regular salary for serving as a special judge where the change of venue from the judge was granted by the superior court of Lake County; (3) the statutes and rules governing the records, procedures, and practices of county courts apply to the county division of the court; and (4) there is no change of venue from the county as of right in cases in the county division of the court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-16.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-17 Appeals

Sec. 17. Any party may appeal from any order or judgment of the court in any case where an appeal may be had from a similar order or judgment of the circuit court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-17.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-18 Process of court

Sec. 18. The process of the court shall have the seal affixed and be attested, directed, served, and returned, and be in the form as is provided for process issuing from the circuit court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-18.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-19 Chief judge; senior judge

Sec. 19. (a) The court, by rules adopted by the court, shall designate one (1) of the judges as chief judge and shall fix the time that the chief judge presides. The chief judge is responsible for the efficient operation and conduct of the court. (b) The judges of each division of the court, in accordance with the rules adopted by the judges of that division, shall designate a judge as the senior judge of that division and fix the time that the senior judge serves. (c) The senior judge of each division shall report to the chief judge as to how the division should best judicially operate. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-19.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-20 Action of entire court

Sec. 20. When an action of the entire court is required, the judges of the court shall act in concert. If there is a disagreement, the decision of a majority of the judges controls. However, if the judges are evenly divided, the decision joined by the chief judge controls. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-20.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-21 Divisions of court; assignment of judges

Sec. 21. (a) The court is divided into civil (including probate), criminal, county, and juvenile divisions. The work of the court shall be divided among the divisions by the rules of the court. (b) Seven (7) judges comprise the civil division. Four (4) judges comprise the criminal division. Four (4) judges comprise the county division. One (1) judge comprises the juvenile division. However, the court by rule may alter the number of judges assigned to a division of the court if the court determines that the change is necessary for the efficient operation of the court. (c) The court by rule may reassign a judge of the court from one (1) division to another if the court determines that the change is necessary for the efficient operation of the court. The court by rule may establish a rotation schedule providing for the rotation of judges through the various divisions. The rotation schedule may be used if the court determines that an emergency exists. However, a senior judge of any division may not be reassigned or rotated to another division under this subsection. (d) The chief judge of the court may assign a judge in one (1) division of the court to hear a case originating in another division of the court, and may reassign cases from one (1) judge to another, if the chief judge determines that the change is necessary for the efficient operation of the court. (e) A judge of a division of the court who has not been appointed to the court under section 38 of this chapter is not eligible to be reassigned, rotated, or transferred to the other divisions of the court. However, a judge of a division of the court who has not been appointed to the court under section 38 of this chapter may apply to fill a vacancy in another division of the court through appointment as provided under this chapter. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-21.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.201-2011, SEC.60.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-22 Transfer of actions from circuit court

Sec. 22. The judge of the Lake circuit court may, with the consent of the court, transfer any action, cause, or proceeding filed and docketed in the Lake circuit court to the court by transferring all original papers and instruments filed in the action, cause, or proceeding and without further transcript, to be redocketed and disposed of as if originally filed with the court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-23.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-23 Transfer of actions to circuit court

Sec. 23. Any judge of the court may, with the consent of the judge of the Lake circuit court, transfer any civil action, cause or proceeding filed and docketed in the court to the Lake circuit court by transferring all original papers and instruments filed in such action, cause, or proceeding without further transcript thereof to be redocketed and disposed of as if originally filed with the Lake circuit court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-24.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-24 Authority of circuit judge to sit in superior court

Sec. 24. The judge of the Lake circuit court may sit as a judge of the court, with the court's permission, in the civil division, without limitation and without any further order, in the same manner as if the circuit court judge were a judge of the court with all the rights and powers as if the circuit court judge were a duly appointed judge of the court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-25.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-25 Incumbent judges; retention; election

Sec. 25. (a) At the general election immediately preceding the expiration of a judge's extended term, the question of that judge's retention in office or rejection shall be submitted to the electorate of Lake County under section 42 of this chapter. Thereafter, unless rejected by the electorate, each judge shall serve successive terms as provided in section 41(b) of this chapter. (b) A judge of the county division serving on June 30, 2011, is subject to the question of the judge's retention in office or rejection as provided in subsection (a) at the expiration of the judge's term of office under the law in effect on June 30, 2011. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-26.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.201-2011, SEC.61.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-26 Number of judges

Sec. 26. The superior court of Lake County consists of sixteen (16) judges plus the Lake circuit court judge if the circuit court judge chooses to sit on the superior court of Lake County. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-27.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-27 Judicial nominating commission; establishment

Sec. 27. (a) There is established a judicial nominating commission for the superior court of Lake County, the functions, responsibilities, and procedures of which are set forth in sections 28 through 37 of this chapter. (b) The board of county commissioners of Lake County shall provide all facilities, equipment, supplies, and services as may be necessary for the administration of the duties imposed upon the commission. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation. However, the board of county commissioners of Lake County shall reimburse members of the commission for actual expenses incurred in performing their duties. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-28.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-28 Judicial nominating commission; membership

Sec. 28. (a) The judicial nominating commission (referred to in this chapter as the commission) consists of seven (7) voting members, the majority of whom form a quorum. The chief justice of Indiana or the chief justice's designee serves ex officio as a voting member only to resolve tie votes and as the chairperson of the commission. (b) The: (1) governor shall appoint three (3) members to the commission: (A) one (1) of whom must be an attorney; (B) one (1) of whom must be a nonattorney who has never been licensed to practice law; and (C) one (1) of whom must be a woman; and (2) Lake County board of commissioners shall appoint three (3) members to the commission: (A) one (1) of whom must be an attorney; (B) one (1) of whom must be a nonattorney who has never been licensed to practice law; and (C) one (1) of whom must be an individual from a minority group (as defined in IC 5-28-20-5). The appointees must reside in Lake County, have no prior felony conviction, and reflect the composition of the community. If the Lake County board of commissioners fails to appoint any commission members within the time required to do so in section 29 of this chapter, the appointment shall be made by the chairperson of the commission. The chairperson of the commission shall have standing to dispute the validity of an appointed member. (c) A member of the commission, other than a judge or justice, may not hold any other elected public office. A member may not hold an office in a political party or organization. (d) A member of the commission is not eligible for appointment to a judicial office in Lake County if the member is a member of the commission and for three (3) years thereafter. (e) Except for the chief justice of Indiana or the chief justice's designee, if any voting member of the commission terminates the member's residence in Lake County, the member is considered to have resigned from the commission. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-29.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.2-2007, SEC.368; P.L.204-2021, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-29 Members appointed by the Lake County board of commissioners

Sec. 29. (a) The Lake County board of commissioners shall appoint three (3) members of the commission. (b) One (1) month before the expiration of a term of office of a commissioner appointed by the Lake County board of commissioners, an appointment or reappointment shall be made in accordance with section 28 of this chapter. All appointments made by the Lake County board of commissioners shall be certified to the secretary of state, the clerk of the supreme court, and the clerk of Lake circuit court within ten (10) days after the appointment. (c) Each member appointed by the Lake County board of commissioners shall be appointed for a term of four (4) years. (d) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of a commissioner appointed by the Lake County board of commissioners, the chairperson of the commission shall promptly notify the Lake County board of commissioners in writing of such fact. Vacancies in the office of commissioners appointed by the Lake County board of commissioners shall be filled by appointment of the Lake County board of commissioners within sixty (60) days after notice of the vacancy is received. The term of the commissioner appointed by the Lake County board of commissioners is for the unexpired term of the member whose vacancy the new member has filled. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-30.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.204-2021, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-30 Repealed

[Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-31.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Repealed by P.L.204-2021, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-31 Repealed

[Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-32.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Repealed by P.L.204-2021, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-32 Notification

Sec. 32. After the voting members of the commission have been appointed by the governor and the voting members of the commission appointed by the Lake County board of commissioners have been certified to the secretary of state, clerk of the supreme court, and clerk of the Lake circuit court as this chapter provides, the clerk of the Lake circuit court shall by regular mail notify the members of the commission of their election or appointment and shall notify the chairperson of the judicial nominating commission of the same. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-33.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.204-2021, SEC.5.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-33 Duration in office

Sec. 33. A member of the judicial nominating commission may serve until the member's successor is appointed. A voting member of the commission is not eligible for more than two (2) successive reappointments. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-34.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.204-2021, SEC.6.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-34 Vacancies; meetings of commission

Sec. 34. (a) When a vacancy occurs in the superior court of Lake County, the clerk of the court shall promptly notify the chairperson and each member of the commission of the vacancy. The chairperson shall call a meeting of the commission within ten (10) days following the notice. The commission shall submit its nominations of five (5) candidates for each vacancy and certify them to the governor as promptly as possible, and not later than sixty (60) days after the vacancy occurs. When it is known that a vacancy will occur at a definite future date within the term of the governor then serving, but the vacancy has not yet occurred, the clerk shall notify the chairperson and each member of the commission immediately of the forthcoming vacancy, and the commission may within fifty (50) days of the notice of the vacancy make its nominations and submit to the governor the names of five (5) persons nominated for the forthcoming vacancy. (b) Meetings of the commission shall be called by its chairperson or, if the chairperson fails to call a necessary meeting, upon the call of any four (4) members of the commission. The chairperson, whenever the chairperson considers a meeting necessary, or upon the request by any four (4) members of the commission for a meeting, shall give each member of the commission at least five (5) days written notice by mail of the date, time, and place of every meeting unless the commission at its previous meeting designated the date, time, and place of its next meeting. (c) Meetings of the commission are to be held at the Lake County government center in Crown Point or another place, as the circuit court clerk of Lake County may arrange, at the direction of the chairperson of the commission. (d) The commission may act only at a public meeting. IC 5-14-1.5 applies to meetings of the commission. The commission may not meet in executive session under IC 5-14-1.5-6.1 for the consideration of a candidate for judicial appointment. (e) The commission may act only by the concurrence of a majority of its voting members attending a meeting. Four (4) voting members constitute a quorum at a meeting. (f) The commission may adopt reasonable and proper rules and regulations for the conduct of its proceedings and the discharge of its duties. These rules must provide for the receipt of public testimony concerning the qualifications of candidates for nomination to the governor. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-35.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.201-2011, SEC.62; P.L.204-2021, SEC.7.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-35 Nominees; requirements of commission

Sec. 35. In selecting the five (5) nominees to be submitted to the governor, the commission shall comply with the following requirements: (1) The commission shall submit only the names of the five (5) most highly qualified candidates from among all those eligible individuals considered. To be eligible for nomination as a judge of the superior court of Lake County, a person must be domiciled in the county of Lake, a citizen of the United States, and admitted to the practice of law in Indiana. (2) In abiding by the mandate in subdivision (1), the commission shall evaluate in writing each eligible individual on the following factors: (A) Law school record, including any academic honors and achievements. (B) Contribution to scholarly journals and publications, legislative drafting, and legal briefs. (C) Activities in public service, including: (i) writings and speeches concerning public or civic affairs that are on public record, including but not limited to campaign speeches or writings, letters to newspapers, and testimony before public agencies; (ii) government service; (iii) efforts and achievements in improving the administration of justice; and (iv) other conduct relating to the individual's profession. (D) Legal experience, including the number of years of practicing law, the kind of practice involved, and reputation as a trial lawyer or judge. (E) Probable judicial temperament. (F) Physical condition, including age, stamina, and possible habitual intemperance. (G) Personality traits, including the exercise of sound judgment, ability to compromise and conciliate, patience, decisiveness, and dedication. (H) Membership on boards of directors, financial interests, and any other consideration that might create conflict of interest with a judicial office. (I) Any other pertinent information that the commission feels is important in selecting the best qualified individuals for judicial office. (3) These written evaluations shall not be made on an individual until the individual states in writing that the individual desires to hold a judicial office that is or will be created by vacancy. (4) The political affiliations of any candidate may not be considered by the commission in evaluating and determining which eligible candidates shall be recommended to the governor for a vacancy on the superior court of Lake County. (5) In determining which eligible candidates are recommended to the governor, the commission shall consider that racial and gender diversity enhances the quality of the judiciary. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-36.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.204-2021, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-36 List of nominees; public records; submission to governor

Sec. 36. (a) The commission shall submit with the list of five (5) nominees to the governor its written evaluation of the qualifications of each candidate. (b) The names of the nominees and the written evaluations are public records that may be inspected and copied under IC 5-14-3. (c) Every eligible candidate whose name was not submitted to the governor shall have access to any evaluation on the candidate by the commission and the right to make such evaluation public. (d) Records specifically prepared for discussion or developed during discussion in an executive session under IC 5-14-1.5-6.1 are excepted from public disclosure, unless the records are prepared for use in the consideration of a candidate for judicial appointment. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-37.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.204-2021, SEC.9.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-37 Withdrawal of name or list of nominations

Sec. 37. (a) After the commission has nominated and submitted to the governor the names of five (5) persons for appointment to fill a vacancy of the superior court of Lake County: (1) any name may be withdrawn for cause considered by the commission to be of a substantial nature affecting the nominee's qualifications to hold office; and (2) another name may be substituted; before the appointment is made to fill the vacancy. (b) If a nominee dies or requests in writing that the nominee's name be withdrawn, the commission shall nominate another person to replace the nominee. (c) If two (2) or more vacancies exist, the commission shall nominate and submit to the governor a list of five (5) different persons for each of the vacancies. The commission may, before an appointment is made, withdraw the lists of nominations, change the names of any persons nominated from one (1) list to another, and resubmit them as changed, or may substitute a new name for any of those previously nominated. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-38.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.204-2021, SEC.10.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-38 Selection of judges

Sec. 38. (a) A vacancy occurring on the court shall be filled by appointment of the governor from a list of five (5) nominees presented to the governor by the judicial nominating commission. If the governor fails to make an appointment from the list within sixty (60) days after the day it is presented to the governor, the appointment shall be made by the chief justice or the acting chief justice of Indiana from the same list, or altered list as provided for in section 37 of this chapter. (b) The governor shall make all appointments to the court without regard to the political affiliation of any of the five (5) nominees submitted to the governor. In the interest of justice, the governor shall consider only those qualifications of the nominees included in section 35 of this chapter. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-39.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.204-2021, SEC.11.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-39 Repealed

[Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-39.5.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Repealed by P.L.201-2011, SEC.114.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-40 Effective date of appointment

Sec. 40. An appointment by the governor or chief justice, as required by section 38 of this chapter, to the superior court of Lake County takes effect immediately if a vacancy exists at the date of the appointment. The appointment takes effect on the date the vacancy is created if a vacancy does not exist at the date of appointment. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-40.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.201-2011, SEC.63.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-41 Tenure of judges

Sec. 41. (a) Each judge appointed under section 38 of this chapter serves an initial term, which begins on the effective date of the appointment of the judge and continues through December 31 in the year of the general election that follows the expiration of two (2) years after the effective date of the judge's appointment. (b) Unless the judge: (1) is rejected by the electorate of Lake County; or (2) does not file the statement required; under section 42 of this chapter, a judge of the superior court shall serve successive six (6) year terms. (c) Each six (6) year term begins on the first day of January following the expiration of the preceding initial term or the preceding six (6) year term, as the case may be, and continues for six (6) years. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-41.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.201-2011, SEC.64; P.L.74-2017, SEC.74.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-42 Submission to electorate; question of retention in office or rejection of judges

Sec. 42. (a) The question of the retention in office or rejection of each judge of the superior court of Lake County shall be submitted to the electorate of Lake County at the general election immediately preceding expiration of the term of the judge. (b) At the general election, the question of the retention in office or rejection of a judge described in subsection (a) shall be submitted to the electorate of Lake County in the form prescribed by IC 3-11 and must state "Shall Judge (insert name) of the superior court of Lake County be retained in office for an additional term?". (c) If a majority of the ballots cast by the electors voting on any question is "Yes", the judge whose name appeared on the question shall be approved for a six (6) year term beginning January 1 following the general election as provided in section 41(b) of this chapter. (d) If a majority of the ballots cast by the electors voting on any question is "No", the judge whose name appeared on the question shall be rejected. The office of the rejected judge is vacant on January 1 following the rejection. The vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the governor under section 38 of this chapter. (e) The Lake County election board shall submit the question of the retention in office or rejection of a judge described in subsection (a) to the electorate of Lake County. The submission of the question is subject to the provisions of IC 3 that are not inconsistent with this chapter. (f) A judge who wishes to be retained in office shall file a statement with the secretary of state, not later than noon July 15 of the year in which the question of retention of the judge is to be placed on the general election ballot, indicating that the judge wishes to have the question of the judge's retention placed on the ballot. The judge's statement must include a statement of the judge's name as: (1) the judge wants the judge's name to appear on the ballot; and (2) the candidate's name is permitted to appear on the ballot under IC 3-5-7. (g) If a judge does not file the statement required under subsection (f), the question of that judge's retention in office or rejection shall not be submitted to the electorate, and the office becomes vacant at the expiration of the term. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-42.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2005, SEC.34; P.L.201-2011, SEC.65; P.L.74-2017, SEC.75.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-43 Repealed

[Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-42.5.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2005, SEC.34. Repealed by P.L.201-2011, SEC.114.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-44 Conditions of office; censure or removal; political party campaigning for or against removal

Sec. 44. (a) A judge of the superior court may not during a term of office as judge of the superior court do any of the following: (1) Engage in the practice of law. (2) Run for elective office. (3) Take part in any political campaign. (b) Failure to comply with this section is sufficient cause for the commission on judicial qualifications to recommend to the supreme court that the judge be censured or removed. (c) A political party may not directly or indirectly campaign for or against a judge subject to retention or rejection under this chapter. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-43.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.201-2011, SEC.66.

Ind. Code § 33-33-45-45 Repealed

[Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-71.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Repealed by P.L.118-2007, SEC.38.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/33Fetched: 10/17/2026