Court Administrator
Steve Lancaster
Court Administrator
Media Contact
Martin DeAgostino
Communications Director
Information for the Press
Pho: 317.234-4859
Fax: 317.233.4627
martin.deagostino@courts.in.gov
Where to file...
Clerk of the Appellate Courts
200 W. Washington St.
216 State House
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Welcome from Indiana Court of Appeals Chief Judge
Welcome to the Court of Appeals of Indiana’s website. I'd like to share some information with you about the Court of Appeals, and invite you to further explore the court's workings, to help you become better acquainted with the mission of our state's second highest court.
The Appellate Court was originally established by the General Assembly in 1891. As a result of a Constitutional amendment, the Court of Appeals of Indiana came into existence as a Constitutional Court in its present form in 1972. The court hears appeals from Indiana's trial courts and administrative agencies and has the responsibility of reviewing matters of law and answering specific legal questions.
Each case is reviewed by a three-judge panel. Last year, the court issued more than 2,400 written opinions. In addition, more than 1,100 cases were concluded by orders and more than 6,000 motions and miscellaneous petitions were handled by the court. Through our "Appeals on Wheels" program, the court held more than 105 oral arguments at locations throughout the state, so that the public may observe its workings—up close and transparently. The court speaks only through its opinions and orders, as U.S. Supreme Court Justice Byron White noted when he said the judiciary "is the only branch of government that explains itself, in writing, every time it makes a decision."
The court is nonpolitical and nonpartisan. The Judiciary, the third branch of government, neither legislates nor executes. When a vacancy occurs on the 15-member court, a new judge is appointed by the Governor, on the recommendation of a judicial selection committee that puts forward three names. Once appointed, judges stand for retention election by the citizens of the state every 10 years.
I'm proud to say our court is recognized nationwide for its thoroughness, and the efficient and deliberate manner in which it conducts its duties for the good of all its citizens.
I hope you'll take time to familiarize yourself with our court and the role it plays in ensuring that, as George Washington remarked over 200 years ago, the "administration of justice is the firmest pillar of good government."
On behalf of my colleagues, our senior judges, professional and administrative staff, best wishes,
Margret G. Robb, Chief Judge
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