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 20, 2010.

STATE OF THE JUDICIARY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010
INDIANA HOUSE CHAMBERS
2 P.M. EST

 “Dealing With The Recession: A Court System That Won’t Roll Over,” will focus on how the economic pressures affect the judicial branch.  Chief Justice Shepard will highlight the courts’ technology improvements despite the economic downturn.  He will describe court programs designed to protect children and families in need and provide Lawmakers with a report on a pledge he made one year ago to help homeowners facing foreclosure.
 
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.  The 2010 address will be Chief Justice Shepard’s twenty-third State of the Judiciary.  Trial and appellate court judges from across the state dress in traditional black robes for the event.  Prior to the start of the speech the judges will form a processional line in the historic Supreme Court Courtroom.  They will walk across the third floor atrium to the Indiana House of Representatives and will be seated when the Speaker of the House introduces them to the General Assembly. 

Media organizations interested in attending should contact Kathryn Dolan, Supreme Court Public Information Officer, at (317) 234-4722 or kdolan@courts.state.in.us.  Advance copies of Chief Justice Shepard’s speech will be delivered to the State House press just prior to the address.  The speech will also be webcast live.  The text and webcast can be found online at courts.in.gov.