Purpose | Programs | Documents | Members | Staff Contact
Purpose
The Community Relations Committee works on issues relating to the public image of courts and the relationship between courts and the media. Committee projects have included production of a public service video, formation of the Media/Judicial Advisory Group, and formation of a “fire brigade” concept for 1st Amendment issues between courts and the media. This committee meets quarterly.
Programs
Awards Nominations
The Judicial Conference Community Relations Committee, on behalf of the Indiana Judges Association, is accepting nominations for two awards recognizing “Excellence in Public Information and Education.” The Judge’s Award recognizes a member of the judiciary for efforts in community relations. The Media Award is presented to a member of the media for responsible reporting on the Indiana judiciary.
See additional information & nomination criteria
Nominate a deserving judge or journalist
Judges Speakers Bureau
The Speakers Bureau is intended to connect schools with volunteer judges to speak about courts and the law and promote an understanding of the purpose and structure of Indiana's judicial system. The following is a directory of judicial officers willing to speak to K-12 classrooms in their respective counties. Teachers may contact a listed judge by either telephone or email. For more information on the Judges Speakers Bureau, please contact the Office of Communication, Education, and Outreach at oceo@courts.in.gov.
View the Judges Speakers Bureau
Constitution Day
Judges are encouraged to find a classroom to visit and celebrate Constitution Day using a variety of resources.
Members
Mag. Pauline Beeson
Marion Superior Court
Indianapolis
Hon. Kelly Benjamin
Bartholomew Circuit Court
Columbus
Mag. Lisa Berdine
Lake Circuit Court
Crown Point
Com. Karin Brown
Porter Superior Court
Valparaiso
Luke Britt
Public Information Officer
Marion Superior Court
Indianapolis
Hon. Rebecca Buitendorp
Porter Circuit Court
Valparaiso
Hon. Judi Calhoun
Delaware Circuit Court
Muncie
Mag. Stefanie Crawford
Marion Circuit Court
Indianapolis
Hon. Aleksandra Dimitrijevic
Lake Superior Court
Hammond
Mag. P. Chadwick Hill
Hamilton Superior Court
Noblesville
Hon. Helen Marchal
Marion Superior Court
Indianapolis
Hon. Michael Morrissey
Tippecanoe Superior Court
Lafayette
Hon. Sean Persin, Chair
Tippecanoe Circuit Court
Lafayette
Hon. Andrew Roesener
Johnson Circuit Court
Franklin
Hon. Patrick Ryan
Newton Superior Court
Kentland
Hon. Emily Salzmann
Monroe Circuit Court
Bloomington
Mag. Sarah Shields
Hamilton Circuit and Superior Courts
Noblesville
Hon. Christopher Spataro
Elkhart Superior Court
Elkhart
Hon. Stephanie Steele
St. Joseph Superior Court
South Bend
Staff Contact
Adam Clay, Staff Attorney
Office of Communication, Education, & Outreach
adam.clay@courts.in.gov
Sarah Kidwell, Outreach Coordinator
Office of Communication, Education, & Outreach
sarah.kidwell@courts.in.gov
