Commercial Court Pilot Project Begins
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Supreme Court has launched a pilot program establishing six commercial courts in the state. They will begin hearing cases June 1.
During an interview with Inside INdiana Business Television, Marion Superior Court Judge Heather Welch (above) talked about the role the business-related court will play in the judicial system.
The commercial courts will deal specifically with business-related litigation which the Supreme Court says will benefit businesses by promoting earlier and more frequent settlement of cases and resolution of business disputes. The commercial courts will only hear cases where all parties involved have "agreed to have their dispute resolved through the specialized docket."
Chief Justice Loretta Rush announced the development of the specialized court during last year’s State of the Judiciary address. The high court approved a working group last June to provide recommendations for establishing and administering the project.
In an order from the Supreme Court, the following commercial courts have been established:
- Judge Craig Bobay, Allen Superior Court – Civil Division
- Judge Stephen Bowers, Elkhart Superior Court 2
- Judge Richard D’Amour, Vanderburgh Superior Court
- Judge Maria Granger, Floyd Superior Court 3
- Judge John Sedia, Lake Superior Court
- Judge Heather Welch, Marion Superior Court, Civil Division 1
The working group will continue to provide guidance throughout the pilot project. It will provide biannual reports to the Supreme Court on guidelines it has developed as the project continues.
The pilot project will last no more than three years after it commences in June.