Supreme Court Orders Show Priority On Public Safety And Technology
By KATHRYN DOLAN
Chief Public Information Officer, Indiana Supreme Court
The Indiana Supreme Court is committed to the most effective use of technology to ensure that courts operate with efficiency and fairness. To increase transparency, implement new technology, maintain court records and seamlessly share information, the court is handing down three unanimous orders today.
An order amending Administrative Rule 10 affirms court records as the property of the courts and subject to the authority of the Supreme Court. The order can be found at http://www.in.gov/judiciary/files/order-rules-2014-1120-admin.pdf.
Also, the Court is amending Administrative Rule 4 to retire the Judicial Technology and Automation Committee. All court technology projects will move forward under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court. Justice Steven David and Court of Appeals Judge Paul Mathias will lead the effort. The order can be found at http://www.in.gov/judiciary/files/order-other-2014-94s00-1411-ms-711.pdf.
The third order involves members of the Court serving in leadership positions to various court agencies, boards and projects. Chief Justice Loretta Rush said, “Our administrative initiatives are aimed at helping courts deliver justice in the most fair, open and productive manner possible.” The order can be found at http://www.in.gov/judiciary/files/order-other-2014-94s00-1411-ms-712.pdf.
Each year, about 1.6 million cases are filed in the state’s 400 courts. Modernized court technology is critical to maintaining Hoosiers’ access to courts and the courts’ ability to process cases effectively. Courts handle jury lists, protection orders, arrest warrants, traffic tickets and many other pieces of vital information that are critical to public safety and access.
The Indiana Supreme Court will continue to use technology in providing justice every day—the public, law enforcement, probation departments and countless other state and federal agencies depend on it.