Check this page, or the News and Announcements box on the homepage, for the latest official news and announcements released by the court. You can also access archived news and announcements from this page.
On March 18, 2020 and March 20, 2020, the Court issued General Orders closing all Courthouses in the Southern District of Indiana to the public, finding that closure was warranted in light of the risks presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. To the extent this Order differs from previous orders of the Court on this subject, this Order supersedes and replaces those Orders. Please see General Order linked below outlining the details on courthouses reopening.
Due to the threat to public health and safety currently posed by COVID-19 and the related coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and other public health and governmental authorities have advised individuals and entities to take precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19, including recommending the wearing of face coverings in public settings. Upon consideration of this public health guidance, it is necessary to require entrants and occupants of all courthouses in the Southern District of Indiana to wear face coverings. Please see General Order linked below.
During the months of March, April, and May 2020, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana issued several General Orders regarding Court operations in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These orders, among other things, continued all jury trials, cancelled all naturalization ceremonies, and discussed delays caused by criminal trial continuances with respect to the Speedy Trial Act. To the extent this Order differs from previous orders of the Court on this subject, this Order supersedes and replaces those prior orders.
The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana has been informed that scammers are calling individuals with cases pending before the court, posing as court staff, and requesting that the victim provide his or her Social Security number. A court official or other government employee will never contact someone and demand personal information or payment by phone or email.
Residents of the Southern District of Indiana who believe they have been the victim of this scam are encouraged to report the incident to the District Court Clerk’s Office at 317-229-3700 and the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov. For additional information things to remember, who to call, and what to do if you are contacted by a scammer, view the Press Release.
On November 28, 2017, Chief U.S. District Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson and U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler warned the public of a nationwide scam in which individuals pose as government officials and claim the victim is about to be arrested for failing to appear for jury duty, failing to pay an IRS penalty, or defaulting on a legal or contractual obligation. Individuals are told that they can avoid arrest by paying a fine. The contact may be via telephone, email, or written correspondence. The Southern District of Indiana has become aware that in an attempt to make the scam more convincing, perpetrators are using the names of real government officials, including the name of Clerk Laura Briggs. Also, in some cases, the scammers are “spoofing” real courthouse phone numbers, making it appear as though the call is coming from the courthouse. Please be advised that the U.S. Courts do not operate in this way. Federal Court officials will never call or e-mail a member of the public to demand payment. Anyone receiving such a phone call or e-mail is welcome to call the District Court Clerk’s Office at 317-229-3700 to verify that the attempt to collect payment is a scam. The full press release is linked below.
INDIANAPOLIS (October 11, 2023) – The 16th annual Court History & Continuing Legal Education Symposium will take place on Friday, November 3, 2023, at the Birch Bayh Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio St., Indianapolis, Indiana. This year's symposium will feature an exploration of the long-running Marion County jail overcrowding litigation, along with a judges' roundtable exploring experiences from both sides of the bench. For complete details and registration information, please see the Press Release.
The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana is accepting applications for a Federal Court Reporter position located in the U. S. Courthouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Official Court Reporters report directly to the Chief Deputy Clerk and must adhere to the requirements of the District’s Court Reporter Management Plan, the Court Reporter’s Manual published by the Administrative Office of the US Courts, and the policies of the Judicial Conference.
Closing Date: August 19, 2023 or until filled
The Honorable Tanya Walton Pratt, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, announced that a formal swearing-in ceremony for United States District Judge Matthew P. Brookman will be held Friday, July 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. CDT at the Winfield K. Denton Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Evansville, Indiana. Please see the Press Release for full details.
INDIANAPOLIS (June 1, 2023) – The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana will sponsor a virtual training session for attorneys on modest means/pro bono representation of victims of domestic violence in Indiana. The training will take place on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 12:00pm EST/ 9:00am CST in the Jury Assembly Room of the Birch Bayh Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio St., Indianapolis, Indiana. A Zoom option will be available to those who are unable to travel to the Courthouse. The session will last 1 hour. For complete details and registration information, please see the Press Release.
The Local Rules Advisory Committee for the Southern District of Indiana has recommended, and the District Court has authorized release for a period of public comment through June 13, 2023, the revision of certain Local Rules of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Please see the Public Notice linked below for details.
