Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2071, Rule 83 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rule 57 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana hereby gives public notice that the following redline amendments to the Local Rules of this Court are adopted, effective December 1, 2026. Please click link below for the full notice.
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News & Announcements
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.
Wed, 2026-10-07
After more than 25 years of dedicated service to the federal judiciary, United States Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker has notified Chief District Judge James R. Sweeney II of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana of his intention to retire on August 5, 2027. A Public Notice seeking applicants to fill the vacancy that will be created by Judge Baker’s departure has been posted on the Southern District of Indiana’s website and can be accessed here.
Click to view the Press Release.
Mon, 2026-10-05
As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana is thrilled to announce a special luncheon and keynote presentation titled "My Heroes and Our Struggles for Democracy" on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The luncheon will commence at 11:30 am, followed by remarks at 12:30 pm by Dr. James H. Madison. Dr. Madison, one of Indiana’s preeminent historians and the Thomas and Kathryn Miller Professor Emeritus of History at Indiana University, will showcase a few of his heroes, mostly Hoosiers, who endeavored to strengthen our democratic traditions enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. The event will be held at the Indy Chamber, 111 Monument Circle, Suite 2200. The event is open to members of the Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, and registration is required. For full details, see the Press Release.
Mon, 2026-09-14
A formal investiture ceremony celebrating the appointment of Justin R. Olson as United States District Judge for the Southern District of Indiana took place on Friday, September 11, 2026, in Indianapolis. Please see the Press Release for further information.
Wed, 2026-07-15
The Honorable James R. Sweeney II, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Liberty L. Roberts for the position of United States Magistrate Judge in the Indianapolis Division. Please see the Press Release for full details.
Fri, 2026-06-12
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2071, Rule 83 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rule 57 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana hereby gives public notice that the following redline amendments to the Local Rules of this Court are adopted, effective July 1, 2026. Please click link below for the full notice.
Fri, 2026-04-17
INDIANAPOLIS (April 17, 2026) – From an exploration of the trial that followed the "Crime of the Century" to a look at what makes the best of the lawyerly best, the 18th Annual Court History & Continuing Legal Education Symposium promises to be an educational and entertaining afternoon. The program will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 3:45 PM in the Sarah Evans Barker Courtroom (Courtroom 216) at the Birch Bayh Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio St., Indianapolis, Indiana. A Zoom link will be available to those who cannot attend in-person. The program is organized by the Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and sponsored by the Court. Three hours of Indiana CLE credit are approved. Registration is required. For full details, see the Press Release.
Fri, 2026-02-20
The Honorable James R. Sweeney II, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, is pleased to announce that Justin R. Olson was sworn in as United States District Judge for the Southern District of Indiana this morning. Please see the press release for more information.
Wed, 2025-09-24
Chief Judge James R. Sweeney II today issued a general order reflecting a nationwide change in how sealed documents may be accessed electronically. Effective immediately, only authorized court employees will have access to sealed documents in CM/ECF. Please see the full Public Announcement linked below.
Public Announcement Re: Electronic Access to Sealed Documents and Service of Sealed Documents
Fri, 2025-07-11
Effective July 11, 2025, the Honorable James R. Sweeney II assumed the role of Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Chief Judge Sweeney succeeds the Honorable Tanya Walton Pratt, who had served as Chief Judge since March 20, 2021. Please see the Press Release for full details.