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.
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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.
The current term of office of United States Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker, at Indianapolis, Indiana, is due to expire on September 30, 2025. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new eight-year term. Comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the court, and must be received by Friday, April 4, 2025. Please see Public Notice linked below for more details.
Public Notice for Reappointment of an Incumbent Magistrate Judge
The United States District Court, Bankruptcy Court, and Probation Office for the Southern District of Indiana and the Indianapolis Bar Association's Women & the Law Division are proud to celebrate Women's History Month with a special event on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 3:00 pm. The hour-long program will be held in Courtroom 202 at the Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 46 East Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. A Zoom link will also be available for those unable to attend in person. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance.
In a question-and-answer format, District Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson will interview Chief Justice (retired) Maureen O'Connor from the State of Ohio. Chief Justice O'Connor will share her insights on the consequences of partisan elections for state Supreme Court Justices, as well as the role of the judicial branch in combatting the opioid epidemic, substance abuse, and mental health disorders, and in addressing bail reform. Chief Justice O'Connor's post-retirement activities involving redistricting and Ohio's ballot initiative provisions will also be discussed.
Full details are available in the Press Release.
The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana is pleased to announce its 26th annual Black History Month event. This year's hour-long program, Living History: The Black Women Judges of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, will be held in courtroom 202 at the Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM. A virtual option is available for those who cannot attend in person. One hour of Continuing Legal Education credit has been approved. The program will feature a candid conversation with the Honorable Ann Claire Williams (Retired), the Honorable Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, and the Honorable Doris L. Pryor. Please view the Press Release for full details and registration information.
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (October 1, 2024): During the month of October, the United States Courts throughout the Seventh and Eighth Circuits are hosting the Fifth Annual Bill of Rights Day Contest and want YOU to be a part of it!
School age children in grades 5-12 in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin are invited to submit an essay, poem, video, photography, song, or piece of art in celebration of Bill of Rights Day. Full contest details, prompts, and rules can be found at https://judiciallearningcenter.org/bill-of-rights-day/.
For further information, please refer to the Press Release.
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 of the following: 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 October 18, 2024, the revision of certain Local Rules of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Please see Public Notice linked below for details.
INDIANAPOLIS (September 16, 2024) – On Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana's 17th Annual Court History & Continuing Legal Education Symposium, an esteemed panel will discuss Senator Lugar's decades of leadership and public service, his civic impact, and the legacy and example he leaves for future generations of Hoosiers. The program, which takes place at the Birch Bayh Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, will also feature a panel discussion on mental health for judges and lawyers. Complete details and registration information can be found in the Press Release.
On Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 2:00 pm EDT, Andres Chavez, Cesar's grandson, will speak about his grandfather's life, work, and legacy in a moderated conversation with Magistrate Judge Mario Garcia. This discussion will be the keynote address at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and the Indiana State Bar Association Latino Affairs Committee's eighth annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Please see the Press Release for details and registration information.
The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana came together on Friday, June 28 at a senior status celebration honoring District Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson. Please see the Press Release for further information.
INDIANAPOLIS (June 25, 2024) – The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, in conjunction with federal district courts across the country, will offer a virtual training session for attorneys to promote the provision of pro bono services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The program will take place on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. For full details, see the press release.