01081997 - News Article - A step in right direction - New Porter County Court Rules

A step in right direction - New Porter County Court Rules
NWI Times
Jan 8, 1997
http://www.nwitimes.com/uncategorized/a-step-in-right-direction/article_6cdde9c4-35bd-5e9c-b773-36a288c3116f.html
The issue: New court rules

Our opinion: The Porter County judges have shown good faith by adopting written rules for the operation of its courts.

While 1996 had not been a particularly positive year for the Porter County courts and its six judges amid controversy over several issues, 1997 appears to be off to a good start.

At least two years in the making, a set of new court rules establishing how the court will function has been released by the judges.

They should be commended for finally putting into place a number of specific rules, some based upon how the courts had operated in the past, and others making significant changes.

Puzzling however, is why the judges in the opening of their 68-page booklet of published rules, specifically addressed the issue of not having a presiding judge in Porter County.

The six judges apparently agree a presiding judge is not necessary and one will not be selected in Porter County.

Even though the State Court Administrator says it is unusual for a county like Porter to have a presiding judge, state codes provide that when judges fail to select a chief judge, the duty and responsibilities fall to the senior judge.

It is important, if not critical, that a presiding judge - one with at least administrative authority over the other judges - be named.

How else can it be assured the new rules will be implemented and followed? Can you imagine running the sheriff's department without a sheriff? Or, the county council without a chairperson?

Nonetheless, it is apparent the judges have displayed good faith in even adopting these rules.

And they even took a surprising step forward by alluding to possible movement toward family court reform.

Sen. William Alexa, D-Valparaiso, is planning to introduce legislation in Indiana calling for the establishment of a unified family court system in the state.

Initially the bill will ask for money to fund the family court system in three Indiana counties for two years beginning Jan. 1, 1998.

As we've stated before, we believe Porter County is a prime candidate for the progressive program.

And, based on their most recent actions, it appears the Porter County judges may also be leaning toward taking this positive step.

So, while 1996 is probably a year our judges want to forget, they have also begun the process of making 1997 a banner year and have our support at this early stage of renaissance.