Welcome to Allen Circuit Court
The Indiana Court of Appeals hears oral arguments in the Allen Circuit Court.
Judge Ashley N. Hand proudly hosts the Indiana Court of Appeals in the Allen Circuit Court
A three-judge panel heard oral arguments Tuesday, November 28 in the Allen Circuit Court as part of its Appeals on Wheels program. The Court of Appeals is Indiana’s second-highest court. Most legal cases appealed from Indiana’s trial courts go to the Court of Appeals. The Court does not re-try cases, but it does clarify questions of law raised by trial court decisions. The Court of Appeals hears cases in three-judge panels to ensure a fair review of the decision of a single trial court judge, and to prohibit the chances of an evenly-divided panel. The Court does not hear cases “en banc,” meaning as a full court of 15, but judges do rotate panels regularly using a mathematical formula so that all 15 work with one another over a 2-1/2 year period. Cases are randomly assigned.
The Court of Appeals of Indiana has held more than 650 traveling oral arguments since 2000, including 20 sessions in early 2023 as part of it’s nationally honored program.
Judge Hand with Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush
Judge Hand Recognized for Commitment to Education
Chief Justice Loretta Rush recognized 23 Indiana judges for their commitment to higher education last week during their annual education conference. Judicial officers must complete 120 hours of education presented by the Indiana Office of Court Services to receive this certificate. The program enhances legal knowledge and improves personal and professional development. The program is designed to improve the performance of the judicial system by continuously improving the professional competence of judicial officers.
“I think continuous self-improvement as a Judge is essential to provide the level of service deserved by my community. I also want to lead by example and professional growth is something I want my entire staff to take seriously”, said Judge Hand.
The Indiana Office of Court Services, the agency who organizes the annual training event, is part of the Office of Judicial Administration. It serves as the state’s judicial research and continuing judicial education agency. It develops and sponsors educational programming for judges, probation officers, and other court personnel.