Indiana Constitution ARTICLE 7.
Indiana Constitution – Article 7: Judicial Department (Summary)
Purpose:
Article 7 of the Indiana Constitution outlines the structure, powers, jurisdiction, selection, and discipline of the Judicial Department of the state government.
📜 Key Sections and Provisions:
Section 1: Judicial Power
Judicial power is vested in:
The Supreme Court
The Court of Appeals
The Circuit Courts
Other courts as established by law
Section 2: Supreme Court
The Indiana Supreme Court has:
5 justices (can be increased by law)
Chief Justice chosen from among them
Jurisdiction includes supervising lower courts, and handling appeals and matters involving legal ethics.
Section 3: Court of Appeals
Serves as the intermediate appellate court
Judges are divided into districts
Handles most appeals from lower courts
Section 4: Circuit Courts
Indiana is divided into judicial circuits
Each circuit has one judge (or more, if specified by law)
Circuit Courts are trial courts with general jurisdiction
Section 5: Jurisdiction and Powers
The General Assembly can define jurisdiction of all courts, as long as it does not conflict with the Constitution
Section 6: Selection and Terms of Judges
Judges of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals are appointed by the Governor, from a list provided by a Judicial Nominating Commission
They serve a 2-year probationary period, then face a retention election
Upon successful retention, they serve 10-year terms
Section 7: Qualifications
Judges must:
Be U.S. citizens and Indiana residents
Be admitted to practice law in Indiana
Meet any additional qualifications set by law
Section 8: Retirement and Discipline
Judges must retire at age 75
May be removed, suspended, or censured for misconduct by the Judicial Qualifications Commission or Supreme Court
Section 9: Compensation
Judges' salaries may not be reduced during their term of office
🧾 Purpose and Significance:
Article 7 ensures:
A structured, independent judiciary
Checks and balances through oversight and retention elections
Accountability via commissions and ethical standards
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