Commercial Courts Established in Indiana

On June 1, 2016 the following courts began accepting specialized dockets of business cases. Known as “commercial courts,” they are part of a pilot project in which business parties can agree to have their disputes resolved.

• Allen Superior Civil Division Judge Craig Bobay;
• Elkhart Superior 2 Judge Stephen Bowers;
• Vanderburgh Superior Judge Richard D’Amour;
• Floyd Superior 3 Judge Maria Granger;
• Lake Superior Judge John Sedia; and
• Marion Superior Civil Division 1 Judge Heather Welch

This pilot project, established by the Indiana Supreme Court, aims to (1) establish judicial structures that will help all court users by improving court efficiency; (2) allow business and commercial disputes to be resolved with expertise, technology, and efficiency; (3) enhance the accuracy, consistency, and predictability of decisions in business and commercial cases; (4) enhance economic development in Indiana by furthering the efficient, predictable resolution of business and commercial law disputes; and (5) employ and encourage electronic information technologies, such as e-filing, e-discovery, telephone/videoconferencing, and al employ early alternative dispute resolution interventions.

Commercial courts are relatively new, having first appeared in 1993. They are available in about 20 states.