STATEHOUSE (April 2, 2019) — The Indiana Senate recently supported State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter’s (R-Kokomo) legislation that would permit the Howard County courts to appoint a magistrate to assist with cases.
The Howard County magistrate would serve both the county circuit and superior courts. Unlike judges who are elected, magistrates are hired to preside over minor civil and criminal cases and conduct preliminary hearings.
“There is a high volume of cases currently making their way through the local courts but are being held up due to limited man-power,” Karickhoff said. “A magistrate would be able to assist with many of these cases, expedite them through the judicial process, free up valuable resources and help reduce the county jail population.”
The Indiana Judicial Branch’s Weighted Caseload Study ranked Howard County 10th for judicial officer need. Currently, there are over 120 magistrates serving in 31 counties throughout Indiana, but this would be Howard County’s first.
“Howard County officials expressed a need for a magistrate to help ease the court’s growing caseloads, speed up the time needed to process claims and conduct regular business for low-risk cases,” VanNatter said. “Establishing a magistrate could make a great difference in the efficiency of our local judicial system.”
House Enrolled Act 1118 is now eligible for further action by the governor. To learn more, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30, which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
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State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38, which includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard and Clinton counties.
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