INSession

Every year, in June and December, a special event takes place on the third floor of the Allen County Courthouse. It look like a party, but it’s much, much more. In the same courtroom where some of Allen County’s most notorious cases are heard, a celebration of life occurs. Men and women who stood before a Judge just weeks before, stand before their families and friends to celebrate the relaunch of their lives. It’s Drug Court graduation day. A day when those whose lives have been hijacked by drugs and alcohol take back their stories and choose their futures. We have told you about Drug Court before, from the perspective of those who run the program. Now hear the stories of the brave people who have been there - Drug Court graduates - about their journey from addiction to recovery.

The past decade has seen enormous change in the Indiana Courts. From the advancement of problem-solving courts and the advent of electronic filing to solving Indiana’s attorney shortage, the push has been on to improve the return on Hoosiers’ investment in the courts. Those advances have been championed and in many cases, driven by, the Indiana Supreme Court. What’s been behind this drive to make the courts better? What’s next? On this episode of INSession, we’ll find out. We are talking to Indiana’s Chief Justice, the Honorable Loretta Rush about the past, present and future of the Indiana judiciary. Our wide-ranging conversation covers civics and transparency, trust in public institutions, the value of mercy in criminal justice, the future of artificial intelligence in the courts and many more interesting topics.

There are public servants. And there are GREAT public servants. The difference is measured in how they use their time and talents. Allen Superior Court Judge David Avery is one of those great public servants. For the past 24 years, he has served as not only as a judge, but as an ally for people in Allen County, Indiana, most in need of help and hope, all without fanfare or attention. He's retiring at the end of 2024, so we thought it was time to introduce you to him - even though he's been hard at work in the civl courts for years. On this episode of INSession we're talking to Judge Avery, reflecting on his years of service and offering words of advice for the next generation of lawyers and judges.

When people seek help at the Allen County Courthouse, it doesn’t always come from a courtroom or involve an attorney. Do you need to file or get a copy of a court case? Do you need to pay a traffic ticket? Maybe your wedding day is coming up and you need a marriage license. Even Allen County’s elections are run by the same, versatile and well-respected community resource. It’s the Allen County Clerk of the Courts, a hub of information and public service. On this episode of INSession, we’re exploring the Clerk’s Office and learning more about the many important services it delivers.

Twenty thousand times each year, people from all walks of life come to the same place to settle disputes. Their disagreements are over serious issues, from unpaid neighborhood dues and home repairs to protective orders and evictions. But they come to one place to get resolved, where every citizen can bring a legal action, without having to hire a lawyer. It’s Allen County’s Small Claims Court, one of the busiest and most innovative courts of its kind anywhere. On this episode of INSession we’re talking about Small Claims Court – how it works, what litigants can accomplish there and how to be ready when your day in court arrives.