Judge of the Johnson Superior Court, No. 1 Choose 1
Indiana superior courts are trial courts that exercise general jurisdiction over criminal and civil matters heard in the state. Even though superior courts have general jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases, the specific jurisdiction of these courts varies from county to county. In addition, superior courts can also hear appeals from decisions reached by Indiana city and town courts. Some cases typically heard in Indiana superior courts are:Felony and misdemeanor casesJuvenile, mental health, and probate cases (these courts share jurisdiction with the circuit courts over these types of matters)Civil cases, including general civil claimsCertain domestic relations casesA superior court judge serves a six-year term and may run for re-election as many times as possible until age 75. Judges in the state of Indiana are statutorily required to retire at this age. To be eligible to hold office, a person must be a resident of the county in which the court is located and admitted to practice law in Indiana. Adapted from https://indianacourtrecords.us/superior-court/ and https://co.johnson.in.us/department/division.php?structureid=50.
Biographical Information
What inspired you to become a judicial candidate?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What are the most pressing community issues related to the courts and law enforcement?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What plans do you have to improve the operations of the court?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Should a judge use their role to educate the Johnson County community about the courts? If yes, what are some ways this can be done?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How do you plan to ensure impartiality and fairness in your rulings?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Campaign Mailing Address
PO Box 141
Greenwood, IN 46142
Greenwood, IN 46142
Campaign Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/judgeBFK
What inspired you to become a judicial candidate?
I am a lifelong resident of Johnson County. I started my legal career in Johnson County in 2004. In January 2019, I joined the Johnson County judiciary as Court Administrator. The unique position offered the opportunity to utilize my private practice and nonprofit experience. My initial desire was to unify court practices while streamlining relationships across the various departments, in a fiscally responsible manner. A few years into that role, there was a judicial officer vacancy in the Johnson Magistrate Court, which I was appointed during the summer of 2022. My inspiration to continue this work was born from my commitment to the county where we raise our family.
What are the most pressing community issues related to the courts and law enforcement?
County growth, drug activity and mental health are the most challenging issues facing the Johnson County justice system.
What plans do you have to improve the operations of the court?
I hope to be able to utilize my time in a manner that can increase the Johnson County Problem Solving Courts. I was fortunate to assist with the establishment of the Johnson County PSC. Working along our team, I have been involved in each step of the certification process as well as the daily operations. I currently run the Behavioral Health Court and assist with the Reentry Court.
Should a judge use their role to educate the Johnson County community about the courts? If yes, what are some ways this can be done?
In order to create public confidence in our judicial system, judges should be willing to engage the local community. Currently, our judicial officers are planning a mock trial with a few of our local high schools, in the hopes of creating more opportunities for relationships in the future.
How do you plan to ensure impartiality and fairness in your rulings?
There is no substitute for preparation. I do my best every day to prepare for each case and to keep an open mind before making a decision. Many times the right decision is not the popular decision.