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News & Announcements

Check this page, or the News and Announcements box on the homepage, for the latest official news and announcements released by the court. You can also access archived news and announcements from this page.

Wed, 2024-09-18
Court Warns of Scam Phone Calls

Indianapolis, Indiana – September 18, 2024:  The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana has received reports of scammers posing as local law enforcement officials and calling individuals – often professionals such as attorneys and health care providers – to accuse them of allegedly failing to appear as an expert witness at a court hearing or trial.

Recipients of such calls are told they have been found in contempt of court and, if they fail to pay a fine, will be arrested. Using threats and scare tactics, the scammers then entice their victim to pay this "fine" with cash cards or other electronic payment. Making this scam even more nefarious, the scammers spoof government phone numbers and provide their victim with the names of real law enforcement officers, real court officials, and real judges. Even if the names are real, the "fine" is fake.

This is a scam. Real courts and real law enforcement officers will never call someone and demand a payment for any reason. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.

Residents of the Southern District of Indiana who believe they have been the victim of such a scam are encouraged to report the incident to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Internet Crime Complaint Center ("IC3") at https://www.ic3.gov, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/. Additional information about this scam is available on the FTC's website.  

Here are some tips on things to remember and what to do if you are contacted by anyone claiming to be a law enforcement officer or court official:

  • Only scammers will call, text, or email demanding that you pay by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, payment app, or a wire transfer service. No court official or law enforcement officer will ever make such a demand.
     
  • Real law enforcement and real court officials will never demand that you pay fines by phone.
     
  • Real law enforcement and real court officials will never call to say you’re going to be arrested (or threaten to arrest you if you hang up).
     
  • Do not divulge personal information or financial information to unknown callers, including those who claim to work for the government.
     
  • A fine will never be imposed until after an individual has appeared in court and been given the opportunity to explain a failure to appear. 
     
  • Report scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center and the Federal Trade Commission.
Mon, 2024-09-16
17th Annual Court History & Continuing Legal Education Symposium

INDIANAPOLIS (September 16, 2024) – On Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana's 17th Annual Court History & Continuing Legal Education Symposium, an esteemed panel will discuss Senator Lugar's decades of leadership and public service, his civic impact, and the legacy and example he leaves for future generations of Hoosiers. The program, which takes place at the Birch Bayh Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, will also feature a panel discussion on mental health for judges and lawyers. Complete details and registration information can be found in the Press Release.

Wed, 2024-09-04
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on October 10

On Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 2:00 pm EDT, Andres Chavez, Cesar's grandson, will speak about his grandfather's life, work, and legacy in a moderated conversation with Magistrate Judge Mario Garcia. This discussion will be the keynote address at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and the Indiana State Bar Association Latino Affairs Committee's eighth annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Please see the Press Release for details and registration information. 

Mon, 2024-07-08
District Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson Honored at Senior Status Celebration

The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana came together on Friday, June 28 at a senior status celebration honoring District Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson. Please see the Press Release for further information. 

Tue, 2024-06-25
2024 Virtual POWER Act Event Announced

INDIANAPOLIS (June 25, 2024) – The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, in conjunction with federal district courts across the country, will offer a virtual training session for attorneys to promote the provision of pro bono services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The program will take place on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. For full details, see the press release.

Mon, 2024-06-10
Press Release - Judges Select Attorney Kristine Seufert as New Clerk of Court

Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt announced today that the judges of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana have selected Kristine Seufert to serve as Clerk of Court, effective October 7, 2024. Ms. Seufert will fill the vacancy created by the departure of current Clerk Roger A. G. Sharpe on October 4, 2024.  Please see full Press Release linked below.

  Press Release - Judges Select Attorney Kristine Seufert as New Clerk of Court

Tue, 2024-05-21
Public Notice Re: Amendments to Local Rules

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2071, Rule 83 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rule 57 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana hereby gives public notice that the following amendments to the Local Rules of this Court are adopted, effective July 1, 2024.  Please click on the link below for details.

  Public Notice Re: Amendments to Local Rules

Mon, 2024-04-15
Public Notice Re: Immediate Local Rule Amendment

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2071(e) and Rule 83 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana hereby gives public notice of the following:  The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana has determined there is an immediate need to adopt new Local Civil Rule 5.1-2 – Actions Seeking Nationwide or Statewide Relief. The new rule as detailed in the link below is effective as of April 15, 2024.

  Public Notice Re:  Immediate Local Rule Amendment

Fri, 2024-03-22
Southern District of Indiana Federal Courts to Close on the Afternoon of April 8

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (March 22, 2024): On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur, and the path of totality will cross the Southern District of Indiana that afternoon. Therefore, by order of Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, including the Bankruptcy Court and Probation Office for the Southern District of Indiana, will close at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time in Indianapolis, New Albany, and Terre Haute, and at 12:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time in Evansville, for the remainder of the day.

The courthouse buildings in all four divisions of the Southern District of Indiana will remain open and accessible to the public on that date, and the Clerk's Office will remain accessible for purposes of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 6 for the limited purposes of drop box filing, email filing, and CM/ECF electronic filing.

Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Thu, 2024-02-29
Formal Investiture Held for Magistrate Judge Crystal S. Wildeman

A formal investiture ceremony celebrating the appointment of Crystal S. Wildeman as United States Magistrate Judge took place on Friday, February 23, 2024, in Evansville. Judge Wildeman fills the vacancy created by the elevation of the Honorable Matthew P. Brookman from magistrate judge to district judge of the Southern District of Indiana. Please see the Press Release for details. 

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