§ 33-33-45-21 — Divisions of court; assignment of judges

(a) The court is divided into civil
(including probate), criminal, county, and juvenile divisions. The work
of the court shall be divided among the divisions by the rules of the
court.
(b) Seven (7) judges comprise the civil division. Four (4) judges
comprise the criminal division. Four (4) judges comprise the county
division. One (1) judge comprises the juvenile division. However, the
court by rule may alter the number of judges assigned to a division of
the court if the court determines that the change is necessary for the
efficient operation of the court.
(c) The court by rule may reassign a judge of the court from one (1)
division to another if the court determines that the change is necessary
for the efficient operation of the court. The court by rule may establish
a rotation schedule providing for the rotation of judges through the
various divisions. The rotation schedule may be used if the court
determines that an emergency exists. However, a senior judge of any
division may not be reassigned or rotated to another division under this
subsection.
(d) The chief judge of the court may assign a judge in one (1)
division of the court to hear a case originating in another division of the
court, and may reassign cases from one (1) judge to another, if the chief
judge determines that the change is necessary for the efficient operation
of the court.
(e) A judge of a division of the court who has not been appointed to
the court under section 38 of this chapter is not eligible to be
reassigned, rotated, or transferred to the other divisions of the court.
However, a judge of a division of the court who has not been appointed
to the court under section 38 of this chapter may apply to fill a vacancy
in another division of the court through appointment as provided under
this chapter.
[Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-29.5-21.]

Legislative History

As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.201-2011, SEC.60.