Bar members say ‘yes’ to judges up for retention next month

The Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA) has completed its compilation of the 2024 Judicial Retention Poll responses. Results indicate ISBA members strongly support Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush, Indiana Supreme Court Justices Mark S. Massa, Derek R. Molter, Indiana Court of Appeals Judges Rudolph R. Pyle III, and Peter R. Foley, all seeking retention on the Nov. 5 ballot.

The Judicial Retention Poll asks ISBA members if, in their opinion, each Indiana Supreme Court justice or Indiana Court of Appeals judge up for retention in the General Election should be retained (yes/no). Lawyers are uniquely qualified to evaluate members of the judiciary, as it’s important to evaluate a judicial officer on their track record rather than a single ruling. Through the Judicial Retention Poll, ISBA members help Indiana voters make an informed decision about their vote to retain a judge.

ISBA members were electronically surveyed between Sept. 2 and Sept. 30.

The yes/no retention results of the judges are as follows:

• Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush: Yes-88% No-12%
• Indiana Supreme Court Justice Mark S. Massa: Yes-84% No-16%
• Indiana Supreme Court Justice Derek R. Molter: Yes-84% No-16%
• Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Rudolph R. Pyle: Yes-85% No-15%
• Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Peter R. Foley: Yes-87% No-13%

Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges face an approval vote in the first general election that occurs at least two years after their appointment, and every 10 years thereafter. Indiana voters will have an opportunity to cast their ballot concerning the judges’ retention next month.

For further insight on the importance of judicial retention, read the full ISBA op-ed here: inbar.org/page/judicialretentionop-ed.

Additional information about Indiana's Judicial Retention System here: in.gov/courts/about/retention/.