Indiana’s court system is facing new challenges, from rising threats against judges to the growing need for better courtroom security.

Loretta Rush, chief justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, noted in the court’s annual report safety concerns are the highest she has seen in her time on the bench

“Court security, threats to the judiciary, in my time as a judge, are at an all-time high,” Rush emphasized. “I have judges that hear cases and sentence people with no security in the courtroom. It’s just dangerous.”

Rush pointed out she had hoped for matching grants to help counties strengthen courtroom safety but the funding did not make it into the state’s final budget. She noted judges continue to handle tough cases under growing public pressure and safety remains one of her top concerns.

Lawmakers said they will revisit the requests during the next budget cycle to see what support the state can offer to local courts.

Despite funding setbacks, Rush praised progress on “IN-jail,” a statewide data system tracking jail populations and connecting information across law enforcement agencies. The goal is to improve transparency and decision-making in Indiana’s justice system.

“It will be a first in the nation, made in Indiana, for Indiana,” Rush underscored. “It’s going to be a slow roll and it is dependent on funding.”

Rush stressed she is proud Indiana’s courts remain focused on fairness and independence, adding steady, hardworking judges keep the state’s justice system running strong.