Press Release
Indiana Supreme Court Partners with Public Broadcasters to Bring Access to Judicial Branch
August 25, 2010

An exciting partnership between the Indiana Judicial Branch and Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations (IPBS) will allow viewers to learn more about the courts.  The “Indiana Channel” will bring IPBS viewers unprecedented access to the Indiana courts.  The first programming, part of the “Family Matters: Choosing to Represent Yourself in Court” series will begin airing on Thursday, September 2 on Indiana public television stations. 

Family Matters was developed to help people make informed decisions regarding legal representation.  It provides important information about the legal process and the responsibilities that a person accepts when they decide to appear in court without an attorney. Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard is confident the program will benefit people who are considering whether to represent themselves in court.  In 2008, more than 400,000 cases included a self represented litigant.  “There are common questions about moving forward with a case without an attorney and there are some risks involved.  There are frequent deadlines and requirements for courtroom behavior.  The Family Matters program provides clear information and answers to those questions.”

The Supreme Court’s Division of State Court Administration produced the Family Matters video in November 2008 for The Family Court Project. The program is designed to provide viewers with information about different stages of a case.  For example, there is a section on general responsibilities and another on preparing for court.  The video also provides resources for viewers who decide against self-representation and are interested in finding an attorney.

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