Four Marion County township small claims judges, all running unopposed on Tuesday’s ballot, described sharply different approaches to eviction cases at a public forum organized by the Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance.
Judges from Decatur, Warren, Washington and Lawrence townships took part in the “Township Judge Candidate Forum,” moderated by retired Marion Superior Court Judge Mark Jones. The alliance said judges from all nine townships were invited; several did not attend.
The alliance said nearly 85% of cases in the township courts are eviction-related, and an organizer said the county receives 400 to 600 eviction filings a week.
The judges gave different answers on how long tenants get to move out. Decatur Township Judge John Sturgill said it depends on the facts and that he rarely grants more than 30 days. Warren Township Judge Garland Graves said he generally gives tenants who come to court about three weeks and those who do not about two weeks. Lawrence Township Judge Kim Bacon said her standard is three weeks. Washington Township Judge Steve Poor said he usually starts at two weeks, with additional options sometimes available.
Poor said the township courts are independent and not legally required to operate uniformly. He said judges meet regularly and have tried to develop shared rules, but getting all nine courts to agree can be difficult.
On first court dates, Bacon and Sturgill said they ask tenants to admit or deny the allegations and set a later contested hearing if the tenant denies them. Poor said he gives tenants information and access to legal and housing resources before deciding how a case proceeds. Graves said tenants can request a continuance.
The judges also addressed Jones v. Full Spectrum Property Management, a 2026 Indiana Court of Appeals decision on the evidence needed to support an eviction order. Bacon said she requires a landlord or property manager to testify in person to introduce leases and rent ledgers. Sturgill said sworn affidavits may support default judgments when a tenant does not appear, but contested cases require live testimony. Poor said landlords must prove their case and tenants must be able to respond and cross-examine witnesses.
On confidentiality, Bacon supported keeping eviction filings out of public view until a case is resolved while still allowing the parties access. She said data collectors may report filings before tenants know they have been sued. Sturgill said his court temporarily seals some cases after a possession agreement. Poor said broader sealing would raise legal and logistical questions, including how parties would track court dates.
Sturgill and Graves said they prefer in-person hearings, especially when credibility is at issue. Poor and Bacon said they allow some remote participation for non-evidentiary matters but generally favor in-person trials or require video when evidence is presented.
An alliance organizer closed the forum by urging residents to take part in court watching and to push for changes at the Indiana Legislature.
Voters will find their township’s small claims judge on Tuesday’s ballot. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
