MADISON– The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has filed disciplinary charges against Madison Circuit Court Judge Scott A. Norrick. The Commission alleges Judge Norrick demonstrated a recurring pattern of failing to adequately supervise court staff and failing to properly take action in a number of criminal cases. Judge Norrick is permitted (but not required) to file an answer to the charges within 20 days.
The “Notice of the Institution of Formal Proceedings and Statement of Charges” (Case No. 24S-JD-35) is public record and has been filed with the Appellate Clerk’s Office. The charges are brought by the seven-member Commission, which investigates alleged ethical misconduct by judges.
The Commission charges four counts of misconduct. In three counts, the Commission alleges Judge Norrick violated the Code of Judicial Conduct by failing to adequately supervise court staff relating to the processing of case entries and orders. In the remaining count, the Commission charges that Judge Norrick violated judicial canons by failing to properly take action in approximately 40 criminal cases.
The Supreme Court has final authority to determine what, if any, judicial misconduct occurred. The Court can dismiss the charges, accept or reject a disciplinary agreement between the Commission and Judge Norrick, appoint a panel of judges to conduct a public hearing, impose a fine, or impose sanctions ranging from a reprimand to a suspension to a permanent ban on holding judicial office in Indiana. More information about the Commission can be found at courts.in.gov/jqc. Judge Norrick is represented by attorney James Bell who can be reached at jbell@hooverhullturner.com.
