STRUCTURE OF THE FOURTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

The Fourth Judicial Circuit is composed of the following nine counties: CHRISTIAN, CLAY, CLINTON, EFFINGHAM, FAYETTE, JASPER, MARION, MONTGOMERY and SHELBY. Although the Fourth Judicial Circuit is a unified circuit, all nine counties of the circuit have separate courthouses and court is held in each county.

There are twenty judges that serve the Fourth Judicial Circuit - twelve circuit judges and eight associate judges. Each of the judges of the Fourth Circuit may hear cases in each of the counties and are assigned by assignment order made by the Chief Judge.

The Chief Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit is elected by the circuit judges. The Chief Judge has general administrative authority over the courts in the Fourth Circuit and assigns judges within the circuit. The administrative staff of the Chief Judge is made up of a trial court administrator, court reporter supervisor and administrative secretary.