CHAPTER 3. SMALL CLAIMS REFEREES - Indiana Statutes

IC 33-29-3
     Chapter 3. Small Claims Referees

IC 33-29-3-1
Application
     Sec. 1. This chapter applies to each superior court having a standard small claims and misdemeanor division for which a judge of the superior court is authorized under IC 33-33 to appoint a small claims referee.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

IC 33-29-3-2
Times of service; qualifications
     Sec. 2. (a) A small claims referee shall serve at those times the court requires.
    (b) A small claims referee:
        (1) must be admitted to the practice of law in Indiana;
        (2) is not required to be a resident of the county; and
        (3) continues in office until removed by the judge of the court.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

IC 33-29-3-3
Appointment; practice of law
     Sec. 3. The appointment of the small claims referee:
        (1) must be in writing; and
        (2) does not prohibit the private practice of law by the appointee.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

IC 33-29-3-4
Powers
     Sec. 4. A small claims referee may:
        (1) administer all oaths and affirmations;
        (2) take and certify affidavits and depositions;
        (3) issue subpoenas for witnesses;
        (4) compel the attendance of witnesses; and
        (5) punish contempts;
for matters within the small claims jurisdiction of the court.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

IC 33-29-3-5
Duties
     Sec. 5. The small claims referee shall:
        (1) conduct trials of small claims cases;
        (2) for cases disposed of by trial, submit written findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations for final judgments to the judge of the court; and
        (3) for cases disposed of without trial, submit a written disposition report to the judge of the court.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.
IC 33-29-3-6
Limiting power of court
     Sec. 6. The judge of the court may:
        (1) limit any of the rights or powers of the small claims referee; and
        (2) specifically determine the duties of the small claims referee within the limits established in this chapter.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.