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title: "Cale J. Bradford | KnowJudges"
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# Cale J. Bradford

Indiana Court of Appeals · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Indiana Court of Appeals
- State: Indiana
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, Indiana Court of Appeals, 2007-present
- Indiana Court of Appeals judge appointed in 2007, later serving as Chief Judge from 2020 to 2022, with a career spanning over two decades in judicial, prosecutorial, and legal roles

### Education

- Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law — J.D. (1986)
- B.A. in Labor Relations and Personnel Management from Indiana University–Bloomington (1982)

### Additional information

- Judge Bradford has been a member of the Indiana Court of Appeals Second District since August 1, 2007, appointed by then-Governor Mitch Daniels.
- He held the role of Chief Judge from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022, succeeding Nancy H. Vaidik and preceding Robert R. Altice Jr..
- Practitioner, 2006-2006
- In a 2005 child custody case, Bradford approved a magistrate’s ruling restricting parents from teaching their child certain religious beliefs, a decision later overturned on appeal
- Before joining the Court of Appeals, Bradford was a Marion County Superior Court judge for over 10 years — seven in the criminal division and three in the civil division — and was twice elected presiding judge.
- He chaired the Marion County Criminal Justice Planning Council, leading initiatives that ended 30 years of federal oversight of the Marion County Jail and improved juvenile detention security
- He has served on the Indiana Judges Criminal Instructions Committee, the Judicial Technology and Automation Committee, and as adjunct instructor in forensic science at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.
- Bradford is a Senior Distinguished Fellow of the Indianapolis Bar Association and has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to the judiciary

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### electronic evidence presentation

Scope: statewide

Indiana Rule 2.17 lets a judge authorize electronic or photographic means for evidence presentation, record perpetuation, or judicial administration.

Evidence excerpt: a judge may authorize: (1) the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence

[Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17: Prohibiting Broadcasting of Proceedings](https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/judicial-conduct/rule2-17/current.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### photography recording

Scope: statewide

Indiana courtroom broadcasting, recording, digital streaming, and photography require judicial authorization under Rule 2.17.

Evidence excerpt: No broadcast of a court proceeding is allowed without authorization from the judge.

[Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17: Prohibiting Broadcasting of Proceedings](https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/judicial-conduct/rule2-17/current.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote non testimonial proceedings

Scope: statewide

Indiana courts may conduct non-testimonial hearings or conferences remotely on request or on the court's own order.

Evidence excerpt: a court may, upon request or on its own order, conduct the hearing or conference as a remote proceeding

[Indiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings](https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/admin/rule14/current.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote testimonial proceedings

Scope: statewide

Indiana testimonial proceedings are presumptively in person unless good cause is shown or the parties agree to remote participation.

Evidence excerpt: A court must conduct all testimonial proceedings in person except that a court may conduct the proceedings remotely

[Indiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings](https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/admin/rule14/current.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### camera request process

Scope: statewide

Indiana's public cameras guidance states that local judicial officers have discretion to authorize news-media cameras in non-confidential trial-court proceedings.

Evidence excerpt: Judicial officers around the state have the authority to allow news media into their courtrooms

[Indiana Judicial Branch: Cameras in Indiana Trial Courts](https://www.in.gov/courts/cameras/)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7257/cale-j-bradford/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7257/cale-j-bradford/)
- [Indiana Court of Appeals current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7257/cale-j-bradford/)
- [Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17: Prohibiting Broadcasting of Proceedings](https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/judicial-conduct/rule2-17/current.htm)
- [Indiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings](https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/admin/rule14/current.htm)
- [Indiana Judicial Branch: Cameras in Indiana Trial Courts](https://www.in.gov/courts/cameras/)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7257/cale-j-bradford/)
- [Wikidata: Cale J. Bradford](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5019191)

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