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# Derek R. Molter

Indiana Supreme Court · Justice

## Profile

- Court: Indiana Supreme Court
- State: Indiana
- Role: Justice
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-08-22

## Summary

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

## 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.in.gov/courts/supreme/about/)
- [Official roster](https://www.in.gov/courts/supreme/about/)
- [Indiana Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://www.in.gov/courts/supreme/about/)
- [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/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Derek R. Molter is an American judge and the 111th Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, appointed by Governor Eric Holcomb in 2022 and re‐elected in 2024
- Indiana Court of Appeals: Appointed by Governor Holcomb in August 2021, sworn in October 1, 2021, replacing Judge James S. Kirsch
- held the role of a law clerk for Judge Theresa L. Springmann, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
- As a Supreme Court justice, he has participated in attorney disciplinary matters and other significant Indiana cases

### Education

- He received his J.D., magna cum laude, from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2007, graduating in the top three percent of his class, serving as Executive Notes & Comments Editor for the Indiana Law Journal and as a member of the Order of the Coif
- B.A. with high distinction from Indiana University Bloomington in 2004, elected to Phi Beta Kappa and active in student government.

### Additional information

- Derek Read Molter was born February 16, 1982, in Lafayette, Indiana.
- He graduated from South Newton High School
- Costco, a case involving vehicle damage claims.
- Molter has served on the National Center for State Courts Lawyers Committee, Council for Appellate Lawyers, Indiana State Bar Association’s Appellate Practice Section Council, Indianapolis Bar Association, and as Newton County Bar Association president.
- He also serves on the Indianapolis Legal Aid Society board