District Court Honors Longtime Judge

U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker is being honored for her more than three decades of service. The courtroom in which she presides in the Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse has been named in her honor.

Barker was appointed to the bench by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, becoming the first woman appointed to the federal court in Indiana. She served as chief judge from 1994 until 2001 and received senior status in 2014. 

"Judge Barker has served the citizens of the Southern District of Indiana with great distinction over the course of her entire legal career," said Chief Judge Richard Young. "She epitomizes all of the best qualities of a judge: fair, impartial, patient, and well-reasoned. I can think of no better way to honor her legacy than to name the courtroom she has presided in since she joined the court 32 years ago after her. All those who enter the Sarah Evans Barker Courtroom in the years to come will reflect on the many contributions Judge Barker has made to the bench, the bar, and the wider community."

A ceremony marking the honor will be held this fall. A plaque will be placed inside the courtroom, along with two smaller plagues at the courtroom entrances.

You can view the resolution, which was later signed by the district judges, below: