Robert J. Bate at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Court
- Bluffton City Court
- Jurisdiction
- Indiana · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Robert J. Bate
Judge · Bluffton City Court
Available research
Courtroom rules and guidance
Electronic Evidence Presentation
Indiana Rule 2.17 lets a judge authorize electronic or photographic means for evidence presentation, record perpetuation, or judicial administration.
a judge may authorize: (1) the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidenceIndiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17: Prohibiting Broadcasting of Proceedings ↗
Photography Recording
Indiana courtroom broadcasting, recording, digital streaming, and photography require judicial authorization under Rule 2.17.
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 ↗
Remote Non Testimonial Proceedings
Indiana courts may conduct non-testimonial hearings or conferences remotely on request or on the court's own order.
a court may, upon request or on its own order, conduct the hearing or conference as a remote proceedingIndiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings ↗
Remote Testimonial Proceedings
Indiana testimonial proceedings are presumptively in person unless good cause is shown or the parties agree to remote participation.
A court must conduct all testimonial proceedings in person except that a court may conduct the proceedings remotelyIndiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings ↗
Camera Request Process
Indiana's public cameras guidance states that local judicial officers have discretion to authorize news-media cameras in non-confidential trial-court proceedings.
Judicial officers around the state have the authority to allow news media into their courtroomsIndiana Judicial Branch: Cameras in Indiana Trial Courts ↗
Sources
Indiana Judicial Branch official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.in.gov/dA/73fb234765/court-directory.pdf?language_id=1Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17: Prohibiting Broadcasting of Proceedings
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/judicial-conduct/rule2-17/current.htmIndiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/admin/rule14/current.htmIndiana Judicial Branch: Cameras in Indiana Trial Courts
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.in.gov/courts/cameras/