Holcomb appoints Derek Molter to state’s highest court

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana’s next Supreme Court justice said Friday he will maintain its vow to uphold the promises of the state’s Constitution.

Gov. Eric Holcomb on Friday announced he had appointed Judge Derek Molter to the seat being vacated by retiring Justice Steven David. Molter was one of three candidates recommended by the state Judicial Nominating Commission. He had just taken a seat on the state Court of Appeals in October.

Holcomb said, during his interviews with Molter, he felt the judge showed himself to be humble, caring and collaborative, three traits Holcomb said would serve the state well.

“He’s a foward thinker, someone that has long-term vision for our state and for the judicial system itself,” he said.

David said he plans to follow David’s maxim “The rule of law, always.”

“Part of what I have admired is as this court goes about its work, its first step toward being respected is being respectful,” he said. “It is respectful of all parties who come before it, mindful that while a case may have the court’s attention attention because of its statewide impact on the law, the parties are often in the midst of the most difficult moment in their lives or their business.”

Molter will officially join the court when David retires in the fall. Molter will be subject to a retention election in two years.