Bloomington, Indiana literally blooms and blossoms with floral beauty each spring. Settlers in 1818 were so impressed by the “haven of blooms” in this region that they named their community Bloomington. Known as the “Gateway to Scenic Southern Indiana,” Bloomington is the only major city in all of Monroe County, one of the loveliest areas in the Midwestern United States. As the county seat, Bloomington houses all the local government offices for the surrounding region.
Monroe County has two major trial courts. The Circuit Courts have unlimited trial jurisdiction in every case, with the exclusion of cases with concurrent or exclusive jurisdiction belonging to other courts. Monroe’s Circuit Court is a unified court with nine divisions. The Superior Courts, which have general jurisdiction, hear all civil and criminal cases, and handle small claims where no county court systems exist.
Indiana's personal injury cases are heard in civil court. This FAQs section gives you information about civil lawsuits. As law courts use their own terminology, you may find this list of common legal terms handy. Once you’ve gone through a trial, you may have the right to appeal your personal injury case to the state’s Appeals Court or the Supreme Court, both of which are in Indianapolis. Indiana’s Appeals Court is located on 115 W. Washington Street in Suite 1270, while the Indiana Supreme Court is located on 315 Indiana State House Street.
Monroe County maintains a small claims court that can handle some civil cases. The elected judge on the court serves a term of four years and must be a member of the Indiana Bar Association. In some cases, court decisions can be appealed to Circuit Court. The Monroe County Courthouse is at 100 W. 5th St in Bloomington.
Bloomington lies 50 miles south of Indiana’s sprawling Capital City, Indianapolis. Bloomington is home to Indiana University - Bloomington, which includes the School of Law and the world famous Jacob's School of Music. Also found here are the Kelley School of Business, the Kinsey Institute and the Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute.
Bloomington’s population of over 72,000, (Census 2007 estimate), includes a racially and culturally diverse mix, something this progressive community holds in high esteem. The city comes alive with Mariachi music and spicy cooking during Hispanic Heritage Month. The annual Pride Film Festival features a “cinematic celebration" of the local gay community. The Lotus World Music and Art Festival honors global cultural diversity. Native Americans gather at annual Pow Wow's and exhibit their crafts at Bloomington’s many festivals and shows.
Bloomington nestles in Southern Indiana's gently rolling hills, but just beyond the city limits the terrain changes into craggy limestone cliffs towering over deep ravines and sinkholes, with underground streams that burst to the surface in active steam vents. Monroe County contains some of the finest of Indiana’s wilderness and National Protected Areas, providing the best in outdoor adventures.
Bloomington, Indiana is a superb American city that could serve as a role model for the rest of the nation. With awesome scenic backdrops and a progressive, tolerant community spirit, Bloomington is Indiana’s Midwestern gateway.
