Lake County, Indiana extends over 626 miles at the extreme northwestern corner of the Hoosier State, including 129 square miles of lakes and rivers. The Illinois state line forms Lake County’s western border, while the waters of mighty Lake Michigan lap along its northern edge.
Census 2000 recorded Lake County’s population as 484,564 and 2007 estimates show an increase to over 492,000. The county seat is Crown Point, IN where the majority of the government offices are located.
Lake 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. The Superior Courts, which have general jurisdiction, hear all civil and criminal cases, and handle small claims where no county court systems exist.
Lake County’s Circuit Court is at 2293 N. Main Street Crown Point, IN and the Superior Court is at 232 Russell Road in Hammond, IN. Lake County also has a Small Claims Court located in every township of the county.
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.
Lake County consists of 7 cities, 11 towns and numerous small townships, all considered part of the sprawling Chicago Metropolitan Area. Gary, IN is Lake County’s largest city, with a population of over 96,000. Other cities include Hammond, Merrillville, East Chicago, Schererville and Hobart.
Lake County, IN is a water-sport wonderland, with residents enjoying not only the beauty of Lake Michigan, but also Lemon Lake, Lake Etta, the Grand Kankakee Marsh, Whihala Beach and the Three Rivers area. The Lake County Parks Department offers numerous outdoor programs and events in the warm weather months.
Lake County citizens place a high value on education. Beyond its proximity to Chicago and the fine institutes there, Lake County is also home to Ivy Tech Northwest, Purdue University Calumet, Hyles-Anderson College, Indiana University Northwest, Calumet College of St Joseph and Kaplan College, a private institute.
Lake County’s economy has a strong industrial base, with U.S. Steel ranking as its top employer.
Commonwealth Edison, Cargill, Dietrich Metal Framing, the Lear Corporation and Mittal Steel are other large employers. Another booming trade in Lake County includes the casinos along Lake Michigan. Found here are Ameristar, Horseshoe and Majestic Star Casinos.
Lake County, Indiana provides an intriguing mixture of bustling, vital cities, and quiet waterfront communities. Lake County has attained the Association of Indiana Counties Outstanding Achievement Award.
