Monroe County, Indiana extends across 411 square miles of some of the loveliest land in the Midwestern United States. Monroe County’s population of 120,653 during the 2000 Census has grown (2007 estimates) to over 128,000. Bloomington, the vibrant county seat, population 72,000, houses all government offices for Monroe County, IN.
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.
Monroe County, Indiana consists of the city of Bloomington, and the towns of Elletsville and Stinesville, as well as small, unincorporated communities, and some of the finest of Indiana’s wilderness and National Protected Areas. Monroe County residents find tremendous educational opportunities at the 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, which develops cutting-edge cancer treatments.
Monroe County contains part of the Hoosier National Forest, an Indiana favorite recreation area, with excellent hunting and horse trails. The rolling hills change into rocky limestone ridges and deep hollows, with waterfalls and caves to explore.
The Charles C. Deam Wilderness beckons to the hardy camper, offering 13,000 acres to roam–the only Designated Wilderness Area in the Hoosier State. Also found in Monroe County is the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, the first refuge of its kind to be designated in Indiana. This consists of 7,800 acres of mixed forest, wetland, and grassland, haven to a plethora of waterfowl and migratory birds and a number of endangered species. Muscatatuck is a Native American word meaning “land of winding waters,” an apt name for this beautiful region.
Monroe County, Indiana delights the senses with its natural scenic beauty. Visitors can explore the three miles of passages inside of Buckner's Cave and boating on Indiana’s largest lake, Lake Monroe.
