Web Exclusive: Meet the Judges: Switzerland County
The Swiss District Court, which has just begun a week-long switch to the Odyssey online case management system, has been working from an adjacent jury room last month while its mold-infested courtroom is being debated. In the meantime, court staff are considering the logistics of moving all of the equipment needed to properly conduct a jury trial to an off-site location a few blocks away.
“We may not be able to use the courtroom for several (months) more,” said Presiding Judge W. Gregory Coy. “All this together with the regular hustle and bustle here on the square makes for some exciting days.”
After serving as a lawyer in southeast Indiana for 20 years, Coy became a lawyer in 2009 and stayed true to his roots.
“The thing as a judge in a small county is that my court is a general court,” he said. “I handle all types of cases that can be brought in state courts, from tickets to murder, petty claims to wrongful death, all types of domestic cases, juvenile delinquency, CHINS, child support.”
Coy is the first Indiana court judge featured in a new Spotlight series by Indiana Lawyer that focuses on state law enforcement officers in more rural communities.
Indiana Lawyer: Where are you from and where did you grow up?
Coy: I am originally from Switzerland. My family moved to Evansville when I was around 2 years old but moved back when I was 7. Besides living in Indianapolis while studying law, I have lived in Switzerland County all my life.
Where did you study and where did you study law?
I have a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. I started at IUPUI but graduated from IU Southeast in New Albany. I graduated from Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis, now known as the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
Why did you choose the legal profession?
I did social work for about a year and a half after college and I realized this wasn’t an area I wanted to work in for long periods of time. I was interested in the law, so I decided to go to law school.
What made you decide to become a judicial officer?
I wanted to become a judge to serve my community.
What have you learned since joining the bank?
The comradeship among the judges is great. I have asked my colleagues in Dearborn, Jefferson, and Ripley Counties for advice / guidance on how to deal with certain situations that have arisen in my court, and I try to return a favor when asked. State court judges also have a number of resources in the Office of Court Services that are very helpful.
What is your experience of working in a rural district? What are some things you see in Switzerland County that judges in urban areas of the state may not see?
One aspect of being a judge in a small community is that everyone knows the judge. I would assume that a Marion County judge can go to a restaurant in Indianapolis relatively anonymously, while if I have a sandwich with my wife at the local eatery, I can expect a few people to come to my table To say hello. From an ethical standpoint, it is not uncommon for people to reach out to me asking about a case that they or a friend or relative is involved in and I have to tell them that I cannot discuss their case. Unfortunately, this can lead to some harsh feelings.
What are the most common fights that you see with litigants in the district of Switzerland?
I think the biggest challenge is the lack of education among the citizens of this county and the lack of funds to hire lawyers. Our Supreme Court has an excellent resource for individuals to find forms to fill out and submit on their own. However, they may not have access because there is no internet or they can pay for the internet to access online resources.
What is your favorite thing to do when you’ve hung up your bathrobe at the end of the day?
I enjoy being outside, mowing, listening to a podcast or listening to music. My wife and I enjoy walking, hiking, biking, and traveling when we can. Our favorite thing to do is hang out with our four granddaughters!
What is a song or book that you have been drawn to lately?
I have spent a lot of time familiarizing myself with my beliefs over the past few years. I enjoy reading Bible books by a man named Charles Swindoll, a Texas pastor, and others. I am also a fan of many styles of music, but rock is my favorite.
Who or what is your inspiration and encouragement?
I’ve always been inspired by my mother and sister. My father died when I was little and my mother raised me on her own, but my sister helped a lot. They both had a much more difficult life than me, and if it had not been for her, her support and her role model, I would not have made it through law school.
What’s one thing you wish the legal profession knew about you that they don’t already know?
I probably just as much enjoy working in law. There are so many remarkable people I work with including judges, lawyers, prosecutors, defense lawyers, police officers, probation officers. It takes a lot of dedication to do what we do and I consider it a privilege to be part of this business. •