Candidate Q&A: Austin Shadle

Austin Allen Shadle is running for Judge of Wayne County Superior Court 2 as a Republican candidate in the 2026 general election.

Bio highlights: I am currently in my sixth year as Court Commissioner (type of appointed judicial officer) where I have presided over Wayne County 4-D Court (paternity and child support court). I have served in both the private and public sectors, in nearly every facet of the court system: bailiff/court reporter, group home house parent, civil litigator, family law attorney, public defender, deputy prosecutor, and judicial officer. I was also previously associated with a local law firm. I am a 1999 graduate of Purdue University (B.S. in Management) and 2004 graduate of Indiana University, Robert H. McKinney School of Law.  

Reasons you ran: First, as Commissioner of the 4-D Court, I preside over paternity and child support matters, which I have done for over five years now. This role has been the perfect proving ground for the next logical step, which is a judgeship. Wayne County voters see that I have handled myself well, and I am certainly capable of doing the job right. Second, serving as judge is more than an occupation, it’s a calling. I feel a strong sense of duty to my community. A judge plays a very crucial role in safeguarding the community and upholding our American ideals.  

Top priorities: My number one priority is having high ethical standards, maintaining the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the Court. Additionally, assuring fair processes and the quality of people’s experiences (not only the end result of these experiences) is a high priority. That includes treating everyone with dignity and respect; giving everyone the opportunity to participate in each case by expressing their viewpoints and asking questions; being neutral and transparent; consistently applying legal principles in an unbiased way; helping litigants understand court procedures and how decisions are made; and, being sincere, caring, and giving great effort to do the right thing. It also includes caring about people’s personal circumstances to the extent the law allows. Lastly, I would prioritize conservative and sound fiscal responsibility. I cannot lower people’s taxes, but I can be frugal and responsible with the taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. So, I would prioritize getting a handle on the court’s budget. 

Specific skills: I bring strong courtroom management skills, balancing compassion and understanding with civility, mutual respect, and appropriate decorum. Even when emotions run high, I strive to ensure everyone feels heard and free to raise concerns or ask questions. This requires an even judicial temperament, steady hand, and the ability to remain impartial without becoming personally involved in a dispute.

I am also skilled at analyzing complex legal issues and fact patterns, conducting thorough legal research, applying the law to the facts, and crafting clear, well-reasoned, and understandable court orders.

Should continue: Trials and hearings are scheduled well into next year. I would therefore strive to adhere to the calendar, hit the ground running, and ensure a smooth, seamless transition beginning the day after Election Day. Cases should not be delayed simply because a judge is retiring, and a new judge is taking over. Superior Court 2’s structure, staffing, procedures, case management, and organization are sound and effective. While I will pursue thoughtful, incremental improvements where appropriate, my initial priority will be maintaining that positive momentum and ensuring the court continues to operate efficiently and effectively. Afterall, justice delayed is justice denied.   

Needs to change: The judicial system cannot adequately serve its citizens without a robust bar. (By “bar,” I am referring to the collective body of qualified lawyers here.) Unfortunately, like other rural areas in Indiana (and elsewhere throughout the country), Wayne County is experiencing an attorney shortage. Therefore, I intend to be proactive in efforts to recruit the next generation of attorneys and do my part to attract legal professionals to Wayne County. Urgent court matters tend to command a judge’s attention day to day. However, attorney recruitment remains an important goal, and the judge has a unique opportunity to lead these efforts.                  

Accept election results: I am unequivocally committed to the rule of law and democracy. Legitimate, good-faith challenges to election results have a place in our system. But once those processes are exhausted, our democracy depends upon peaceful, respectful, and orderly transitions of power. To that end, I will respect the voters’ choice.    

Funding strategies: In Wayne County, our courts must have the resources necessary to provide timely, effective justice while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Indiana’s trial courts are funded through county appropriations, state support, court-generated fees and costs, and targeted state and federal grants and reimbursement programs.

As a judge, I would work closely with the Chief Probation Officer/Court Administrator, County Council, County Commissioners, and other justice-system partners to identify needs, use objective caseload data to support funding requests, pursue available reimbursements and grants, and continually look for ways to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs. I also believe in maintaining regular dialogue with the County Council—not just during budget season—so we can address workload, staffing, and long-term needs proactively rather than waiting for problems to develop. Opportunities for cost sharing and resource sharing with surrounding counties is also worth exploring.    

Engaging the public: As Commissioner, I speak to young people about the importance of jury service. While legislators increased juror compensation in 2023, I recognize that serving still requires a significant investment of time and can create financial hardship. For many, the prospect of jury service also creates understandable anxiety. If elected, I would reach out to the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to explore ways employers can support and encourage jury service. I would also consider courthouse “open houses” to familiarize prospective jurors with the courtroom and process, helping reduce uncertainty and anxiety about this important civic responsibility.

Other comments: If you designed, from scratch, the ideal training program for the next trial judge, I believe it would look remarkably like my 22 years of experience. I have tried cases to judges and juries, handling countless criminal cases as a prosecutor, public defender, and private defense attorney. I have represented both sides of civil disputes, giving me firsthand understanding of the perspectives of plaintiffs and defendants. I have seen our justice system from virtually every courtroom perspective—and understand that a judge must remain fair and impartial to all. Beyond the courtroom, my wife and I served as house parents for a group home, raising up to nine boys alongside our own biological children. That experience gave me a unique understanding of the challenges facing children and families involved in the courts. I am also a lifelong Hoosier and proud of it. I stand on my character and body of work.