Holcomb Names Peter Foley As Indiana Court Of Appeals Judge

By Whitney Downard, Indiana Capital Chronicle

September 14, 2022

Morgan County Judge Peter Foley will succeed Edward W. Najam, Jr. as a judge on the Indiana Court of Appeals after Gov. Eric Holcomb’s appointment Thursday.

Najam's upcoming retirement and the appointment of his successor had implications in the search for a judge to hear the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana lawsuit against the state’s abortion ban, as detailed earlier this week.

“Judge Foley brings to the bench a calm and confident demeanor no matter the case before him or its complexity,” said Holcomb in a statement. “The Indiana appellate courts will benefit from his extensive experience, his compassion to do what’s right and his sense of justice.”

Foley helped establish Morgan County’s Residential Substance Abuse Program in 2016, which other counties have replicated, to help those suffering due to a mental illness or addiction. He also serves as a member of the county’s Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council, which coordinates the jail’s substance use disorder treatment program.

“I am humbled and deeply honored by Governor Holcomb’s appointment,” said Foley in a statement. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with the other judges of the Court of Appeals for the advancement of justice in the State of Indiana. I am privileged to follow Judge Najam, who exemplified the characteristics of a strong judicial leader. I remain committed to the rule of law, leadership within the judiciary, and service to my community.”

Born and raised in Morgan County, Foley earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a law degree from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law. A third-generation attorney who practiced in his grandfather’s firm in Martinsville, he served as county attorney before being elected as a judge in Morgan County in 2014.

Foley lives in Martinsville with his wife Jill, an occupational therapist, and has two college-aged children.

The date of Foley’s robing ceremony will be determined by the Indiana Court of Appeals at a later date.

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.