Sally A. McLaughlin
Office Sought: Judge, Dearborn Superior Court II
Incumbent: Yes
Judge Sally A. McLaughlin was appointed by Governor Mitch Daniels to serve as the first judge of Dearborn Superior Court II and is now in her second elected term. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Prosecuting Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit.
Judge McLaughlin grew up in Dearborn County graduating from St. Lawrence School and Lawrenceburg High School. She received an Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from Eastern Kentucky University, and completed work towards a Master of Science Degree in Nursing at the University of Cincinnati. She earned her law degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law in 1990 while serving as the Director of Nursing at Dearborn County Hospital. She also held positions as a staff nurse at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky and Manager of Patient Services at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Judge McLaughlin is a graduate of the Indiana graduate program for judges and the Indiana Judicial College. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Judicial Conference of Indiana. She was recognized by the Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce as a Woman of Distinction in 2006 and received a Martin Luther King Memorial Award in 2011 for community service. While prosecutor, she was recognized by the F.B.I. for successful prosecution of multi-jurisdictional bank robbers.
Judge McLaughlin sponsors an annual Leadership in Law program for high school students and summer internships for law students. She welcomes opportunities to participate in programs in our local schools and communities.
Why are you the best candidate for the office you are seeking?
I am seeking re-election to continue to serve our community as a fair and impartial judge utilizing my experience and legal expertise to protect our Constitution. I have a strong respect for those who serve our country in the military who have sacrificed to allow us the freedoms we have. I humbly appreciate the privilege I have in serving the people.
What will be your top priorities if elected/re-elected?
As Judge, if re-elected, I will continue to serve the people with respect, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Prioritizing community safety while promoting rehabilitation through programs such as the Jail Chemical Addiction Program (JCAP), specialized probation efforts, and mental health initiatives will be a continuing focus of the court. Streamlining the court system to make it more available and understandable by all litigants is a priority. Involvement in the schools and community is very important to me and provides me an opportunity to give back and positively impact our youth, families, and senior citizens.