Indiana Supreme Court Advances Second Disciplinary Charge Against Attorney General Rokita

The Indiana Supreme Court has unanimously denied Attorney General Todd Rokita's motion to dismiss a second disciplinary complaint related to his 2022 public comments about Dr. Caitlin Bernard, an obstetrician-gynecologist involved in an abortion case. Rokita had previously been publicly reprimanded for violating professional conduct rules by making prejudicial statements during an ongoing investigation, but the new complaint alleges he contradicted a signed affidavit by publicly denying responsibility afterward. The court appointed a three-member hearing panel to evaluate the case, a rare step reflecting the political and legal complexity involved. Rokita denies wrongdoing and claims retaliation by the disciplinary commission for his political efforts, while the commission accuses him of dishonesty and lack of candor. The hearing panel's findings will inform the Supreme Court's final decision, which could range from no action to suspension or disbarment, potentially removing Rokita from office and requiring gubernatorial appointment of a successor. The court emphasized the seriousness of balancing political roles and professional conduct obligations for state attorneys general.