Indiana Supreme Court
In the Matter of Robert James Hardy
June 23, 2026
Summary
The Indiana Supreme Court held that Robert James Hardy violated Professional Conduct Rule 8.4(g) by making biased and prejudicial statements while acting in his professional capacity as a chief deputy prosecutor. The Court adopted a functional, context-based substantial-connection test for determining professional capacity, confirmed his additional violations of Rules 4.4(a) and 8.2(a), and imposed a 180-day suspension with automatic reinstatement. Justice Goff concurred in part and dissented in part, believing the suspension should not include automatic reinstatement.