Indiana Code Title 33. Courts and Court Officers § 33-34-5-4

Sec. 4. (a) If a judge is unable to preside over the judge's small claims court during any number of days, the judge may appoint in writing a person qualified to be a small claims judge under IC 33-34-2-2 to preside in place of the judge.

(b) The written appointment shall be entered on the order book or record of the circuit court. The appointee shall, after taking the oath prescribed for the judges, conduct the business of the small claims court subject to the same rules and regulations as judges and has the same authority during the continuance of the appointee's appointment.

(c) The appointee is entitled to the same compensation from the township trustee as accruable to the small claims judge in whose place the appointee is serving.