Opinions December 29, 2025

Indiana Court of Appeals
The Trustees of Indiana University v. Chris Bradberry, et al.
25A-CT-284
Civil tort. Reverses the Monroe Circuit Court’s denial of Indiana University’s motion for summary judgment after Chris Bradberry and his parents sued the university for negligence. Finds the football program’s strength and conditioning coaches instructed Bradberry to perform an exercise that was within the range of ordinary behavior involved in football S&C. Also finds the Bradberrys failed to designate any evidence creating a genuine issue of fact that the S&C coaches intentionally or recklessly caused Bradberry’s injuries. Remands with instructions for the trial court to grant IU’s motion for summary judgment. Attorneys for appellants: Jonathan Mattingly, Hamish Cohen, Jeffrey Furminger, Jennifer Adams. Attorney for appellees: Christopher Stevenson.

Smith & Wesson Corp., et al. v. City of Gary, Indiana
24A-CT-2381
Civil tort. Reverses the Lake Superior Court’s denial of various manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers in the firearms industry’s motions for judgment on the pleadings after the City of Gary sued the defendants for injunctive relief and money damages for the harm allegedly caused by, among other things, the unlawful marketing and distribution of handguns. Finds the city has failed to show that retroactive application of the Reservation Statute violates any vested right or constitutional guarantee held by the city. Also finds the legislature can legally do exactly what it did in passing House Enrolled Act No. 1235 and declaring it an emergency, which provides that “only the state of Indiana may bring or maintain an action by or on behalf of a political subdivision against a firearm or ammunition manufacturer, trade association, seller, or dealer[.]” Remands with instructions for the trial court to dismiss the city’s lawsuit. Attorneys for appellants: 18 attorneys listed, including Attorney General Todd Rokita. Attorneys for appellee: Six attorneys listed.