Court hears appeal over state’s objections
A man who appealed his burglary conviction over the state’s objection did not fully understand the terms of his plea agreement, the Indiana Court of Appeals held Friday.
Jenny Montgomery
Articles
COA vacates conviction on double jeopardy grounds
The Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled that a man who helped participate in a robbery that left the victim blind must be cleared of a criminal confinement conviction because the same evidence may have been used to convict him on another charge.
Ex-prosecutor gets 4-month suspension
Former Delaware County Prosecutor Mark McKinney has been suspended for 120 days, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Thursday. The suspension begins July 28, with automatic reinstatement upon its conclusion, subject to the conditions of Admission and Discipline Rule 23(4)(c).
Immigrant students receive diverted sentences
On June 14, five undocumented immigrant students received diverted sentences for criminal trespass charges stemming from an incident in May in Gov. Mitch Daniels' office.
Law school program set to earn special status with United Nations
The United Nations has recommended a program at Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis for “Special Consultative Status” to the U.N., which would allow its students and faculty to engage in treaty negotiation sessions. The Program in International Human Rights Law learned of the honor on May 18.
Groups file suits against new law
The National Immigration Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, and the national ACLU Foundation Immigrants’ Rights Project filed a class action lawsuit May 25 challenging the wording of a new Indiana law designed to curb illegal immigration.
Switching sides: defenders become plaintiffs’ attorneys
Bloomington attorney Mike Phelps was a successful defender for insurance companies for nine years. But a personal injury case that he won on behalf of the defendant caused him to question whether he was ready for a change.
Law firm managers plan for the worst
Like other businesses, law firms know it is vital to be able to serve clients during times of disaster. Locally, many firms have begun developing or have revisited business continuity plans – particularly after 2006 when a strong storm whipped through downtown Indianapolis and shattered the windows in a high-rise building, displacing several law firms.
ISBA president opens new firm
After nearly 10 years working for a nationally known law firm in Terre Haute, Jeffry Lind, president of the Indiana State Bar Association, has opened his own practice.
Hands-on training for teachers
The Indiana Supreme Court and Indiana Bar Foundation have partnered to offer teachers a way to learn more about the state’s judicial system.
Disconnect between immigrants and the law leads to confusion
After chatting with a colleague, Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Fogle decided something needed to be done about the relationship between immigrants and law enforcement.
7th Circuit affirms dismissal of hostile work environment claim
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has determined that a woman failed to prove that she was subject to a hostile work environment at Ball State University.
COA judge issues 8-page criticism of trial court missteps
The Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed a juvenile court’s order of restitution, stating the court failed to investigate the young man’s ability to pay, and that the damage amount could not be determined to be reasonable. Judge Melissa S. May wrote an eight-page separate opinion stating that the trial court’s many errors hampered the COA’s ability to perform its review of the case.
South Bend school wins national competition; 2013 event to be in Indiana
For the second time in three years, South Bend’s John Adams High School won the annual National High School Mock Trial Championship.
Officials weigh-in on ACLU immigration lawsuit
The governor has no comment on a class-action lawsuit filed Wednesday regarding Senate Enrolled Act 590, said Jane Jankowski, spokeswoman for Gov. Mitch Daniels. The suit – filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana – aims to prevent two components of the immigration legislation from becoming law on July 1.
ACLU of Indiana files suit against immigration legislation
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday in the U.S. District Court’s Southern District of Indiana, challenging the wording of a new Indiana law designed to curb illegal immigration.
COA rules in favor of mother in contentious custody battle
The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed a trial court’s decision awarding a mother primary custody of her child, after a joint custody arrangement between the mother and father deteriorated.
Change allows closed-circuit testimony for child victims
On July 1, Indiana will begin allowing the use of closed-circuit testimony in certain court cases. Introduced as House Bill 1215 and signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels, the amendment to Indiana Criminal Code 35-37-4-6 may help minimize emotional distress for child victims.
Students push for immigration reform
House Enrolled Act 1402 may make tuition unaffordable for some students.
Inspiration through loss
Charity founders discuss the origins of their organizations – Kate Cares, Outrun the Sun, and the Joseph Maley Foundation.