Governor has met with Supreme Court finalists
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels wants to move quickly on appointing the state’s next Indiana Supreme Court justice. He has already met with the three finalists who are vying for that position.
Michael W. Hoskins
Articles
Attorneys discuss ethics of energy law practice
Ethical issues faced by attorneys practicing energy law are often the result of the small number of lawyers currently in that field of law.
On watch for scams
Attorneys see a rise in the amount of fraudulent notices clients receive.
Indiana justice finalists named
Gov. Mitch Daniels will select next justice from a pool of two men, one woman.
COA finds double jeopardy in DeLaney attacker’s case
The Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled that two convictions of a former attorney who attacked a lawyer-legislator violated Indiana’s double jeopardy clause and that one of the charges should be reduced in order to remedy the violation.
Court properly preserved home habitability claim
The Indiana Court of Appeals has found that a Clark County case can continue involving claims against a home construction company. The former homeowners allege that the company defectively built their home and that mold and water damage occurred, leading to loss of habitability.
Court rules on post-merger bank foreclosure rights
The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled that a federal statute provides the authority for a bank that survives after a merger to enforce the promissory note and mortgage established by a predecessor bank.
Commission names 3 justice finalists
The Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission has selected Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Cale J. Bradford, Indianapolis attorney Mark S. Massa, and Jane A. Seigel of the Indiana Judicial Center as finalists for an upcoming Indiana Supreme Court vacancy.
SCOTUS denies 4 Indiana cases, issues order in pending appeal
The Supreme Court of the United States has declined to hear four cases from Indiana, and it has asked the federal government to weigh in on a pending appeal about alleged workplace harassment involving Ball State University.
Justices dissent on denying transfer in wage payment case
Two Indiana Supreme Court justices disagreed with their colleagues about not taking a case on the state’s wage payment statute, issuing dissent that described how they believe the justices should clear up perceived uncertainty about whether the law can be applied to certain claims before the Indiana Department of Labor.
Justices rule governor doesn’t have to testify in IBM case
On the same day it heard arguments, the Indiana Supreme Court reversed a Marion Superior judge’s ruling and held that Gov. Mitch Daniels does not have to testify or be deposed in an ongoing lawsuit over the cancelled contract to modernize the state’s welfare system.
Task force will examine Marion County’s small claims courts
A new task force will review the practices and procedures of the nine small claims courts within the state’s largest county, following critical reports last year suggesting litigants may not receive the same access to justice in each court or as parties have in other Indiana jurisdictions.
Justices take environmental, land rights appeals
The Indiana Supreme Court accepted two civil cases last week on transfer, in addition to the two-high profile appeals involving legislative fines against lawmakers and Secretary of State Charlie White.
Appellate court orders hearing on judge’s impartiality
The Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled that a Monroe Circuit judge abused her discretion in denying a motion to recuse in a small claims case that involved an attorney who previously served as the judge’s election campaign committee chair.
Litigation training in short supply
Fewer jury trials leave young lawyers looking for experience outside of court.
Expert’s voice carries weight
Indiana Court of Appeals finds single expert can establish standard of care for legal malpractice.
Marion County judicial ‘slating fees’ subject of 2 inquiries
An Indianapolis attorney and an Indianapolis Bar Association political action committee want the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications to look into how Marion County judicial candidates contribute to political parties as part of the process in running to be a judge.
Giving fee guidance
Indiana Supreme Court decisions on fee structures lack bright-line rules and have caused questions about practicality.
Webcasting allowed in 3 Lake County courtrooms
The Indiana Supreme Court has announced a new 18-month pilot project allowing trial court proceedings to be webcast in three Lake County courtrooms.
SCOTUS rules on scope of sex offender registration law
The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that a federal law requiring sex offenders to update their registration when crossing states lines doesn’t automatically apply to those who committed their crimes before the law was passed.