Articles

Senate Bill 180 reignites conversation about direct representation for CHINS, TPR proceedings

Indiana is one of just six states that does not require counsel for children in child welfare cases in any situation, according to the National Association of Counsel for Children. Although Indiana Code § 31-32-4-2 does give state court judges the discretion to appoint counsel for children in child welfare cases, stakeholders say the Hoosier State could be forced to implement a direct representation program either through lawsuits filed by national children’s rights organization or federal legislation that Congress is considering.

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Bill would require de novo judicial review of environmental agency decisions

A bill proposed in the 2022 Indiana legislative session would have required trial courts to try disputed issues of fact de novo in a judicial review of certain agency actions. Republican Rep. Chris Jeter, R-Fishers, said he authored House Bill 1063 in an attempt to even the playing field between decision-making agencies and Hoosiers, and in response to an Indiana Supreme Court decision.

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Web Exclusive: Federal bill could remove arbitration requirement for sexual misconduct claims

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate last month came together in a bipartisan effort to push forward legislation that removes clauses in contracts that require arbitration of sexual assault and harassment claims. H.R. 4445, also known as the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021, essentially puts the ball in the court of individuals who allege sexual misconduct in the workplace or elsewhere, rather than their accused perpetrators.

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Web Exclusive: Fennell to offer pro bono abroad through Fulbright scholarship in Republic of Maldives

A 10-hour time difference couldn’t stifle Monica Fennell’s excitement about being in a foreign country for a unique opportunity to do what she loves: talk about pro bono work. Indianapolis-based Fennell, who serves as pro bono director at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP and as an adjunct professor at Butler University, was recently chosen to receive a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, sending her to the Republic of Maldives.

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‘A tenacious spirit’: Chief Justice Rush commends perseverance of judiciary in unprecedented times

Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush on Jan. 12 presented her eighth State of the Judiciary address to Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, state lawmakers and fellow judges, providing an update on the condition of Indiana’s courts. She returned to the Indiana House of Representatives chamber to address the General Assembly following a virtual address in 2021.

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