Web Exclusive: New law permits students to leave class for religious instruction
A new law enacted on July 1 across the state requires principals to allow students to be dismissed from class during the week to attend religious instruction.
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Church sex abuse scandals in East Timor met by silence, but Pope Francis’ visit brings new attention
Pope Francis will come face to face with the Timorese faithful on his first trip to the country, a former Portuguese colony that makes up half of the island of Timor off the northern coast of Australia. But so far, there is no word if he will meet with victims or even mention the sex abuse directly, as he has in other countries where the rank-and-file faithful have demanded an accounting from the hierarchy for how it failed to protect their children.
Missouri death row inmate gets another chance at a hearing that could spare his life
Williams, 55, is scheduled to be executed on Sept. 24 for the 1998 stabbing death of Lisha Gayle in the St. Louis suburb of University City. St. Louis County Circuit Judge Bruce Hilton on Wednesday will preside over an evidentiary hearing challenging Williams’ guilt. But the key piece of evidence to support Williams is DNA testing that is no longer viable.
DOJ looks to revive classified documents case against Trump, argues judge’s dismissal was ‘flawed’
The appeals process could take months, likely closing the door on any movement in the classified documents case against Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential nominee, before November’s election.
Specific laws targeting Artificial Intelligence usage still a work in progress
As a new Indiana task force has started hearings to take a closer look at increased artificial intelligence usage in state government, private industries are also keeping their eye on any potential new laws with the emerging technology.
The First Amendment and practical implications of SEA 202
During the 2024 legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 202-2024 (Senate Bill 202), which was promoted by Republican lawmakers as a mechanism for increasing “intellectual diversity” within Indiana’s public colleges and universities.
Indiana schools respond to new law limiting cell phones in the classroom
Senate Bill 185, which became law on July 1, requires school corporations and charter schools to adopt a policy that prohibits students from using cellphones in the classroom. For students who haven’t known a world without the handheld device, the change is just that: a change, but one that many say is warranted and necessary for student learning and cooperation.
Zooming and judging presents new set of challenges
It announced that Marion County courts would be closed for three weeks because of the growing Covid-19 pandemic. I gathered my staff, and we reviewed the court calendar for the next three weeks. I picked out two or three cases that could not be delayed, and we planned how to do those hearings. I had never heard of Zoom.
Student behavior and Indiana code: new mandates, existing laws
According to data published by the Indiana Department of Education, for Indiana students between 2013 and 2023, chronic absenteeism (students who miss more than 10 school days in a year) has roughly doubled since pre-pandemic for approximately 10 to 20% of students.
The Emerald City hosts DRI’s annual meeting
Please join me at the Defense Research Institute’s annual meeting, taking place Oct. 16-18 in Seattle. DRI’s annual meeting offers civil defense lawyers the opportunity to network with peers from around the country, attend top educational programming, and hear from leading national speakers.
IndyBar: IndyBar Thanks these Members for Volunteering with the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic
The Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic is a law student-run clinic where attorney volunteers, in-person or remote, supervise students and assist when needed. Offerings are held most Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Fellowship Church located at 3125 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46201.
Student loan repayments left in limbo
Student loan borrowers across the country have been left in limbo after a federal court issued an injunction on President Joe Biden’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan.
IU Health attorney navigates new world of dog bandanas
What started out as a new pandemic hobby has morphed into a unique, thriving business for an Indiana University Health attorney.
IndyBar: IndyBar Celebrates Robing of New Judge
Members of the bench and the bar gathered at the Community Justice Center for the robing ceremony for the Hon. Tricia Caress McMath on August 22, 2024.
Climate change impacting housing: Fair housing report highlights environmental, climate change impacts
Of all the challenges facing Hoosier homeowners and renters, the harmful impacts of environmental hazards and climate change rank near the top of the list.
IndyBar: GAL Guidelines Under Consideration
Trial court judges and the members of the Supreme Court are considering adopting Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Guidelines. These proposed guidelines are designed to bring consistency and accountability in civil family law cases where a GAL is utilized.
Indiana delegates recap annual meeting of the American Bar Association
A group of six attorneys represented Indiana at The American Bar Association’s annual House of Delegates meeting in Chicago earlier this month.
IndyBar: Understanding the Human Trafficking Crisis in Indianapolis: A Call to Action for the Legal Community
“…what I do have are a very particular set of skills… skills that make me a nightmare for people like you…I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you.”
IN Supreme Court grants transfer for Elkhart County cases where judge forced to recuse
The Indiana Supreme Court accepted seven cases for transfer last week, including four with motions that called for an Elkhart County judge’s recusal.
Valparaiso couple awarded $25 million after medical center found to be negligent
A Valparaiso couple was awarded $25.8 million in damages by a Lake County jury after a medical center failed to transfer test results that contained information about the husband’s cancer diagnosis.