Second Roncalli counselor loses job over same-sex marriage
A second guidance counselor at an Indianapolis Catholic high school will lose her job because she’s in a same-sex marriage.
14th Amendment
Articles
SCOTUS decision in Timbs civil forfeiture case just a start
The US Supreme Court decision in a landmark Indiana civil forfeiture case ruled that the Eighth Amendment Excessive Fines Clause is incorporated to the states, but Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s opinion declined to answer one key question: When does the Eighth Amendment prohibit civil forfeiture?
7th Circuit remands Indiana civil forfeiture case
In another dispute in an Indiana civil forfeiture case, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has denied issuing an opinion on a district court ruling that found parts of the state statute unconstitutional, finding the lower court was not given a chance to address the state’s effort to fix the problem.
Indiana case shines spotlight on solitary confinement
No one denies that Aaron Isby-Israel made bad, even criminal, choices that landed him in the Indiana Department of Correction. What is disputed is whether Isby should have remained in solitary confinement for a total of 28 years.
IMPD officers sued for destroying homeless camp
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed a lawsuit Wednesday against two as yet unidentified Indianapolis police officers, alleging they unlawfully seized and destroyed the belongings of five homeless individuals who had been living under a railroad bridge.
Hoosier civil forfeiture case at SCOTUS tests excessive fines prohibition
Marion resident Tyson Timbs never expected to be the face of civil forfeiture reform at the United States Supreme Court. Several times during his five-year legal battle, Timbs wanted to throw in the towel. Sometimes, all he wanted was to put his past trouble with the law behind him. But he also said he wanted to fight against what he views as widespread unjust civil forfeiture practices.
Indiana ACLU sues East Allen Schools over LGBTQ club
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana last week aided a group of more than 30 East Allen County high school students when it filed a lawsuit against the school corporation, claiming it had imposed “undue, unequal burdens” an LGBTQ+ organization.
AG Hill moves to block Marion County early voting sites
Marion County’s decision to open additional voting centers is being contested by Attorney General Curtis Hill, but the Marion County Election Board disputes his assertion that the agreement to offer more early voting sites is contrary to Indiana law or that the board lacked a unanimous vote.
Marion County Jail beating lawsuit proceeds
A judge has refused to dismiss a federal lawsuit in which a man claims guards at the Marion County Jail stomped and beat him, leaving him with broken ribs, then refused to allow him to file a grievance.
Floyd County officials reach tentative settlement in jail death
A sheriff’s department in southern Indiana has reached a tentative settlement with the father of a woman who died in detention.
Transgender teen’s restroom suit against Evansville schools proceeds
A transgender teen’s lawsuit alleging the Evansville school district violated his rights by forcing him to use the women’s restrooms despite his male identity will continue after a district court judge rejected the school’s argument that only the teen’s parents could act as his next friend in the litigation.
7th Circuit agrees Fortville water suit should be barred
A 14th Amendment complaint challenging the procedure Fortville follows when disconnecting a resident’s water service will not proceed after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the issue raised in the complaint has already been resolved through previous litigation.
Settlement allows children to visit Allen County Jail inmates
A settlement in a federal lawsuit ends a policy that prohibited Allen County Jail inmates from receiving visits from their children, among other agreed changes.
7th Circuit rejects Hustler Hollywood’s zoning denial appeal
An adult entertainment business cannot set up shop at its desired Indianapolis location after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a city ordinance that prohibits such businesses from operating in certain zoning districts.
Suit: Allen County didn’t provide counsel in support contempt cases
Allen County violated the right to counsel for indigent parents who faced the prospect of incarceration for failing to pay child support, a suit filed recently in state court argues.
7th Circuit quickly withdraws decision in Indiana case
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals today withdrew a nonprecedential disposition it issued yesterday in a prisoner’s pro se complaint from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, South Bend Division.
Supreme Court affirms Land Rover forfeiture in drug case
The state of Indiana can move forward with its plan to seize a Land Rover worth more than $40,000 from a convicted heroin dealer after the Indiana Supreme Court ruled the Eighth Amendment’s Excessive Fines Clause does not bar the state from making such a forfeiture.
Arizona ruling highlighted in Indiana birth certificate fight
The female same-sex married couples in Indiana who are fighting to include the non-birth mother’s name on their children’s birth certificates are highlighting a recent decision from the Arizona Supreme Court that confirms parental status for lesbian couples.
7th Circuit allows inmate’s due process claim to continue
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed summary judgment against a federal inmate on his constitutional due process claims, finding that the reviews of his prolonged stay in solitary confinement may not pass constitutional muster.
Judge orders 3 off sex offender registry
Three men who moved to Indiana and were required to put their names on the state’s sex offender registry are likely to win their lawsuit that claims they wouldn’t face that requirement had they lived in Indiana all their lives, a judge ruled, ordering their names removed.