Judge Pratt to be officially sworn in Friday
The state’s first African-American federal judge will be formally sworn in Friday afternoon at the United States Courthouse in Indianapolis.
Central Indiana
Articles
Court affirms, denies challenge to DNA evidence, new mid-trial witness
The Court of Appeals today affirmed a man’s convictions and sentence for felony robbery despite his challenge to whether the trial court properly admitted DNA evidence and allowed the testimony of a witness discovered mid-trial.
COA affirms murder conviction, sentence of 14-year-old
When asked whether the conviction of and sentence for felony murder were appropriate findings for a 14-year-old offender, the Indiana Court of Appeals today affirmed the Marion Superior Court’s decision.
Hearing officer: prosecutor should get public reprimand
Delaware County Prosecutor Mark McKinney should be publicly reprimanded for violating four professional conduct rules in his handling of civil forfeiture matters as a private attorney while simultaneously prosecuting those same criminal defendants, according to hearing officer appointed by the Indiana Supreme Court.
COA: Traffic stop allowed in private parking lot
The Indiana Court of Appeals upheld the denial of man’s motion to suppress, finding Indiana Code doesn’t bar law enforcement from investigating violations in private parking lots even if there isn’t a contractual agreement with the property owner to allow officers to enforce traffic ordinances.
7th Circuit upholds injunction in adult-business ordinance case
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with a Southern District of Indiana judge who granted a preliminary injunction preventing Indianapolis from enforcing the 2002 ordinance that regulates adult-bookstore business hours.
Wrongful death statute allows for attorney fees, other costs
Compensation for attorney fees and other costs can be awarded under the Adult Wrongful Death Statute, ruled a Court of Appeals panel today.
Governor names Boone Circuit judge to Indiana Supreme Court
Gov. Mitch Daniels announced this morning his pick for the state’s highest appellate court, choosing Boone Circuit Judge Steven H. David to replace retiring Justice Theodore R. Boehm once he steps down Sept. 30.
Indiana gets new federal magistrate
For the first time since the early 1980s, the Southern District of Indiana has gotten approval to hire a new full-time federal magistrate. The U.S. Judicial Conference, which is the policy-making arm of the federal court system, approved during its annual fall meeting on Tuesday the Indianapolis-based magistrate spot along with three others throughout the country.
Tippecanoe County judge recognized for access to justice work
Tippecanoe Superior Judge Gregory J. Donat is the 2010 recipient of the American Judicature Society’s Kathleen M. Sampson Access to Justice Award. Judge Donat has worked to improve access to justice for everyone.
5 vying for state judicial commissions
Five Indianapolis attorneys have put their names in the hat for a single opening on the state’s judicial commissions, which are responsible for deciding whether disciplinary actions should be taken against a jurist and determining who should be on the state’s appellate courts.
Judges split on district’s need to pay for new water main
The Indiana Court of Appeals split today on whether a school district was required to pay for the installation of a new water main as opposed to privately putting in its own water service line to connect to a new school.
Southern District names new magistrate
The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana announced today the selection of Mark J. Dinsmore as
magistrate judge.
State court offices, law firm on lockdown after shots fired in Indianapolis
A lone gunman caused downtown Indianapolis – including Indiana State Court Administration offices and law firm Barnes
& Thornburg – to be on lockdown today.
Attorney waits for plea agreement decision
Anderson attorney Samuel Hasler is still waiting to see if his plea agreement regarding child pornography charges will be
accepted.
Judges find ruling denied mentally ill man’s due process rights
The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed today the denial of a mentally ill man’s motion to dismiss charges against him
because not dismissing the charges was a violation of his due process rights.
Judge rules against Inlow heirs
A week after a bizarre court hearing where opposing attorneys took turns questioning one another on the witness stand, Hamilton
County Judge Steve Nation ruled Friday that the heirs of former Conseco Inc. executive Lawrence Inlow failed to justify their
attempt to remove Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank as the personal representative of the estate.
Magistrate judge applications due July 14
Anyone interested in becoming the newest magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court’s Southern District of Indiana
has until July 14 to apply.
COA visits high school to hear arguments
The Indiana Court of Appeals travels to Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis Wednesday to hear arguments in a case involving an off-duty police officer who was in an accident in her patrol car. Judges L. Mark Bailey, Cale J. Bradford, and Paul D. Mathias will hear Fort Wayne Patrolmen's Benevolent Association and Michaeline Jones […]
Play, panel tackles law, religion, and science
In honor of the 400th anniversary of Galileo's discoveries, the Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis will feature a one-man play and panel discussion regarding law, religion, and science this week.