Indianapolis receives worker’s “chronic body odor” lawsuit
Indianapolis is being sued by a former courts official who alleges that she was fired after she installed air fresheners to combat a co-worker’s “obnoxious chronic body odor.”
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COA affirms dismissal of Johnson County public defender suit
A case challenging the constitutionality of Johnson County’s contract-based public defender system will not proceed after the Indiana Court of Appeals on Friday upheld the dismissal of the case against several Johnson County judges, attorneys and commissioners.
7th Circuit affirms ruling for employer on discrimination claims
Indiana’s Southern District Court properly granted summary judgment to a black man on a discrimination case against his former employer after finding the man failed to prove his termination was based on discriminatory practices, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled.
COA hears challenge to Johnson County public defender system
As a statewide task force begins the process of analyzing deficiencies in Indiana’s indigent defense services, a group of Johnson County criminal defendants sought to keep alive a lawsuit against their court-appointed public defenders. The defendants Thursday urged the Indiana Court of Appeals to reinstate their suit alleging ineffective assistance of counsel before their cases have concluded.
City, Confederate veterans to enter mediation over statue
A city attorney says Memphis, Tennessee, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans will enter mediation over the removal of a statue of Nathan Bedford Forrest from a public park.
Indianapolis police chief wants 2 officers fired over shooting
Indianapolis’ police chief suspended two officers over the fatal shooting of an unarmed black motorist Monday and has recommended they be fired.
Former inmate sues over conviction Pence wouldn’t pardon
A Chicago man pardoned after spending nearly a decade in prison for a robbery he didn't commit is suing a northern Indiana city, its police chief and three officers, alleging they fabricated evidence against him.
Police cleared in black man’s death still face inquiries
Two Indianapolis police officers cleared by a special prosecutor of criminal wrongdoing in the shooting death of an unarmed black motorist who fled a traffic stop still face an FBI civil rights probe, a federal lawsuit and potential disciplinary action by the department.
COA rules for Purdue profs who complained about colleague
After filing a complaint against a coworker who made derogatory remarks toward other professors and the Islamic religion, a group of Purdue University professors have been granted their cross-motion for summary judgment against the coworker, who filed numerous First Amendment claims against them.
New limits proposed for civil forfeiture
After a federal judge ruled part of Indiana’s civil forfeiture framework unconstitutional, state lawmakers are now reviewing proposed legislation to bring that framework in compliance with federal mandates and prosecutors’ suggestions.
Immigration attorneys weigh varying options for DACA clients
As the country waits to learn what, if any, legislative deal might be struck in order to preserve the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in light of President Donald Trump’s decision to rescind it, immigration law attorneys say they are looking for ways to advise their clients on how to plan for their futures.
IBF offering seminar on civil rights movement
The Indiana Bar Foundation is offering a special program for attorneys to learn about the fight for civil rights in the movement’s birthplace.
Civil rights nominee faces scrutiny over past legal work
When a Muslim woman sued Abercrombie & Fitch claiming she had not been hired because she wore a head scarf, the clothing retailer tapped Washington labor lawyer Eric Dreiband to defend it.
Wheeler led Civil Rights Division at DOJ during, after turbulent transition
Thomas Wheeler II, a partner at Frost Brown Todd LLC in Indianapolis, served as acting assistant attorney general for the division after President Donald Trump was sworn in Jan. 20. He recently returned to private practice.
Homeless file lawsuit over Indianapolis sidewalk order
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a federal lawsuit against Indianapolis on behalf of the city’s homeless population over an order that required them to vacate certain sidewalks downtown.
Officials: ‘No foreigners’ house for sale sign illegal
A veteran’s front-yard sign advertising the sale of his home violates state and federal anti-discrimination laws because it indicates the owner won't sell to foreigners, according to Michigan Department of Civil Rights officials.
Trump asks federal appeals court to dismiss protester lawsuit
Attorneys for President Donald Trump want a federal appeals court to dismiss a lawsuit by protesters accusing him of ordering his supporters to rough them up at a campaign rally in Louisville, Ky. last year.
Feds probe Indianapolis police shooting of black driver
Federal investigators are going to review last month’s fatal shooting of unarmed black driver Aaron Bailey by Indianapolis police officers.
High court may re-examine Civil Rights Act after LGBT ruling
A ruling by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago in and Indiana case reopens the question of whether the 1964 Civil Rights Act’s protections apply to LGBT workers in the same way they bar discrimination based on someone’s race, religion or national origin.
Revised Trump travel ban blocked by 2 courts
President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban has suffered another federal court setback after a judge in Maryland rejected a revised measure that bans travel targeting six predominantly Muslim countries.