Trial court erred in awarding damages to landlord, COA finds
A landlord was not entitled to damages and was ordered to return a security deposit after the Court of Appeals of Indiana found error at the trial court.
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COA grants rehearing, reaffirms that constitutional violations were harmless
The Court of Appeals of Indiana granting rehearing Monday to a criminal recklessness case to clarify its reasoning as to why a constitutional violation was harmless error.
Federal judge dismisses ex-Marion Co. magistrate Mattingly’s employment discrimination complaint
A judge has dismissed a former Marion County magistrate judge’s lawsuit against court officials for alleged employment discrimination, ruling neither federal law that former Magistrate Judge Kimberly Mattingly cited permitted her to bring such claims.
Judge rules for state in case challenging 2nd trimester ‘dismemberment abortion’ ban
In the continued aftereffects of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, a federal court has entered judgment for the state of Indiana in a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on a common second-trimester abortion proceeding.
Opinions March 31, 2023
Court of Appeals of Indiana
Adam Tempest v. Fifth Third Bank, National Association (mem. dec.)
22A-PL-2222
Civil plenary. Dismisses Adam Tempest’s appeal of the Decatur Superior Court’s order dismissing his complaint against Fifth Third Bank. Finds multiple violations of the Indiana Appellate Rules and a lack of a cogent argument.
Opinions March 30, 2023
Court of Appeals of Indiana
Indiana Board of Pharmacy, Donna S. Wall, Steven Anderson, Del Fanning, Winnie Landis, Mark Smosma, and Matt Balla v. Paul J. Elmer
22A-PL-1811
Civil plenary. Reverses the Marion Superior Court’s entry of judgment against the appellants and the award of attorney fees to Paul Elmer. Finds the Indiana Board of Pharmacy and its members were acting in a quasi-judicial capacity and in good faith based on the known interpretation of Indiana Code § 34-52-1-1. Remands with instructions to enter judgment in favor of the appellants and to vacate the award of attorney fees to Elmer.
COA overturns attorney fees award in dispute between ex-pharmacist, Pharmacy Board
A pharmacist convicted of producing and distributing adulterated drugs was not entitled to attorney fees in his case against the Indiana Board of Pharmacy, which was entitled to immunity, the Court of Appeals of Indiana has ruled.
Judge’s ruling undercuts US health law’s preventive care
A federal judge in Texas who previously ruled to dismantle the Affordable Care Act struck down a narrower but key part of the nation’s health law Thursday in a decision that opponents say could jeopardize preventive screenings for millions of Americans.
COA: Stepfather gets custody of children, father still has parenting time
An adoption and custody case has made its way to the Court of Appeals of Indiana for the second time, this time with the court agreeing that even though the father has shown growth in his parenting ability, the stepfather can have custody of two children.
Evidence supports ‘gravely disabled’ finding for appellant ordered to temporary commitment, COA affirms
A woman ordered to a temporary mental health commitment has failed to convince the Court of Appeals of Indiana that a trial court wrongly determined she was gravely disabled.
Opinions March 29, 2023
Court of Appeals of Indiana
In the Matter of the Civil Commitment of: A.O. v. Community Health Network, Inc.
22A-MH-2396
Mental health. Affirms the Marion Superior Court’s determination that A.O. was “gravely disabled.” Finds there was clear and convincing evidence supporting the order.
Indiana Court Decisions: March 9-21, 2023
Read the latest Indiana appellate court opinions from the most recent reporting period.
COA upholds habitual offender enhancement as timely filed
A habitual offender enhancement that was filed 21 days before a trial that was eventually rescheduled was not untimely, the Court of Appeals of Indiana has ruled.
Opinions March 28, 2023
Court of Appeals of Indiana
Michael T. Owens v. State of Indiana
21A-CR-1900
Criminal. Affirms the Marion Superior Court’s denial of Michael Owens’ motion to dismiss the habitual offender enhancement to his sentence. Finds Owens’ claim rests on a faulty reading of Indiana Code § 35-34-1-5(e). Sua sponte remands to correct sentencing error.
COA affirms, reverses, remands in broken lease case
A Court of Appeals of Indiana opinion in a case involving the breach of a lease split three ways Monday, with the appellate court affirming in part, reversing and remanding the case back to a lower court.
Lower court needs to address constitutional issues, hold hearing in sex crimes case, 7th Circuit rules
A lower court will need to address constitutional concerns and look at how evidence was obtained in a case involving sexual exploitation of children, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Friday, remanding the case for an evidentiary hearing.
Opinions March 27, 2023
Court of Appeals of Indiana
American Senior Communities v. Indiana Family & Social Services Administration
22A-PL-2556
Civil plenary. Affirms the reclassification of the nursing scheduler coordinator position from the direct care component to the administrative component. Finds the reclassification was not arbitrary and capricious.
Supreme Court affirms, reverses, remands in case involving faulty lift station that caused sewage leak
The Indiana Supreme Court affirmed a trial court’s order amending a damages award but determined the lower court lacked jurisdiction to issue two other orders because each interfered with the subject matter of a pending appeal.
Opinions March 24, 2023
Court of Appeals of Indiana
Indianapolis Museum of Art, D/B/A Newfields v. Kathleen Hurley, et al
22A-TR-767
Trust. Affirms the Marion Superior Court’s denial of Newfields’ motion for partial summary judgment and grant of the children’s motion for summary judgment. Finds the trial court did not err in establishing a resulting trust.
Opinions March 23, 2023
Court of Appeals of Indiana
Shalee C. Dowell v. State of Indiana
19A-CR-2623
Criminal. Affirms Shalee Dowell’s conviction in the Perry Circuit Court of Level 2 felony dealing in methamphetamine. Finds the state waived any challenge to the appellate court’s decision to reassume jurisdiction of Dowell’s direct appeal. Also finds the state’s evidence was sufficient.