Articles

Opinions July 20, 2022

Court of Appeals of Indiana
James E. Manley v. Eric Lowe, et al. (mem. dec.)
21A-PL-1073
Civil plenary. Affirms the dismissal of inmate James E. Manley’s “Civil Action for Mandate.” Finds the Henry Circuit Court did not err when it dismissed the portions of Manley’s request for mandate concerning statutory violations that allegedly occurred as part of the prison disciplinary process pursuant to Indiana Trial Rule 12(B)(1) because it did not have subject matter jurisdiction to review Manley’s challenge to prison disciplinary decisions. Also finds the trial court did not err when it dismissed Manley’s constitutional claim under Article 1, Section 2 of the Indiana Constitution pursuant to Indiana Trial Rule 12(B)(6) because Manley did not sufficiently allege what actions or inactions the defendants allegedly took that resulted in an alleged violation of his constitutional right to free exercise of religion. 

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Opinions July 15, 2022

Court of Appeals of Indiana
In the Matter of the Civil Commitment of: L.B. v. Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center
22A-MH-153
Mental health. Reverses the Marion Superior Court’s commitment of L.B. to the Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Finds the trial court erred in allowing L.B. to proceed pro se. Finds L.B. was not capable of knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently waiving his right to counsel before accepting his waiver of that right. Remands for a new commitment hearing.

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Indiana denied fees in foster care litigation

In denying Indiana’s request for an award of costs for successfully defending a lawsuit that had challenged the state’s foster care system, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals highlighted the appellate procedure rule that limits who can be held responsible for reimbursements.

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