2 face murder charges in 2018 death of Elwood boy
The mother and stepfather of an Elwood child who died three days before his second birthday now are facing murder charges.
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Hill accusers describe ‘retaliatory hostile work environment’ in federal complaint
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill is being sued in federal court by four women who say he drunkenly groping them during a party last year. The women, including an Indiana lawmaker, say their aim is to ensure all individuals working in and around the Indiana Statehouse are able to perform their jobs and pursue their careers free from sexual harassment, gender discrimination and retaliation for reporting such situations.
Justices reverse, reinstate truck ‘glider kit’ wrongful death case
When does a component-part manufacturer owe no duty, as a matter of law, to install safety features that an injured party alleges are necessary? Indiana Supreme Court justices answered that question Monday, reversing judgment previously entered for a national motor company on a defective design claim after a man was crushed by a semi that had no rearview safety features.
Indianapolis attorney gets 2-year suspension for client neglect
An Indianapolis attorney with a lengthy disciplinary history has once again been suspended from the practice of law, this time for at least two years after repeatedly neglecting client cases and keeping unearned funds. The discipline divided the Indiana Supreme Court, with two justices believing the attorney’s conduct warranted disbarment.
COA: Military service not a mitigator in child molesting case
A man convicted and sentenced to 66 years behind bars for molesting his former fiancee’s daughter couldn’t convince the Indiana Court of Appeals that his extensive military service was a mitigating factor in his case.
Judgment affirmed for Anderson attorney in legal malpractice case
Judgment for an Anderson attorney who allegedly failed to act in his client’s post-conviction relief case for nearly seven years after collecting a nearly $25,000 retainer was upheld by the Indiana Court of Appeals. The panel affirmed a trial court ruling that the ex-client’s legal malpractice claim was time-barred.
Cameras permitted in courts to celebrate National Adoption Day
Hoosier families celebrating adoption later this year will have the chance to commemorate the experience with cameras in the courtroom.
Supreme Court upholds rule allowing state, federal charges
The Supreme Court is upholding a constitutional rule that allows state and federal governments to prosecute someone for the same crime. The court’s 7-2 decision Monday preserves a long-standing rule that provides an exception to the Constitution’s ban on trying someone twice for the same offense.
High court avoids new case over same-sex wedding cake
The Supreme Court is throwing out an Oregon court ruling against bakers who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. The justices’ action Monday keeps the high-profile case off the court’s election-year calendar and orders state judges to take a new look at the dispute between the lesbian couple and the owners of a now-closed bakery in the Portland area.
University of Evansville settles sexual harassment suit over former professor
The University of Evansville has reached a settlement in a federal lawsuit accusing a former theater professor of sexually harassing a student. Former university student Alexis Seay filed the lawsuit last year, accusing R. Scott Lank of racial and sexual harassment, including unwanted touching and comments.
Ex-YCMA, school worker appeals 120-year child molesting sentence
A Jeffersonville man is appealing his 120-year prison sentence for molesting children while working at a YMCA and at an elementary school.
Man pleads guilty in Jeffersonville businessman’s killing
A man accused in the October slaying of a businessman in southern Indiana during a robbery has pleaded guilty to murder.
New DCS laws bringing changes to agency, foster parent system
Holding her infant foster daughter, attorney Kiamesha Colom explained in simple terms a 13-page bill that revamps parts of Indiana’s foster care system. Come July 1, she and her husband, like other long-term foster parents around the state, will be able to have more of a say in the care and protection of their baby.
Appellate panel considers med-mal claim in wrongful death suit
An appellate panel considered Wednesday whether a healthcare facility employee’s act of kicking a resident, resulting in his death, could be shielded from liability under the Indiana Medical Malpractice Act.
Reversal: Wife was wrongly denied protective order hearing
A woman alleging domestic violence at the hands of her husband will have another chance to make her case for a protective order against him after the Indiana Court of Appeals ordered a trial court to conduct a new hearing.
Reversal: Man’s death does not moot real estate judgment lien
The death of a Rush County man whose parents deeded him and their granddaughter 46 acres of property in 1985 does not moot a judgment lien attached to the property, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Friday, reversing the trial court.
First Merchants Bank settles federal lawsuit alleging redlining
Muncie-based First Merchants Bank has settled a federal lawsuit, following U.S. Department of Justice allegations that the bank engaged in lending discrimination by redlining predominantly African-American neighborhoods in Indianapolis.
Neighbors ask for rehearing on Right to Farm Act dispute
Supporters and opponents are mobilizing after the neighbors of an 8,000-hog farm in Hendricks County asked the Indiana Court of Appeals to reconsider its earlier ruling that found their nuisance claim based on the “noxious odors” from the farming operation was barred under Indiana’s Right to Farm Act.
Judge: DOC must pay $538K in ‘egregious’ death penalty records case
The Indiana Department of Correction’s refusal to disclose to the public information concerning the means it would use to execute a condemned criminal will cost taxpayers more than a half-million dollars in attorney fees, a judge has ruled.
Judgment for trooper in motorcycle crash suit reversed
A motorcyclist injured in a crash after he attempted to evade a head-on collision with an oncoming state police trooper’s vehicle will have his day in court after the Indiana Court of Appeals reversed a trial court ruling for the officer.