Indiana murder suspect released on bond
A judge in northwest Indiana has granted bail to a 37-year-old man charged with murder after a police officer testified earlier this month that the fatal shooting was likely accidental.
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Ruling striking law in homeless case mirrors Indianapolis debate
A California federal appeals court ruling that homeless individuals cannot be criminally charged for sleeping on public property reflected sentiments last fall that helped stop a proposed Indianapolis ordinance that barred people from sitting or lying on public property during certain hours.
Judge strikes down legislation that blocked Bloomington annexation
A judge has ruled that 2017 state legislation inserted into the budget bill that blocked Bloomington’s attempt to annex 9,500 acres of property is unconstitutional.
Tax Court denies boat maker’s motion to strike investigatory report
A southern Indiana barge and water vessel manufacturer hit rough waters after the Indiana Tax Court denied its motion to strike an investigatory report and testimony presented in its income tax refund litigation.
New IU Maurer professorship honors first black, female U.S. state justice
The Indiana University Maurer School of Law has announced the creation of a trailblazing endowed professorship – the first in Indiana University history to honor an African-American woman, and the law school’s first named after a woman of color.
Third-party ex-employer not exempt from negligence suit, COA says
The Indiana Court of Appeals has reinstated a woman’s negligence claim against her former employer, concluding he was considered a third party in the suit and could therefore not be shielded.
COA upholds judgment for university against former employees
The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed the denial of two former Oakland City University employees’ claims against the school and its president, concluding they were not fraudulently induced into their employment or fired in retaliation for uncovering misuse of public funds.
Indianapolis airport authority prevails in hotel lease termination suit
A hotel in partnership with the Indianapolis International Airport that failed to meet its rebranding requirements also failed to convince an Indiana Court of Appeals that its lease agreement should not have been terminated.
Clark County cement plant loses appeal to burn waste fuel
A century-old Clark County cement plant that has unsuccessfully sought county permission for almost five years to transition its plant from burning coal to burning waste fuel lost its appeal Thursday of local rulings against its plans.
Drug conviction affirmed, but judge frets over possible race bias
A drug dealing conviction that followed the exclusion of the lone African-American from the pool of potential jurors was affirmed Thursday, but a judge expressed concern about how the defendant’s objection was handled in Fayette Circuit Court.
5th Amendment smartphone privacy case goes before Supreme Court
It began in July 2017, when Katelin Seo was arrested on stalking-related charges and ordered to unlock her cellphone as part of the criminal investigation. Seo refused, invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, and a flurry of constitutional and technology-related questions ensued.
SCOTUS asked to void Louisiana abortion law as Indiana case lingers
A Louisiana abortion clinic is asking the United States Supreme Court to strike down regulations that could leave the state with just one clinic, while justices continue to confer on whether to review Indiana abortion restrictions that were struck down by federal courts.
America about to see Mueller report; Barr gets in first word
After nearly two years of waiting, America is getting some Trump-Russia answers straight from Robert Mueller, but not before Attorney General William Barr had his say about the report’s conclusions, to the ire of congressional Democrats.
Amended ‘red flag law’ bill advances out of Senate
A firearms-related bill aiming to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals received the go-ahead to advance in the statehouse Tuesday, taking one step closer to becoming law.
Reversal: Sheriff ordered to give father records in daughter’s death investigation
The Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed a decision denying a father access to public records from the Warrick County Sheriff’s Department concerning his daughter’s mysterious death. A unanimous panel concluded that because the documents he requested were not investigatory, they were unable to be withheld under an exception to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act.
Kosciusko, Wabash counties get new judges
Two attorneys in private practice have been appointed by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to fill vacancies in northern Indiana state trial courts. Christopher Kehler will serve on the new Kosciusko Superior Court, and Benjamin Vanderpool will serve on the Wabash Superior Court.
Justices grant transfer in 2 fixed-sentence modification cases
The Indiana Supreme Court has agreed to hear argument in two cases with similar scenarios concerning the trial court’s ability to modify fixed-sentence plea agreements.
COA rules against bank in dismissed $19K collection case
A bank that sued a customer but failed to act until after the case was dismissed almost a year later failed to provide sufficient evidence to the Indiana Court of Appeals that the dismissal should be set aside.
Chesterfield woman gets prison for neglect in daughter’s death
A central Indiana woman who pleaded guilty to neglect in connection with the death of her 23-month-old daughter has been sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Parents charged in suspected starvation death of 2-month-old
An Indianapolis woman has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the 2017 starvation death of her 2-month-old daughter.