Indiana Court Decisions — Sept. 27-Oct. 9, 2018
Read Indiana appellate decisions from the most recent reporting period.
Courts
Articles
7th Circuit upholds judgment for Pearson on sex discrimination claim
A former employee of Pearson Education, Inc. has lost her sex discrimination appeal against the educational products supplier after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals found the woman failed to show she was similarly situated to three male employees she claimed were treated better than her.
Lawyer who saw golf course slip, fall can’t represent victim
A Chicago attorney was removed from a northern Indiana federal personal injury case last week because he had witnessed an alleged golf course accident that was the basis of his client’s lawsuit.
Oral argument: Bright-line speeding rule requested in OWI case
The Indiana Supreme Court heard oral argument Monday morning on a speeding-turned-OWI case following its grant of transfer to the state’s appeal, including concerns regarding reasonable suspicion.
7th Circuit seeking public comment on jury instructions
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to criminal pattern jury instructions. Comments on the proposed changes will be accepted until Nov. 20.
Venue transfer appeal heads to Ivy Tech Indianapolis
Questions raised regarding the meaning of the term “principal office” will be heard in an Appeals on Wheels oral argument Tuesday morning at Ivy Tech Community College.
U.S. Supreme Court asked to review abortion law signed by Pence
Indiana is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear arguments over a law that bars women from having an abortion based on gender, race or disability. The law was signed in 2016 when Vice President Mike Pence was Indiana governor, but federal courts have blocked it.
Imprisoned ex-Indiana pastor wants electronics returned
An imprisoned ex- pastor from Columbus who admitted to charges in what prosecutors say was a scheme faking a burglary of his home in order to pay an opioid drug debt is asking for the return of confiscated electronics.
AG files complaints against 3 nurses after drugs diverted
The Indiana attorney general’s office has accused three nurses of diverting prescription drugs or medication from their workplaces.
Southwestern Indiana county gets grant to expand drug court
Knox County in southwestern Indiana has landed a $500,000 federal grant that will allow officials to nearly double the county’s drug court.
Justices to hear arguments in speeding-turned-OWI case
The Indiana Supreme Court will hear oral argument on Monday to decide whether a man’s motion to suppress evidence was wrongfully denied by a trial court, which found that a police officer’s belief that the man was speeding constituted reasonable suspicion to support the man’s eventual drunken driving arrest.
Attorney-photographer loses suit against IPAC director
A McCordsville attorney and hobbyist photographer who has sued dozens of people for the alleged infringement of his photo of the Indianapolis skyline has lost key rulings in the most recent order in his various cases.
Lake County JNC seeks applicants to succeed judge not seeking retention
The Lake County Judicial Nominating Commission is now accepting applications to fill an upcoming vacancy in the Lake Superior Court. Applications will be accepted till Nov. 5 to replace outgoing Judge Jesse M. Villalpando.
COA: DOC placement best for juvenile, community’s safety
The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed the placement of a teen boy in the Indiana Department of Corrections when it found that placement would best promote community safety and his best interests.
Hanlon confirmed to Southern Indiana District Court
James Patrick “J.P.” Hanlon was confirmed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana by the U.S. Senate Thursday evening in a voice vote. The partner at Faegre Baker Daniels was nominated by President Donald Trump and will fill the vacancy created when Judge William Lawrence took senior status in July.
Ex-Indiana town marshal put on house arrest ahead of trial
A judge has placed a former Indiana town marshal on house arrest ahead of his trial on charges that he allegedly took medication from a home while in uniform. This week’s update came after Donald R. Bosley admitted to leaving the state and consuming controlled substances without a prescription.
COA: Judgment affirmed in eminent domain action
The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed the grant of summary judgment to a town in an eminent domain action when it found the land was neither real property occupied by an owner nor agricultural land, so the previous owners were not entitled to receive enhanced compensation.
Justices set aside default against Greensburg landlords
A Greensburg apartment complex and its property manager will no longer be considered in default after the Indiana Supreme Court reinstated a trial court ruling that found excusable neglect justified setting aside a default judgment.
15 charged in statewide corruption investigations
Federal and state charges announced by United States Attorney Josh Minkler on Thursday cap a statewide roundup that found 15 individuals accused of misappropriating more than $1 million in public funds.
Justices affirm delinquency in Seymour school plot
The Indiana Supreme Court upheld Thursday the juvenile delinquency adjudication of a sophomore who was found to have plotted to shoot up and blow up Seymour High School during the 2015-2016 school year.