Ryznar: Another notable year for CHINS and parental rights cases
As Indiana continues to experience heightened levels of CHINS and termination of parental rights cases, several interesting cases arose in 2016 related to these topics.
Courts
Articles
COA upholds child support order in peculiar case involving non-biological son
A divorce involving a troubled husband, unfaithful wife and a 12-year lie unraveled into a child support and paternity dispute that ended with a split Indiana Court of Appeals ordering the non-biological father to provide financial assistance. Any other ruling, the majority reasoned, would leave the minor without a dad.
Divided COA backs Pence in public records case
A divided Indiana Court of Appeals sided with former Indiana Gov. and Vice President-elect Mike Pence in a Monday opinion, writing that Pence was within his discretion to redact and withhold certain documents sought through a public records request.
Forfeiture bill would restrict police, prosecutors
A bill scheduled for a hearing before the Indiana Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee Tuesday would require law enforcement to get a conviction before moving ahead with civil forfeiture.
Divided COA rules in favor of Pence in public records case
The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld a trial court decision finding that former Indiana Gov. and Vice President-elect Mike Pence did not violate open records laws when he redacted and withheld certain documents related to his decision to join a Texas lawsuit challenging federal executive orders on immigration.
High court won’t hear appeal over Backpage.com escort ads
The United States Supreme Court said Monday it won’t hear an appeal from three sex trafficking victims who accuse advertising website Backpage.com of helping to promote the exploitation of children.
Supreme Court rejects appeal from flight-sharing company
The Supreme Court of the United States won’t hear an appeal from a company that wants to offer flight-sharing services using a model similar to Uber.
Ventura loses appeal to reinstate $1.8M defamation verdict
The Supreme Court of the United States has turned away former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura’s bid for reinstatement of a $1.8 million verdict in his defamation case against the estate of slain Navy SEAL and “American Sniper” author Chris Kyle.
Sentencing hearing continues for Charleston church shooter
Final testimony is expected as prosecutors wrap up their argument that Dylann Roof should be sentenced to death for the Charleston, South Carolina church shootings.
State: Task force helped convict 8 of insurance fraud
Officials say a state task force’s unemployment insurance fraud investigation has helped lead to the convictions of eight people.
Neighbors sue to block $23M College Avenue development
Neighbors of the site where a local developer plans to build a $23 million apartment and retail project along North College Avenue are seeking to stop the controversial project by taking legal action.
Hustler Hollywood sues Indianapolis over zoning roadblocks
Hustler Hollywood, which wants to open a retail store in Castleton, is suing the city of Indianapolis over a zoning denial that the company says is infringing on its constitutional right to operate a business.
COA reverses drug convictions for unreasonable ‘military-style assault’
A “military-style assault” on an Evansville home was unreasonable, a divided Indiana Court of Appeals held Friday, reversing a man’s various felony and misdemeanor drug convictions.
Court authorizes interim solutions to infraction, ordinance violation e-filings
The Indiana Supreme Court posted an order this week authorizing e-filing of initial complaints and pleadings in infraction and ordinance violation case types.
E-filing changing Marion County probate rules
The advent of electronic filing soon will change some longstanding practices in Marion Superior probate court.
Mother gets 30-year sentence in death of 4-month-old
A 30-year prison sentence has been handed a 21-year-old Muncie woman who pleaded guilty in connection with the death of her infant son.
Death penalty will be sought in Fort Wayne homicides
Prosecutors say they'll seek the death penalty against a man accused of killing three people in Fort Wayne, including a pregnant woman.
Vegas lawyer accused of stealing millions from clients
A prominent Las Vegas wills and trusts lawyer who disappeared last month amid state bar allegations that he stole millions of dollars in client funds was indicted and arrested Wednesday on criminal charges that could get him up to 90 years in prison.
Coca-Cola, ABA accused of tobacco-like deception in lawsuit
Coca-Cola Co. was sued by activists who compare the beverage giant’s advertising tactics to the tobacco industry’s past efforts in minimizing the health effects of its products and targeting children to replenish the ranks of its customers.
Judge blocks Indiana’s attempt to limit birth certificate ruling
Indiana’s motion to alter the judgment allowing both females in a same-sex marriage to be listed on their child’s birth certificate was met with a sharp caution from the bench about re-litigating or attempting to limit the court’s order.