Committee to weigh new courts, changes for existing courts
The next meeting of the General Assembly’s Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary will consider requests for new courts and changes to existing courts when it meets Sept. 22.
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Articles
ITT Educational employees file lawsuit over sudden terminations
Two employees who were terminated Tuesday as part of mass layoff by ITT Educational Services Inc. have filed a lawsuit claiming the Carmel-based firm violated federal law by failing to provide 60-days notice.
Fired Elkhart city attorney files federal suit against mayor
A female Elkhart city attorney who claims the newly elected mayor fired her because he “wanted my own guy” has filed a federal lawsuit alleging her First Amendment rights were violated. She also claims age discrimination and violation of the Equal Pay Act.
Bail reforms encourage risk assessments in pretrial release decisions
As part of an effort to reform the state’s bail system and reduce recidivism rates, the Indiana Supreme Court has adopted a new criminal rule to encourage the prompt release of arrestees who do not pose a significant threat to public safety.
Man pleads guilty in slayings of southern Indiana couple
One of two men charged in the brutal 2013 slayings of a rural southern Indiana couple pleaded guilty to two murder charges Tuesday and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Indiana attorneys join effort to end judicial backlog
An assistant clinical professor at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and a board member of the Marion County Bar Association will join elected officials and judicial clerks in Washington, D.C., Wednesday in calling upon the U.S. Senate to vote on the backlog of nominees to the federal bench.
Justices take case on DCS caller confidentiality
The Indiana Supreme Court will decide whether the Indiana Department of Child Services may be sued for failing to maintain the confidentiality of a caller who reported suspected child neglect.
EPA objects to Vertellus Specialties acquisition plan
Indianapolis-based chemical company Vertellus Specialties Inc. is at odds with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over whether its proposed sale would provide adequate resources to address environmental cleanup needs at Vertellus-owned sites in Indiana and elsewhere.
Symposium to look at commercial courts and e-filing
A symposium later this month highlighting the Indiana Supreme Court’s work to modernize the judicial branch will provide information about the state’s new commercial courts and e-filing project.
Lawyer’s fee tally exceeds $100k for dubious Indy skyline photo suits
An Indiana lawyer and photographer who’s sued hundreds of people alleging copyright infringement has been ordered to pay more than $100,000 in fees and costs — most recently in a ruling where a judge essentially described his legal motivation as a shakedown.
Carlson settles harassment suit against Ailes for $20 million
Former Fox News Channel anchor Gretchen Carlson has settled her sexual harassment lawsuit against Roger Ailes, the case that led to the downfall of Fox's chief executive with stunning swiftness this summer.
Indiana driver accused of hitting horse-drawn buggy, fleeing
A Yorktown man is accused of hitting a horse-drawn buggy with his pickup truck and then fleeing the scene.
Indiana sees Syrian refugee stream since Pence order blocked
About 150 Syrian refugees have arrived in Indiana in the months since a federal judge scuttled Republican Gov. Mike Pence's order blocking state agencies from helping their resettlement. Refugee assistance groups expect more this year, even as lawyers for the state go before the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago on Sept. 14 to try to have the judge's decision overturned.
South Bend family questions $18 award for police abuse
The family of a black teenager who was punched and handcuffed by three South Bend police officers then subdued with a stun gun in a case of mistaken identity is questioning why jurors awarded them just $18 in a lawsuit accusing the officers of violating his constitutional rights.
Senior judge program’s promise to assist judiciary faces challenges
The Indiana Supreme Court charged a seven-member committee with promoting the effective use of senior judges in trial and appellate courts, increasing participation of senior judges, and recommending expanded opportunities and uses for them.
Discipinary Actions – 9/7/16
Read who's recently been suspended by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Fight to protect Indiana bat from wind farm renders mixed ruling
The Indiana bat has been part of a long-running battle against a proposed 100-turbine wind farm in Ohio. A lawsuit filed in 2013 by the Bloomington-based Conservation Law Center sought to block a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that would have allowed the Buckeye Wind Project to kill the protected species.
Justices weigh gun store’s liability in policeman’s shooting
A gun store’s possible liability for making a straw sale of a handgun that wounded an Indianapolis police officer is a matter of first impression for Indiana and a case watched closely for legal and policy implications nationwide.
Another Uber settlement rejected, this time over riders’ fee
Uber Technologies Inc. was dealt a second rejection of a legal settlement, this time in a case over claims the company misled riders when it charged them a $1 “safe rides fee” that earned the company almost half a billion dollars.
Judge rejects Rolling Stone’s bid to kill frat’s lawsuit
A Virginia judge has denied Rolling Stone magazine's attempt to throw out a $25 million lawsuit filed by the fraternity that was the focus on its now debunked article about a gang rape.