Judge may sequester house blast jury during deliberations
The judge who'll preside over one defendant's murder trial in a deadly Indianapolis house explosion says he may sequester jurors during deliberations.
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Appellate court records make switch to Odyssey May 4
Beginning next week, basic case information on appeals before the Indiana Supreme Court and Court of Appeals will be available to the public through the Odyssey docket. The Indiana Tax Court made the switch in December.
Wiretap evidence properly admitted at murder trial
The Indiana Court of Appeals upheld a man’s conviction of murdering his stepfather, finding that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting wiretap evidence in which the defendant told a friend he was involved in the killing.
Justices affirm upward deviation from child support guidelines
A trial court did not commit clear error when it deviated from the Indiana Child Support Guidelines by not granting a father the full parenting time credit calculated and allowed his ex-wife to claim their child each year on her taxes, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. The justices also outlined the best practices to be used when a trial court conducts summary proceedings.
Brothers’ murder convictions upheld by COA
Two brothers convicted in the murder of a man with whom they previously had an altercation are not entitled to a new trial based on one juror’s concerns for her safety after recognizing someone sitting in the gallery, the Indiana Court of Appeals held Wednesday.
3 brothers plead guilty to massive biofuels scam
Three brothers have pleaded guilty to participating in a biofuels scam that federal investigators are calling “one of the largest tax and securities fraud schemes in Indiana history."
Lawmakers pass Marion Co. small claims reforms
The General Assembly Wednesday afternoon passed modest reforms of the nine township small claims courts in Marion County, a far cry from recommendations of multiple judicial studies to restructure the courts.
COA affirms new trial on motorcyclist’s negligence claim
A trial court did not abuse its discretion when it set aside a jury verdict allocating 70 percent of fault to a motorcyclist who hit a dog that darted in front of his bike, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled. The motorcyclist was injured in the accident and sued the dog’s owners.
Former Lilly partner set to pay $2.3B to settle Actos cases
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. executives have agreed to pay more than $2.3 billion to resolve lawsuits accusing the company of hiding its Actos diabetes medicine’s cancer risks, three people familiar with the accord said.
Appeals court declines to revise battery sentence
Even though a trial court did not specify why it imposed consecutive sentences for a man convicted of two counts of battery – one as a Level 6 felony and the other a Class A misdemeanor – the Indiana Court of Appeals found the rationale for consecutive sentences is apparent on the face of the record.
Mother’s failure to timely contest adoption dooms appeal
A woman who failed to give notice to the court within 30 days after learning her child’s stepmother sought to adopt the child could not convince the Indiana Court of Appeals that her due process was denied in the matter.
US Supreme Court hears historic same-sex marriage arguments
Pivotal Supreme Court of the United States Justice Anthony Kennedy did not tip his hand Tuesday as the high court heard historic arguments over the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry.
US Supreme Court to hear historic same-sex marriage arguments
The Supreme Court of the United States is set to hear historic arguments in cases that could make same-sex marriage the law of the land.
8 apply to be next COA judge
The Indiana Supreme Court released the names of the eight people who want to replace Court of Appeals Judge Ezra Friedlander after he retires from the bench in August.
Woman’s battery conviction reversed due to fatal variance
A couple arrested after they screamed and resisted arrest at a local Department of Child Services’ office after learning their child was being removed from their care had all but one of their convictions from the incident upheld by the Indiana Court of Appeals Monday.
BLE announces names of 174 who passed February bar exam
Nearly 175 people have passed the Indiana Bar Exam. The Board of Law Examiners posted the names of the 174 successful test-takers Monday. Results are from the February 2015 exam.
SCOTUS considers excessive force, discrimination and personal data issues
The Supreme Court of the United States said Monday it will decide whether websites and other firms that collect personal data can be sued for publishing inaccurate information even if the mistakes don't cause any actual harm. The court is also considering time limits for discrimination claims and issues involving excessive force against inmates awaiting trial.
Long odds for insanity defense in theater shooting trial
The parents of Colorado theater shooter James Holmes joined the parents of his victims in line on a gray and drizzly Monday morning before entering the courthouse where lawyers prepared to declare why he should be executed or spend the rest of his life in a mental hospital.
Boston Marathon bomber’s lawyer urges jury to spare his life
A lawyer for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev urged a jury Monday to spare the young man's life, portraying him as "a good kid" who was led astray by his belligerent older brother.
Small Indiana town sued for rejecting proposed cell tower
A company that wants to build a cellphone tower in northeast Indiana is suing a small town, alleging the Zanesville Town Council is violating the federal Communications Act by using zoning ordinances to keep a wireless communications facility out.