COA affirms trial court in siblings’ estate squabble
The Indiana Court of Appeals in an interlocutory appeal has affirmed for a brother in a sibling squabble over Southern Indiana real estate and property left by their mother after her death.
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Appeals court slams due process violations in TPR cases: ‘This must stop’
Indiana trial courts and the Department of Child Services continue to deprive parents of their due process rights after years of warnings, the Indiana Court of Appeals said Wednesday, reversing the termination of a mother’s parental rights when the termination hearing went on without her or her lawyer present. In doing so, appellate judges strongly restated that courts and DCS have a duty to ensure parents’ rights aren’t violated.
Community Health wins partial reversal in family records dispute
The Indiana Court of Appeals has partially reversed in favor of a hospital on invasion of privacy and intrusion claims after a family feud between health care employees resulted in comprised confidential health records.
Lawyer-photographer loses appeal of copyright dismissal, must pay more fees
A lawyer and hobbyist photographer known for his litany of federal copyright lawsuits has lost an appeal for the reinstatement of a state-court action and has also been ordered to pay his opponent’s appellate attorney fees.
COA: Removal from sex offender registry makes man’s case moot
A man whose name was removed from Indiana’s Sex and Violent Offender Registry on the state’s volition has successfully sought rehearing at the Indiana Court of Appeals, which has now deemed his case moot.
Tax board ‘acted contrary to law’ by not dismissing CVS valuation appeals
CVS’ voluntary dismissal of two Lake County property tax assessment appeals should have been granted, the Indiana Tax Court ruled Friday, ordering the Indiana Board of Tax Review to dismiss the cases and reinstate original assessed valuations for a span of years for drugstores in Hobart and Schererville.
Plaintiffs push for summary judgment in Hill suspension dilemma
After filing a lawsuit challenging Curtis Hill’s ability to remain Indiana Attorney General while he serves a license suspension, four Marion County plaintiffs filed a motion Friday for summary judgment on their claim that the office is vacant and the governor can name a replacement.
Chief justice says pandemic teaches humility, compassion
Chief Justice John Roberts told graduating seniors at his son’s high school that the coronavirus has “pierced our illusion of certainty and control,” and he counseled the students to make their way with humility, compassion and courage in a world turned upside down.
COA affirms $2.4 million verdict for Hoosier farm in herbicide dispute
The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed on Friday a more than $2.4 million verdict for an Indiana farm that suffered after its crops were damaged by plant-killing chemicals.
Senior COA Judge Michael Barnes dies, leaving public service legacy
Senior Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Michael Barnes died Friday morning in South Bend, leaving a legacy of more than 40 years in public service.
COA hears first virtual argument with minor technical hiccups
Although they appeared to be sitting side-by-side per usual, the three appellate judges hearing the Indiana Court of Appeals’ first-ever remote oral arguments on Thursday were certainly far apart.
Supreme Court reversal: Drug dealer didn’t knowingly waive right to appeal sentence
A man convicted of felony drug dealing will now be able to appeal his 12-year sentence after the Indiana Supreme Court on Friday determined his appellate waiver was not knowing and voluntary.
Trump counting on Supreme Court to block probes, lawsuits
President Donald Trump won at least a temporary reprieve from the Supreme Court earlier this week in keeping secret grand jury materials from the Russia investigation away from Democratic lawmakers. The president and his administration are counting on the justices for more help to stymie other investigations and lawsuits.
Lawsuit renews question about attorney general suspension
Four Marion County residents have filed a lawsuit in state court, challenging Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill’s ability to remain in office after having his law license suspended beginning May 18.
Southern District courthouses opening to additional selected individuals
Additional individuals will now be allowed to enter federal courthouses under specific circumstances, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana has announced.
Patachou restaurants sue insurer over COVID-19 claim denials
The Patachou Inc. restaurant group has joined a growing list of companies locally and nationwide to sue its insurer over COVID-19-related claim denials.
COA partially reverses for security supervisor in police impersonation, defamation dispute
The Indiana Court of Appeals has partially reversed in favor of a man who claimed his former employers defamed him after he started his own company, leading to a criminal proceeding that resulted in his acquittal.
Purdue faces second student lawsuit seeking refunds due to COVID-19
Purdue University faces a second proposed class-action lawsuit filed by a student who says he and others are owed refunds for tuition and fees paid for in-person classes and activities that transitioned to remote education when campuses closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supreme Court blocks House from Mueller grand jury material
The Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily prevented the House of Representatives from obtaining secret grand jury testimony from special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
COA prepares for first-ever virtual argument
The Indiana Court of Appeals’ first remote argument is scheduled to take place Thursday, just one week after the Indiana Supreme Court took an unprecedented step by hearing oral arguments through videoconference.