Judgment favoring policeman’s meth-exposure claim reversed
A police officer who claimed disability resulting from his work dismantling methamphetamine labs had a favorable trial court ruling reversed by the Indiana Court of Appeals Friday.
Courts
Articles
Ex-Conseco board member owes legal fees, may pursue malpractice claim
A pre-bankruptcy board member of Conseco Inc. was ordered to pay $127,592.21 in outstanding legal fees, but he may pursue legal malpractice claims, a federal judge ruled Thursday.
Supreme Court posts annual report
The Indiana Supreme Court has posted its annual report, providing details of the 995 cases it reviewed in the fiscal year ending June 30 and elaborating on plans to roll out electronic filing in trial courts statewide.
Judges disagree over enhanced sentence for child molesting conviction
The Indiana Court of Appeals was divided Thursday over whether a Johnson County man convicted of having sex with a 13-year-old girl deserved to have his sentence enhanced above the 30-year advisory sentence.
Judge rules for revenue department on man’s claim for sanctions
A man who argued that the Indiana Department of State Revenue should be sanctioned for allegedly producing his ex-wife’s transmittal envelope for her tax return and passing it off as his own lost his case before the Indiana Tax Court Thursday.
Lawsuit filed against Wal-Mart after PCB found at Indy facility
A proposed class-action lawsuit alleges Wal-Mart and its corporate entities were negligent after PCB was found at a returns facility located in Indianapolis.
COA: Attorney’s calendar mistake doesn’t support relief from judgment
The Indiana Court of Appeals disagreed with a woman’s argument that because she was twice granted extension of time to respond to a summary judgment motion involving her credit card debt, the trial court’s discretion to consider a belated response was preserved.
Justices reverse grant of post-conviction relief
The Indiana Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a defendant’s claim that his attorneys were ineffective for not arguing that, based on a Supreme Court case, his conviction for Class B felony criminal confinement should be reversed or reduced. But the man inappropriately relies on the case, and what he claims his attorneys should have argued is not the law.
Judiciary study committee to consider new judges, consent to adoption
The Indiana General Assembly’s Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary meets Thursday for the first time this year and will look at the addition of judges in several counties.
Repairs underway at LaGrange County courthouse
The LaGrange County courthouse is getting a face-lift. Crews from an Iowa firm that specializes in repairing aging masonry work arrived in LaGrange early Tuesday morning and started an extensive job to restore the exterior brick and stone walls of the 136-year-old county building.
Death penalty sought in shooting death of Gary cop
A northwest Indiana prosecutor has notified the court he plans to seek the death penalty for a man charged with murder in the shooting death of a Gary police officer.
COA denies State Farm’s request for new trial on $14.5M defamation verdict
The $14.5 million defamation verdict awarded against State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. in favor of a contractor who accused the insurer of defaming him remains in place after the Indiana Court of Appeals rejected the company’s claim that fraud requires a new trial.
State’s inaction does not allow man to appeal sentence
The Indiana Court of Appeals rejected a defendant’s claim that he should be given an opportunity to appeal his sentence, an option he waived by entering into a plea agreement, even though the trial court erroneously indicated he had a right to appeal and the state did not object to that advisement.
Court must give man time to object to ex-wife’s motion
A Marion Superior Court erred when it granted a woman’s motion to vacate a hearing on contempt charges against her without giving her ex-husband 15 days to file a response, as permitted under local rules, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.
Court announces 378 successful applicants on July bar exam
The list of applicants who were successful on the July Indiana bar examination is posted on the court’s website. Those who meet the other requirements of being admitted will participate in an admission ceremony Oct. 6.
Judge OKs tweeting for Purdue shooter sentencing
An Indiana judge will allow reporters to post on social media during the sentencing of a former Purdue University student who pleaded guilty to murder in the fatal shooting and stabbing of a fellow student in January.
7th Circuit stays same-sex marriage decisions
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has granted the motion for a stay of mandate filed by the defendants in Indiana’s same-sex marriage lawsuits.
Judiciary notes Constitution Day with school program, naturalization ceremony
In honor of Constitution Day, Indiana judges will commemorate, educate and celebrate with schoolchildren and new United States citizens at events throughout the week.
Justices decline Kokomo mayor’s request for stay of contempt order
The Indiana Supreme Court will not stay a contempt order entered against the mayor of Kokomo over construction at the Howard County courthouse.
Family sues over teen’s death in police car
The family of a teenager who died of an apparent suicide in the back of a police car two years ago is suing the city of Anderson for wrongful death and negligence.