Texas Roadhouse fire suit among 4 justices take
A lawsuit over liability for a fire that destroyed an Indianapolis steakhouse because hydrants were frozen and unusable will proceed to the Indiana Supreme Court.
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ITT agrees to pay Sallie Mae $46M to settle suit
Carmel-based ITT Educational Services Inc., one of the largest operators of for-profit colleges in the nation, has agreed to pay Sallie Mae Corp. $46 million to settle litigation related to a loan agreement between the two parties.
Governor, Election Commission now defendants in Marion County election case
A federal suit that challenges the constitutionality of Marion County judicial elections has been amended to name the governor and members of the Indiana Election Commission as defendants.
AG sues Carmel business over undelivered Colts, sports memorabilia
A Carmel business and its owner face a state consumer protection lawsuit over accusations that the company bilked customers who used its website to pay for autographed photos and memorabilia of Indianapolis Colts player Reggie Wayne and former Colts Peyton Manning and Gary Brackett.
SCOTUS to hear Indiana farmer’s case against Monsanto in February
A patent infringement case involving a Knox County soybean farmer and an international seed producer will be argued Feb. 19 before the Supreme Court of the United States.
Judge gets private reprimand
Four months after the Indiana Judicial Qualifications Commission filed charges against St. Joseph Probate Judge Peter Nemeth, the JQC and the judge have agreed to a private reprimand.
Indianapolis attorney pleads guilty in deal with prosecutors
Indianapolis attorney and developer Paul J. Page has agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors in an investigation that also targets former Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi.
Judges reinstate battery charges against drunken casino patron
The Indiana Court of Appeals found a Switzerland Circuit Court had no grounds to dismiss the information against a man charged with misdemeanor battery after jabbing the shoulder of a pit boss at Belterra Casino.
Judges ‘disturbed’ by linking of drugs to defendant’s nationality
Even though the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals was “disturbed” by a government agent’s improperly admitted testimony linking a defendant’s Mexican nationality to the methamphetamine at issue, the court declined to grant a new trial.
Attorney general sues 3 contractors over poor work, no refunds
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced Wednesday that he has filed lawsuits against three contractors doing business in Indiana that didn’t perform work as promised or misrepresented the urgency of needed repairs.
Dickson encourages compromise on House Democrat fines suit
Indiana Chief Justice Brent Dickson implored litigants to resolve a lawsuit over the collection of fines levied on House Democrats who walked out of the Legislature in 2011 and 2012.
Judge: DOC treatment of mentally ill unconstitutional
A lack of basic treatment for mentally ill Indiana Department of Correction inmates held in isolation violates the U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment, a federal judge ruled Monday.
Justices decide to allow big exhibit at arguments
The Indiana Supreme Court has reversed an order it issued Monday that prevented an appellant from bringing in a utility truck bucket to arguments scheduled Thursday.
COA reverses conviction after BMV stumbles over address
A driver whose conduct was “clearly blameworthy” had his conviction overturned after the Indiana Court of Appeals found the state’s evidence did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver knew his license was suspended.
In test of 2012 emancipation law, COA affirms denial of college expenses
A statutory change in the age of emancipation for child support, except for educational support, does not preclude courts from modifying educational support obligations when parents demonstrate changes in their financial circumstances, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Monday.
Traffic stop based on companion’s statement did not violate constitutional protections
Police had the “reasonable suspicion” required to stop a possible impaired driver, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled, even though the driver’s companion did not specifically tell the officers the driver was intoxicated.
Previous back problems not enough to disqualify public employee from disability benefits
Although an employee had a pre-existing condition, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled his on-duty injury qualified him for Class 1 impairment disability benefits from the Indiana Public Employee Retirement Fund.
Judge Kiely takes oath for Vanderburgh Circuit Court
The Hon. David D. Kiely was sworn in Wednesday as the new Vanderburgh Circuit Court judge. A ceremony was scheduled at noon in the Vanderburgh Circuit courtroom.
2012 Year in Review
2012 was another busy year for the legal community. We welcomed new justices and a new chief justice, witnessed the beginnings of the state’s fifth law school, and saw local stories garner national and international attention. Here’s a look back at the top news stories from last year.
Rush robing completes Supreme Court transition
Justice Loretta Rush formally was robed the 108th justice of the Indiana Supreme Court on Dec. 28, the third member of the five-member court appointed by Gov. Mitch Daniels.