Mock trial judges needed
Indiana’s Mock Trial Program is seeking attorneys and other volunteers to help with the state competitions this year and in 2013. Indiana will host the National Mock Trial finals in 2013.
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Articles
Court split on dismissing murder, attempted feticide charges
In a case of first impression involving a mother who ingested rat poison in an attempt to kill herself and her unborn child, one Indiana Court of Appeals judge felt that if the feticide statute is applied to women’s prenatal conduct, it might lead to a “slippery slope” in which a full range of a woman’s conduct while pregnant could fall under the feticide statute.
Justices take secretary of state case
The Indiana Supreme Court decided Tuesday to hear the appeals of a Marion County judge’s decision that found Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White ineligible to hold office.
Judges reverse felony sexual battery conviction
Because the state didn’t prove an essential element needed to convict a man of Class D felony sexual battery, the Indiana Court of Appeals threw out his conviction. But there was enough evidence to support convicting the man of Class B misdemeanor battery.
Homeowners’ association can enforce ban on child day care
The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed the decision that would allow two homeowners to run a child care operation out of their residences. The homeowners’ association has restrictive covenants in place prohibiting the operation of a child care home.
7th Circuit dismisses South Bend’s appeal
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals was presented a novel jurisdictional issue Tuesday: whether a municipal land use case can come within the exception to the doctrine of mootness for cases that are capable of repetition yet elude review.
Justice interviews begin Wednesday
The interviews of the 15 applicants to be the next Indiana Supreme Court justice begin Wednesday afternoon in the Indiana Statehouse.
Judge orders refund of legislative fines
The Democratic members of the Indiana House who faced fines for failing to attend sessions in protest of right-to-work legislation will be reimbursed any amount withheld in 2011, according to a ruling from Marion Superior Judge David Dreyer. The judge also ordered that any fines imposed this session may not be collected.
Student sues over ‘I (heart) BOOBIES’ bracelet
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a northern Indiana middle school student who believed he would be expelled if he didn’t cover up his bracelet that said “I (heart) BOOBIES.”
Governor appoints interim secretary of state
After Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White was found guilty of six felony charges Feb. 4, Gov. Mitch Daniels appointed Jerry Bonnet as interim secretary of state. A convicted felon cannot hold statewide office in Indiana.
Justices accept 2 cases
The Indiana Supreme Court granted transfer to two cases, including one involving the validity of a search warrant.
7th Circuit affirms official’s termination
The city of Anderson was justified in firing an official who failed to support a mayoral campaign, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals held Friday.
Court agency uses Super Bowl week to test disaster plan
The Indiana Supreme Court Division of State Court Administration is taking advantage of the influx of visitors to central Indiana this week to determine if the agency can function from a remote location in case of a disaster.
7th Circuit upholds firearm conviction
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a man’s conviction of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, finding there was sufficient evidence to support the conviction.
Appellate court to visit Sellersburg for arguments
The Indiana Court of Appeals will travel to a southern Indiana high school to hear a civil case involving First Amendment claims for a police officer’s private statements.
Federal judge speaker at Black History Month celebration
U.S. Judge Tanya Walton Pratt of the Southern District of Indiana is the featured speaker and will present remarks on “Celebrating the Role of the Courts in Indiana’s Black History,” Feb. 10 at the federal courthouse in Indianapolis.
Justices uphold driver’s license suspension
The Indiana Supreme Court has affirmed the suspension of a man’s driver’s license following his conviction of possessing marijuana. While the driver’s license suspension statute generally applies only when the defendant uses the vehicle in the commission of the offense, it’s not required that the defendant must either own or be driving the vehicle when he commits the offense.
Courtrooms shift in Southern District
With construction winding down at the Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Indianapolis, there are two changes regarding bankruptcy judges’ courtrooms.
Personal cars fall under federal act exemption
The billing agent for a central Indiana volunteer fire department can’t bill individuals involved in auto accidents with their personal vehicles for clean-up costs of hazardous substances, according to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.
7th Circuit affirms man’s remanded sentence
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the 210-month sentence received by a defendant on remand for attempting to coerce or entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.