3 counties join Odyssey
Cass, Shelby, and Union counties are the latest additions to the statewide case management system known as Odyssey.
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COA orders reduced sentence in first impressions case
In reversing a sentence for a serious violent felon, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled that intending to commit a “crime of violence” is not, in itself, a crime of violence
Judge OKs settlement in voter-registration class action suit
A federal judge in Indianapolis on Thursday approved a settlement in a class action lawsuit brought against Indiana relating to state offices not adequately providing public assistance for voter registration.
COA: Insurance policy covers deputy killed while directing traffic
The Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy that was killed while directing traffic was using her car at the time of the accident and was entitled to coverage under the county’s policy under the uninsured/underinsured motorist endorsement, the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed.
Judge: Names in workforce development cases should remain confidential
There appears to be discord among the judges on the Indiana Court of Appeals as to whether party names should be confidential in workforce development cases.
7th Circuit examines 3-strike rule on prisoner suits
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has followed in the footsteps of some of its sister Circuits, holding that a pro se prisoner suit should proceed because an Indiana federal judge wrongly determined the frequent suit-filing inmate had three strikes rather than two in terms of frivolous claims.
Judge hears arguments on bar exam application suit
How far the Indiana Board of Law Examiners can go in asking potential lawyers about their mental-health history was the subject of a federal court hearing Wednesday, where attorneys explored the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act and what might be reasonable in determining someone’s potential fitness to practice law.
Lawmakers discuss Barnes police entry ruling
An Indiana summer study committee met for the second time Wednesday to discuss a state Supreme Court ruling from earlier this year involving the right to resist police entry into one’s home.
7th Circuit to hold memorial for Judge Evans
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin will hold a joint memorial ceremony for Senior Judge Terence Evans at 4 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Ceremonial Courtroom of the Milwaukee Federal Courthouse.
Justice touts Odyssey, counties seek addition judicial officers
The Commission on Courts meeting Wednesday contained some familiar elements: Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan testified regarding Odyssey and two trial judges have once again asked for an additional judicial officer.
Man entitled to warning that conduct may waive right to counsel
The Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed the finding that a man charged with murder is no longer indigent and that his difficult behavior caused him to waive or forfeit his right to appointed counsel. The appellate court concluded that the judge considered the defendant’s conduct, not his ability to pay, when finding him no longer indigent.
COA splits on whether Dreaded decision requires judgment for insurer
In a dispute over whether an insurer was required to pay pre-notice costs for environmental cleanup, the Indiana Court of Appeals was divided over whether the Indiana Supreme Court ruling Dreaded v. St. Paul Guardian Insurance was distinguishable from the instant case.
7th Circuit holds lawyer rule on impact of guilty plea for immigrants not retroactive
A three-judge panel for the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has determined a landmark decision from the Supreme Court of the United States last year isn't retroactive. That rule required criminal defense attorneys to advise clients about the immigration impact of signing a guilty plea, and this means past cases wouldn’t benefit from that holding even if those individuals had been deprived of that Sixth Amendment right.
Class-action lawsuit filed over State Fair stage collapse
A class-action lawsuit filed by an Indianapolis law firm is the largest legal action to arise so far from the collapse of a concert stage at the Indiana State Fair.
Man not prejudiced by counsel’s deficient performance
The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld the decision to deny a man’s request for post-conviction relief, finding that although his attorney’s performance was deficient for not investigating whether a previous conviction attributed to the defendant was really his, the man couldn’t show he was prejudiced.
Public to testify before Barnes subcommittee
The subcommittee formed to address the issue of illegal police entry following an Indiana Supreme Court ruling will hear public testimony and discuss draft language at its Wednesday meeting.
Commission on Courts to discuss JTAC, new judges
At its first meeting Wednesday, the Commission on Courts will hear updates on Judicial Technology and Automation Committee projects as well as requests for new judges.
Tax judge shoots down ‘Al Capone’ approach
In a blow to the Indiana attorney general’s office, the state’s tax judge has shot down a legal theory that used jeopardy tax assessments to go after a purported puppy mill in Harrison County.
Supreme Court accepts 5 transfers
The Indiana Supreme Court has taken five cases on transfer, including one that presents two issues of first impression on prejudgment interest.
Court divided over consent to 5-person jury
A panel of Indiana Court of Appeals judges split on the issue of whether a defendant agreed to allow a five-member jury to decide her case after one juror fell ill, with the dissenting judge believing the defendant – not her counsel – must consent to the five-person jury.