Bankruptcy court amends local rules
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Indiana has adopted revisions to its local rules, which took effect Aug. 3.
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Circuit judges order court to take another look at Batson challenge
Based on the record before them, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals judges were unable to make an informed decision about the District Court’s decision to deny a defendant’s Batson challenge, so the judges sent the case back to the lower court.
7th Circuit upholds mail fraud convictions
Although it found the evidence presented in a mail fraud case “thin,” the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals viewed it as enough to send the case involving three Calumet Township Trustee’s Office employees to the jury.
Online court employee training begins Aug. 18
In an effort to give a general introduction of the judicial system to new trial court employees, a new online training program has been created and is now open for enrollment.
Scott County joins statewide CMS
Scott County is the latest county to become connected to Odyssey, a case management system that has slowly been implemented throughout the state.
Lawyer can argue for cost-of-living adjustment for increased fees
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has decided that an attorney that successfully represented a client in a Social Security disability benefits suit should be allowed to make a request for a cost-of-living adjustment that would exceed the maximum $125 per hour that can be awarded under the Equal Access to Justice Act.
UPL victims urged to claim refunds
The Office of the Indiana Attorney General is asking the victims of the United Financial Systems unauthorized practice of law case to apply soon if they want to receive restitution.
Bankruptcy filings drop
The number of people filing for bankruptcy around the United States has decreased as compared to the same time last year, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Judges reverse ruling mechanic’s lien has priority over mortgages
The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled there was no reason for a trial judge to disregard the state’s priority statutes regarding liens and mortgages and find that a construction company’s mechanic’s lien has priority over previously recorded mortgages.
COA applies sports injury conduct rule
Less than three months after the Indiana Supreme Court issued a decision about sports injury cases, the state’s intermediate appellate court is now applying the new rule regarding how liability should be determined.
AG: DCS out-of-state placements shouldn’t be reviewable by courts
An Indiana Supreme Court decision upholding three statutes relating to juvenile judges’ authority on out-of-state placement cases created what the state attorney general’s office calls too much confusion, and the justices should revisit the ruling it made a little more than a month ago.
Judges order hearing on unemployment benefits
A man, whose request for a continuance in a hearing regarding his unemployment benefits was denied by an administrative law judge, is entitled to a hearing on the matter, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Thursday.
COA divided on whether ‘bully’ comments require new trial
The Indiana Court of Appeals split in affirming a man’s drunk-driving conviction, with the dissenting judge finding the prosecutor’s questions to the jury and repeated reference to the defendant as a bully at trial made a fair trial impossible.
Protective Order Pro Bono Project launches pro se clinic
The Protective Order Pro Bono Project, which provides pro bono legal assistance to indigent victims of domestic violence in Marion County to obtain and enforce protection orders, is starting a pro se clinic this month.
Indiana files appellate brief in Planned Parenthood case
The Office of the Indiana Attorney General filed its appellate brief Monday asking the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals to lift a preliminary injunction against parts of the new abortion-provider law cutting public Planned Parenthood funding.
7th Circuit enjoins limits on ‘super’ PAC contributions
A prominent Terre Haute attorney known for his work challenging campaign finance laws and regulations scored another legal victory after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals enjoined state limits on contributions to what’s known as “super” political action committees.
COA cites ‘good faith’ exception for child pornography search warrant
The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court’s denial of a motion to suppress evidence, holding that even though a search warrant was invalid, the evidence it produced is admissible due to a “good faith” exception to the exclusionary rule.
Former clerks recall a judge who gave support and kindness
The Hon. Robert H. Staton achieved many professional milestones in his lengthy career. But after his death on July 18, what people seemed to remember most about him was his enduring positive influence in their lives.
Looking back on rulings
Looking in the rearview mirror on judicial precedent is a task that every judge on every court faces.
Workers’ comp cases question line between employer liability and employee responsibility
In June, the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, affirmed the finding of a workers’ compensation judge who ruled that a man whose wife died of a pulmonary embolism while working from home was entitled to workers’ compensation survivor benefits. In Renner v. AT&T, No. A-2393-10T3, a doctor admitted that other factors – including obesity – may have been risk factors for developing the fatal blood clot.