CHINS adjudication affirmed for bruised infant
The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed the CHINS adjudication of an infant who was bruised by suspected physical abuse less than a week after his birth, denying his parents’ appeal of the order.
Courts
Articles
Northern District offering domestic violence representation CLE
Attorneys interested in representing victims of domestic violence in court can learn about providing pro bono civil assistance during a continuing legal education program offered by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.
District Court: IPS must face teacher’s age discrimination claims
A former Indianapolis Public Schools teacher’s age discrimination claims will proceed against her former employer after a district court judge determined that a factfinder could conclude that IPS failed to hire her because of her age.
Louisiana lawsuit: Forced bar association dues are unconstitutional
A lawsuit filed against Louisiana’s Supreme Court and the Louisiana State Bar Association says attorneys in the state are unconstitutionally forced to join the association and pay dues. The federal lawsuit says the mandatory bar association membership violates attorneys’ freedom of speech and association rights.
Indiana landlord seeks Supreme Court’s help in land dispute
A northwestern Indiana landlord wants the U.S. Supreme Court to wade into his dispute with the city of Hammond and overturn a city order directing him to remove five apartments that he’s leased to tenants in what was once a single-family home. Jose Andrade, who argues that Hammond’s order violates his constitutional rights, has filed a petition for review with the nation’s highest court.
Ex-prosecutor Cooper suspended after guilty pleas
Former Johnson County Prosecutor Bradley Cooper has been suspended from the practice of law in Indiana after being sentenced on three felony domestic battery charges last month.
Reversal: Man can’t build concrete seawall on lake property
A man’s permission to build a concrete wall on his northern Indiana lakefront property has been halted now that the Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed a trial court’s reversal of his denied application.
Judgment against car dealership upheld for customer in fraudulent sale
A Fort Wayne car dealership lost its appeal of a small-claims case against a woman who won a judgment arguing the dealership fraudulently sold her a car and forged her signature on transaction documents related to the sale.
Supreme Court issues amended child support guidelines
Amendments made to Indiana’s Child Support Guidelines have been issued by the Indiana Supreme Court following a request for public comment earlier this year.
7th Circuit vacates denial of disability benefits to woman with mental illness
A bipolar woman’s application for disability benefits will be reconsidered after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals concluded an administrative law judge failed to consider her treating psychiatrist’s opinions in its denial.
Judgment for spouse affirmed in military pension benefits appeal
A military veteran ordered to pay his ex-wife lost pension benefits after he opted to receive combat-related service compensation has lost his appeal of a partial denial of his motion to vacate judgment.
Prisoner’s puzzling pro se appeal again leads to dismissal
Deficiencies in a pro se prisoner’s appellate filings have once again prevented the Indiana Court of Appeals from considering the man’s argument against an unfavorable trial court judgment.
After SCOTUS ruling, 7th Circuit reaffirms ‘crime of violence’ vague
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals will stick with its initial decision to vacate and remand two men’s sentences after the United States Supreme Court concluded that the definition of “crime of violence” in 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(3)(B) was unconstitutionally vague.
Justices to hear car dealer fee class action, clerk corruption case
The Indiana Supreme Court agreed to hear two cases last week including a class action against a Mishawaka car dealership. The court rejected about four dozen other appeal petitions, including a child in need of services case that sparked outspoken division between the justices.
Southern District warns of scam using court’s telephone number
Federal court officials in Indianapolis are warning that scammers are using the court’s main phone number to scam and intimidate people.
Carmel attorney’s misrepresentation leads to 180-day suspension
A Carmel attorney has been suspended from the practice of law for 180 days for engaging in dishonest and fraudulent representation of a client before and after the client fired him.
South Bend attorney’s discipline converted to indefinite suspension
The Indiana Supreme Court has moved to indefinitely suspend a South Bend attorney who was suspended earlier this year for her noncooperation with a disciplinary investigation of a grievance against her.
RV manufacturer prevails against warranty breach claims
Although sympathetic toward a couple who bought an RV riddled with problems, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed an award of judgment for the RV’s manufacturer after finding no breach of the warranty or its provisions.
Ex-Covance worker’s retaliation lawsuit reinstated
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated a man’s lawsuit alleging his former employer refused to hire him permanently in retaliation of prior discriminatory complaints he filed.
Florida IP attorney’s referral agreement results in Indiana suspension
A Florida intellectual property attorney who represented Indiana clients has been suspended from the practice of law for 30 days for failing to disclose to clients that his firm was pursuing patents under an agreement with another company that charged clients to develop, protect and market their inventions.