Indiana man gets prison for threatening abortion clinics
A northwestern Indiana man who pleaded guilty to federal charges alleging he sent threatening messages to two Chicago-area abortion clinics has been sentenced to 1½ years in prison.
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New lawyers advised they cannot achieve success by themselves
As the newest group of Indiana attorneys raised their right hands and took their admission oaths Tuesday, they were reminded that just as they needed to achieve this success, they will continue through their careers to need a little help from their friends. The 120 individuals who passed the February 2019 Indiana Bar Exam were admitted to the Indiana Supreme Court as well as the Northern and Southern Indiana District Courts.
Bedford attorney appointed judge pro tem to fill McCord vacancy
A judge pro tempore has been appointed to replace former Lawrence Circuit Judge Andrea K. McCord following her appointment to the federal judiciary as the newest bankruptcy judge in the Indiana Southern District Court. Serving in McCord’s place as judge pro tempore will be Bedford attorney Nathan G. Nikirk.
Prisoner rights case challenges forced labor in private prisons
An inmate lawsuit filed against New Castle Correctional Facility seemingly marks the first time a judge has ruled that a private prison operator can be liable for human trafficking in a punitive setting.
IU McKinney students bring energy, enthusiasm to re-entry program
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law students have been meeting monthly with participants in a re-entry program for much of the school year, mentoring them and helping them overcome barriers in whatever they need to succeed.
Wood: 6 out of 7 chief judges in 7th Circuit soon to be women
Most chief judges at federal trial courts in the 7th Circuit — comprised of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin — are already women. Soon, there'll be just one man among them, 7th Circuit Chief Judge Diane Wood noted in a speech Monday.
New bankruptcy judge appointed to Indiana Southern District bench
Lawrence Circuit Judge Andrea K. McCord has been appointed to a 14-year term as a bankruptcy judge in the Indiana Southern District Court based in New Albany. McCord will take office May 20, succeeding retiring bankruptcy Judge Basil H. Lorch III.
Chinese national indicted in connection with Anthem’s massive data breach
A federal grand jury in Indianapolis has indicted a Chinese national in connection with the massive computer hacking of health insurer Anthem Inc. in 2015 that compromised the private information of 78.8 million customers and former customers.
Federal case to proceed against Elkhart cops in beating case
Indiana prosecutors are setting aside their case against two police officers who were caught on video repeatedly punching a handcuffed man so that a federal case against them can proceed.
Lawyer in alleged investment scheme enters another plea
A suspended lawyer who formerly worked in northern Indiana and was charged with scamming elderly investors has pleaded guilty to another charge in the case.
Debt collectors to use email, texts under new Trump rules
Debt collectors will be able to start contacting borrowers via text and email under new regulations proposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Ex-White House lawyer defies House subpoena for Mueller docs
A former White House lawyer defied a congressional subpoena Tuesday, setting the Trump administration on course for another collision with the Democratic-led House over its pursuit of documents related to the Russia investigation.
Nadler: ‘Constitutional crisis’ over Mueller report dispute
The House Judiciary chairman said Wednesday the Trump administration’s refusal to provide special counsel Robert Mueller’s full Russia report to Congress presents a “constitutional crisis,” leaving the panel no choice but to move forward with a contempt vote against Attorney General William Barr.
1st black, female major general in U.S Army speaks at federal courts’ Black History event
Dozens gathered to belatedly celebrate Black History Month on Friday at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, but the delay only heightened the joyful celebration. A crowd gathered to hear from honorary guest Major General Marcia Anderson, the first African-American woman to achieve the rank of major general in the history of the United States Army.
Career offender’s motion for relief untimely, 7th Circuit rules
A prisoner’s motion for relief following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated certain language in the Armed Career Criminal Act was denied Thursday after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals not only found his motion was untimely, but also unlikely to survive on the merits.
Trump, GOP states ask appeals court to kill ‘Obamacare’
Taking a harder line on health care, the Trump administration on Wednesday joined a coalition of Republican-led states, including Indiana, in asking a federal appeals court to entirely overturn former President Barack Obama’s signature health care law — a decision that could leave millions uninsured.
7th Circuit reversal: Damages claims brought by exonerated man may proceed
An exonerated man whose murder conviction was vacated nearly a decade ago can continue seeking damages against the investigators in his case, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled, reversing a lower court’s decision that the claims couldn’t stand.
ACLU sues to block latest Indiana abortion law
The American Civil Liberties Union has once again filed a federal lawsuit challenging an Indiana abortion law, this time filing a complaint against recently signed legislation that would place new restrictions on second-trimester abortions.
Former Munster doctor sentenced for overprescribing painkillers
A former northwestern Indiana doctor who pleaded guilty to overprescribing painkillers has been sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Jay Joshi, formerly a general practice physician in Munster, also was ordered to pay a $7,500 fine after pleading guilty last year to dispensing hydrocodone outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
7th Circuit: No due process violations against rejected billboard company
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed the denial of a digital billboard company’s motion for preliminary injunction against the City of Westfield, finding its due process rights were not violated when the city ordered construction on a billboard to stop.