Suit spawns liquor-distribution showdown
Indiana’s largest beer distributor is mounting the latest legal challenge to the state’s arcane, Prohibition-era liquor laws.
Indiana General Assembly
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Shepard to moderate same-sex marriage debate
Retired Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard will moderate a debate at Franklin College Jan. 13 on the issue of same-sex marriage.
Repeal of administrative code abolishes 3-year limit for filing petitions
In a ruling that it conceded could “open the floodgates,” the Indiana Tax Court found neither state statute nor regulations provided any time limits for homeowners to file petitions to correct error on their property tax assessments.
Concerns exist over proposed sentencing bill
The balance struck between the opposing demands of the prosecutors and public defenders in the proposed criminal sentencing bill may be upended during the 2014 legislative session, which could force Indiana to squeeze hundreds of millions of dollars from the state budget to build a new prison.
AG finds no caselaw that answers same-sex amendment question
Nearly 13 minutes into a press conference touting the accomplishments of his office in 2013, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller got a question on a topic he may have been hoping to avoid – same-sex marriage.
Bill pledges greater gun immunity, protection for judges
Judicial officers would be granted the same ability to carry firearms and immunity as law enforcement officers under a bill introduced by the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Criminal law committee sends sentencing bill to Legislature
What was called the key to making Indiana’s new criminal code work has received a nod of approval and is now headed to the Legislature.
Criminal code overhaul shifts focus to sentencing
The exploding prison population was a key motivator for revising the state’s criminal code, but an independent research group has concluded the new statute will cause a quicker increase in the number of inmates.
Support strong for treatment instead of incarceration in the DOC
David Powell, executive director of the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, strongly believes that addressing drug dependency and mental health issues can reduce the state’s recidivism rate and, in turn, lower the crime rate.
Independent analysis finds DOC’s population will grow under new criminal code
A report released Dec. 10 predicts that Indiana’s new criminal code will increase the number of individuals incarcerated in state prisons to the point where a new facility may have to be built.
Criminal code study committee sets 2 December meeting dates
The Criminal Law and Sentencing Policy Study Committee will hold two final meetings in December – Dec. 10 and 19 – to look at funding and sentencing.
Youth alternative detention program expanding
The state’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative is expanding into more counties, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Thursday, thanks to more than $5 million in funding appropriated by the Legislature.
Indiana House speaker outlines agenda for 2014 legislative session
Addressing the Indiana House of Representatives, Speaker Brian Bosma encouraged legislators to move forward with the new criminal code and to provide the funding for community corrections programs.
Second session of 118th General Assembly begins Tuesday
The Indiana General Assembly will mark the official start of the 2014 legislative session with Organization Day on Nov. 19.
Sen. Landske diagnosed with lung cancer, will stay in office
Indiana State Sen. Sue Landske (R-Cedar Lake) announced Wednesday that she will undergo treatment for lung cancer but intends to continue to serve after almost 30 years in the Senate.
Criminal code committee still trying to answer funding and sentencing questions
The Indiana General Assembly passed an overhaul of the state’s criminal code during 2013 but left two major issues for the upcoming session – funding and sentencing.
COA rejects claim overhaul of Criminal Code shows Class A felonies disproportionate
A defendant attempted to persuade the Indiana Court of Appeals that the Class A felony classifications for dealing or possession of cocaine are disproportionate by pointing to the recent revisions to the Criminal Code. The new criminal classifications and sentencing structure that take effect next year no longer include these crimes in the highest level of felonies.
Appeals panel rules former same-sex partner has standing to seek visitation
A former same-sex domestic partner of a woman who gave birth to a child has standing to seek visitation, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Thursday, reversing a trial court in an opinion begging lawmakers to speak to the rights of same-sex couples in parenting disputes.
Judges persuade Commission on Courts to reject bail bond proposal and review use of psychologists
Proposed legislation regarding bail bonds died Oct. 21 in the Indiana General Assembly’s Commission on Courts hearing after Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Brent Dickson raised concerns about constitutionality and legislative overreach.
Commission on Courts to look at confidentiality of paternity cases
The Commission on Courts will tackle several issues at its meeting Oct. 21, including the confidentiality of juvenile court records in juvenile paternity cases.