Grant funding available for state court reforms
State trial courts have until June 15 to apply for grants that would allow them to reform or improve their local judicial
systems.
Indiana Supreme Court
Articles
COA affirms resisting police conviction
The Indiana Court of Appeals was hesitant to rely on an Indiana Supreme Court case’s definition of “forcibly
resist” because that language doesn’t appear to adequately describe the meaning of the phrase as it has been recently
applied.
No opinions for 3rd day in a row
The Indiana Court of Appeals has not had any published or unpublished opinions posted online since May 6.
Attorney reprimanded for response to harassing calls
The Indiana Supreme Court has publicly reprimanded an Indianapolis attorney who responded to harassing phone calls and pre-recorded
messages to her unlisted phone number by asking a company representative if he was “gay” or “sweet.”
Disciplinary attorneys: Judge experience a bonus
Having a trial court judge as the executive leader of the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission is a new approach
for the state, but those intimately involved with attorney disciplinary matters say it could prove to be a positive change.
Court names special judge for Marion County case
A Shelby Superior judge will preside over a forgery investigation case involving Marion County GOP Chairman Tom John, after
the presiding judge in the state’s largest county recused himself from the matter.
Indiana’s chief justice receives award for diversity efforts
The National Black Law Students Association has honored Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard for his trailblazing work
in diversifying the legal community, largely with the creation of the Indiana Conference for Legal Education Opportunity
Justices rule on legal malpractice procedural issue
An Indiana Supreme Court decision allows an Indianapolis attorney and a local law firm to raise a statute of limitations on
legal malpractice claims against them.
Justices approve ‘double enhancement’
The Indiana Supreme Court affirmed the use of the same prior conviction to both elevate a defendant’s charge to a felony
and find him a habitual substance offender because of explicit legislative direction on the enhancements.
Comments sought on proposed rule changes
The Indiana Supreme Court Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure is seeking comment on several proposed rule changes.
Justices differ on reasonableness of GAL fees
If two parties in a domestic relations dispute sign a written contract to retain the services of a guardian ad litem, then
the trial court must enforce the terms of the agreement unless it is contrary to public policy, the Indiana Supreme Court
ruled Friday.
Benton, Carroll counties on Odyssey
The courts in Benton and Carroll counties have joined nearly 50 other courts in the state using the Indiana Supreme Court
Odyssey Case Management System. The courts and clerk’s offices in those counties went online Friday.
High court grants 3 transfers
The Indiana Supreme Court granted transfer Thursday to three cases involving a murder conviction, a request for post-conviction
relief, and the appointment of counsel for a mother involved in a termination proceeding.
Justices rule on sentence modification
A conviction of a Class D felony that is later reduced to a Class A misdemeanor doesn’t prevent a trial court from
modifying a sentence below the statutory minimum, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled today in a matter of first impression.
High court addresses provision for 1st time
The Indiana Supreme Court affirmed the denial of summary judgment for an insurance company, finding the exclusion in the policy
for injuries covered by workers’ compensation doesn’t apply.
Security concerns should be part of record
The Indiana Supreme Court wants state trial judges to offer written guidance if and when courthouse or jury security concerns
come up during trial.
Justices rule on East Chicago casino-revenue case
The Indiana Supreme Court has dodged a question about whether state lawmakers should be able to cram multiple unrelated issues into a single piece of legislation, leaving in place what some call the practice of “legislative logrolling” that hasn’t been specifically shot down in almost four decades.
Justices hear voter ID case arguments
The Indiana Supreme Court heard arguments March 4 about the state’s controversial voter identification law, and is considering
whether the requirements impose an unconstitutional burden on some voters who can’t obtain the necessary photo ID cards.
High court to hear eligiblity appeal
The Indiana Supreme Court has taken up a case that poses issues about the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s authority
in athletic eligibility disputes, particularly those involving girls wanting to play sports.
Fees updated for appellate courts
The Indiana Supreme Court published an order April 26 on the fees the state’s
appellate courts clerk can charge for miscellaneous services.