Justices to hear oral arguments on Duke Energy rate increases
The Indiana Supreme Court will hear oral arguments next week between Duke Energy and a group of its customers challenging the utility’s request to raise its rates, among other complaints.
Indiana Supreme Court
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Civil forfeiture contingency fees for private lawyers challenged in new lawsuit
Indiana’s civil forfeiture framework is once again under scrutiny as a new lawsuit alleges a law allowing private prosecutors to earn a contingency fee in forfeiture actions is unconstitutional.
Rauch, Osborn and Roy: Supreme Court says trusts may include marriage restraint provisions
In its recent Rotert v. Stiles opinion, the Indiana Supreme Court honored established principles of statutory interpretation and judicial restraint in deciding that Indiana’s trust code does not prohibit restraints on marriage.
Justice David announces fall 2022 retirement from Supreme Court
Indiana Supreme Court Justice Steven David, currently the longest-serving justice on the Hoosier high court, has announced that he will step down from the bench in the fall of 2022.
New members appointed to JLAP committee
Monroe Circuit Judge Mary Ellen Diekhoff and attorney Katherine Tapp of Kightlinger & Gray are the newest appointments to the Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program committee. They will begin their terms Jan. 1, 2022.
Clark magistrate appointed as senior judge
Magistrate Judge Kenneth Abbott of the Clark Circuit Court has been appointed a senior judge effective Jan. 1, 2022.
Finalists for St. Joseph Superior Court vacancy announced
The St. Joseph County Judicial Nominating Commission has announced five nominees to fill the vacancy left by retired Superior Court 7 Judge Steven Hostetler.
Southern Indiana attorney reprimanded for representing opposing parties in criminal matter
Carla Ginn, a solo practitioner in Scottsburg, has been publicly reprimanded for violating the prohibitions against conflict of interest by simultaneously representing a father, the alleged perpetrator, and his son, the alleged victim.
Indianapolis attorney suspended, ordered to refund client’s retainer
Indianapolis attorney Loren Comstock has been suspended from the practice of law for 120 days effective Dec. 14 for failing to provide competent representation and to keep his client reasonably informed about the progress of her federal lawsuit against her former employer and labor union.
Former Harrison Superior Court judge certified as senior judge
Judge Roger D. Davis, formerly the judge of the Harrison Superior Court, has been certified as an Indiana senior judge.
Justices grant transfer to insurance dispute in fatal trucking accident
The Indiana Supreme denied transfer to nine cases last week but granted transfer in one involving insurance coverage in a fatal trucking accident.
IN Supreme Court appoints, reappoints members to CLE Commission
The Indiana Supreme Court has appointed three new members and reappointed one member to serve on the Commission for Continuing Legal Education beginning next year.
Indiana Supreme Court Justice David announces 2022 retirement
Indiana Supreme Court Justice Steven David, currently the longest-serving justice on the Hoosier high court, has announced that he will step down from the bench in the fall of 2022.
Lang temporarily filling judicial seat of late Judge Boswell
Senior Judge Kathleen Lang has been appointed judge pro tempore in Lake Superior Court, Criminal Division 3, filling the seat vacated by the unexpected death of Judge Diane Ross Boswell on Oct. 19.
Trial rules amended to address service by electronic means
New language has been added to Indiana’s trial rules to broaden the scope of electronic service.
Justices reprimand Plainfield lawyer, former bar foundation leader for ‘materially limited’ representation
The Indiana Supreme Court has publicly reprimanded a former Indianapolis Bar Foundation president for his role in providing legal advice to a former client despite being “materially limited” by his own personal interest in the matter.
Appointments made to State Board of Law Examiners
The Indiana Supreme Court has appointed a new member to the State Board of Law Examiners and reappointed two others.
Holcomb names 2 attorneys, 1 nonattorney to Lake Co. JNC following legislative ‘reset’
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has appointed two lawyers and one nonlawyer to the Lake County Judicial Nominating Commission, completing the selection of the JNC under controversial legislation enacted this year that changed the makeup of two judicial nominating groups.
Indiana Supreme Court to examine reach of med mal statute
The Indiana Supreme Court has granted transfer to a dispute between health care providers, tackling the question of whether the state’s Medical Malpractice Act extends beyond claims brought by injured patients.
A More Just Indiana: Equity and Access Commission: Is change nigh?
Recently, the Indiana Supreme Court created the Indiana Commission on Equity and Access seeking to build trust and increase the average citizen’s ability to navigate the complicated legal system. These efforts not only are commendable, but they are also forcing an examination of uncomfortable issues while creating opportunities for rich discourse in settings that have in large part avoided these critical issues.