Supreme Court: Text, email notifications available for courts to contact jurors
Indiana trial courts can now send text and email reminders, cancellations, and rescheduling notices to jurors, the Indiana Supreme Court announced on Friday.
Indiana Supreme Court
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Justices split, affirm trial court in defamation default judgment case
A split Indiana Supreme Court on Friday granted transfer and affirmed a trial court’s ruling in a default judgment dispute involving alleged defamation and false reporting, siding with a dissenting appellate court judge.
Indiana attorney general may face bill over discipline case
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill could face a big bill from the disciplinary case stemming from allegations that he groped a state lawmaker and three other women during a party. The disciplinary commission has asked the Indiana Supreme Court to order Hill to pay more than $50,000 in costs related to the ethics investigation that resulted in his 30-day suspension.
Hearing officer recommends dismissal of Mackey discipline case
The attorney discipline case accusing high-profile Barnes & Thornburg partner Larry Mackey of an improper relationship with the ex-wife of a former Fishers money manager client who was convicted of securities fraud should be dismissed, the hearing officer in his case has recommended.
14-year sentence affirmed for man who killed 2 in high-speed crash
A man must serve a 14-year sentence for driving his SUV through a red light at 89 mph and killing two women whose car he slammed into in a Speedway intersection, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Friday. The decision also further chipped away at 1999 caselaw partially overturned this year that had stood as double jeopardy jurisprudence.
Justices split over transfer denial in horse injury case
The Indiana Supreme Court has split over the denial of transfer in a case involving a horseback riding injury, with Justice Steven David publishing a dissent expressing concern that the “pendulum has swung too far” in sports injury cases.
Supreme Court seeking comments on proposed rule changes
The Indiana Supreme Court is seeking public comment on several proposed amendments to the Indiana Rules of Court.
Counties again requesting additional judicial officers
The Indiana General Assembly is once again being asked to add to Indiana’s court roster, with six counties presenting requests for new judicial officers. Most significantly, Hamilton County is asking the Legislature to add a new court.
Disbarment recommended for ex-Johnson County prosecutor
The former three-term elected prosecutor of Johnson County should be disbarred from the practice of law for a domestic violence assault in which the hearing officer in his attorney discipline case said he “severely beat and injured his girlfriend” then misled the public about the events surrounding the attack.
Justices deny murderer’s petition to transfer
A man convicted of murder who was denied his petition for post-conviction relief was also denied his petition to transfer his case to the Indiana Supreme Court. Justices unanimously declined to consider the White County man’s claims of ineffective assistance of counsel.
Settlement program offers alternative to eviction
As the uncertainty continues over how many struggling Hoosiers could be evicted in the coming months, the Indiana Supreme Court is trying through the new Landlord and Tenant Settlement Conference Program to prevent housing loss and all the bad ramifications that can ensue by inviting landlords and tenants to first have a conversation.
Compelled contract? Indiana Supreme Court considers arbitration agreement in nursing home lawsuit
After hearing oral argument on petition to transfer Sept. 24, the court must now decide if it will rule in a dispute filed by an elderly woman and her representative against the Carmel assisted living facility where the woman once lived and an independent contractor hired by the facility who is accused of raping her.
New strategic goals set for improving state courts
The Judicial Conference of Indiana’s strategic plan for the next decade, titled 2020 Forward, rededicates areas of achievement previously attained with past white papers while also setting new goals striving for greater accountability and access to justice.
Bell & Grass: 3 things to know about attorneys’ social media
Because our parents (who have trouble with remote controls) are now officially on Facebook, we can safely assume that close to all attorneys are using social media. Using social media is simply an inexpensive and convenient way to get the word out about your law firm. However, there is an element of risk that comes along with an attorney’s use of social media. These risks were highlighted in July, when the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission listed social media’s many “minefields.”
Justices uphold plea agreement but remand for new trial court order
The Indiana Supreme Court on Monday affirmed lower court rulings upholding a man’s challenged plea agreement but remanded for the entry of trial court findings and conclusions.
Louisville attorney suspended in Indiana
A Louisville attorney has been suspended from the practice of law in Indiana for noncooperation with a disciplinary investigation.
Special judge steps down in fired Cathedral teacher case
Asserting the Archdiocese of Indianapolis made claims that are “irrelevant, inaccurate, misleading or make incorrect inferences,” the Marion Superior Court denied the church’s attempt to remove the special judge appointed to preside over the case involving the firing of a gay teacher at Cathedral High School. The judge did step aside, however, citing personal reasons.
Justices’ order lifts restrictions on distance CLE credits
The Indiana Supreme Court has announced that any virtual continuing legal education courses taken during this time will not count toward the credit-hour limitations on distance education.
Interviews scheduled for Lake Superior Court judicial vacancy
Interviews of 10 candidates to fill a vacancy that will occur on the Lake Superior Court in January have been scheduled for next month, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Thursday.
Supreme Court permits cameras in court year-round for adoption celebrations
Indiana families celebrating the adoption of a new child into their families will now be able to capture the moments of that union in court via camera, no matter what time of year it is.