Indianapolis attorney suspended for noncooperation
An Indianapolis attorney has been suspended from the practice of law per a Thursday order for her noncooperation with an investigation of grievance filed against her.
Indiana Supreme Court
Articles
New lawyers reminded of their responsibilities and duties
Indiana’s newest attorneys were congratulated on their admission to the bar and welcomed to the practice of law Wednesday with soaring rhetoric and practical advice from their colleagues in the bar and on the bench.
Justices’ rent-to-own ruling helps consumers, lawyers say
The Indiana Supreme Court reviewed a dispute over a rent-to-own contract and determined the family who had been living in the home were renters, not buyers. The ruling in Rainbow Realty Group, Inc., et al. v. Katrina Carter and Quentin Lintner, might give families who enter rent-to-buy contracts some remedy to prevent their dreams of homeownership from becoming a nightmare.
Indiana Court Decisions – Sept. 12–25, 2019
Read Indiana appellate decisions from the most recent reporting period.
New SCOTUS word limits sharpen focus on writing
In a change effective July 1, the U.S. Supreme Court reduced the number of words litigants and friends can use in their submissions. The word limit for briefs on the merits of the case was slashed by 2,000 to 13,000. Also, amicus briefs were slimmed down to 8,000 from 9,000, although briefs from some entities such as federal agencies and state attorneys general were exempted from the reduction.
Counties prepare for pretrial release reform
As 2019 draws to a close, judicial officials across Indiana are preparing for a change coming Jan. 1. On that day, Criminal Rule 26, which dictates new pretrial release protocols, will be effective statewide.
Video hearings did not result in unfair or harmful juvenile proceedings
Two juveniles will remain wards of the Indiana Department of Correction after the Indiana Supreme Court found that while their participation in their modification hearings through Skype violated an administrative rule, it did not cause a fundamental error.
Supreme Court announces protection order e-filing service
Individuals in need of a protective order can now request one online without having to leave a safe space to visit the courthouse. The Indiana Supreme Court announced Tuesday its new protection order e-filing service, which enables those who need a protection order to request one wherever they have access to the internet.
Justices to hear arguments in 5 cases, decline nearly 40 others
Indiana Supreme Court justices granted transfer to five cases last week, declining review of nearly 40 others.
City courts finishing e-filing rollout
Electronic filing is now available in the Lake County Hobart City Court, one of just a handful of city courts finishing out the e-filing rollout.
Muncie attorney reinstated after lengthy suspension
A Muncie attorney who was suspended for at least three years without reinstatement for numerous professional misconduct violations has been granted his petition to practice law again, but with conditions.
Plaintiffs in RTFA dispute ask Indiana Supreme Court for review
Neighbors to an 8,000-head hog farm are asking the Indiana Supreme Court for relief, arguing Indiana’s Right to Farm Act does not give blanket immunity to all negligence and trespass claims. Martin Richard and Janet Himsel and Robert and Susan Lannon have filed a petition to transfer their complaint over a concentrated animal feeding operation near their farms in Hendricks County.
Summit to address pretrial release practices as bail reform looms
Representatives from all 92 Indiana counties will gather in Indianapolis next week for a team-based training event on pretrial release practices in criminal cases.
Attorney who brought body cam, knife to court cleared of misconduct allegations
A Martinsville attorney who tried to intervene in a CHINS case and wore a body camera into the courtroom has been cleared of ethical wrongdoing after the Indiana Supreme Court concluded he did not engage in professional misconduct.
Supreme Court amends trial procedure rules
New language concerning summonses and service of petitions for protective order cases were included in recent amendments to the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure.
Justices approve 2020 jury pool master list
Indiana Supreme Court justices have approved the 2020 master list for jury pool assembly, reminding courts not to seek data from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Chief Justice Rush delves into judiciary’s annual report
Situated at the head of a table in the Indiana Supreme Court’s law library, Chief Justice Loretta Rush shared her thoughts Wednesday on the judiciary’s recently released annual report.
City ‘full speed ahead’ on Oaktree apartments demolition
Indianapolis officials said Wednesday they expect to move forward with demolishing a blighted northeast-side apartment complex, after the owner of the property failed to request a last-ditch hearing by the state’s high court.
Blickman testifies in his discipline hearing linked to Park Tudor scandal
The attorney disciplinary hearing against prominent employment lawyer Michael Blickman continued Wednesday, with the defense beginning its presentation with testimony from Blickman himself.
Transfer dissent: Justices should ‘clear up uncertainty’ about disclosure of private information
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush has penned a dissent to the denial of transfer to a case involving public disclosure of private health information, calling the transfer decision a missed opportunity “to clear up uncertainty” regarding whether disclosure is actionable.