2 teens charged in slaying of Gary pizza delivery driver
Two teenage boys, one of whom already faced a murder charge, have been charged in the fatal shooting last fall of a pizza delivery driver in Gary.
Indiana Trial Courts
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Advisory opinion: Judges can advise family members behind the scenes
Indiana judges can advise family members on legal issues, but they must do so in a behind-the-scenes way that does not “trade on the prestige” of their office, a judicial ethics opinion issued Thursday says.
Appeals court upholds suppression of statements in child molesting case
The grant of an alleged child molester’s motion to suppress a statement he made to police was not in error because the statement was obtained during a custodial interrogation without Miranda warnings, an appellate court has ruled.
Hammerle on… Court humor
Even though court appearances are rare these days, let me reflect on some funny moments that I treasure.
Marion County courts plan to resume jury trials
Following a months-long hiatus, the largest county court system in Indiana will resume felony jury trials next week. The Marion Superior Courts announced that major felony trials will resume Monday, while low-level felony, misdemeanor and civil jury trials will resume the week of Sept. 14.
Supreme Court allows cameras in courtrooms for COVID-19 PSAs
The Indiana Supreme Court is easing the rules against cameras in the courtroom to allow counties to produce videos that instruct the public on COVID-19 procedures in courthouses.
Indianapolis, Fishers, 2 other cities sue Netflix, Hulu, others seeking franchise fees
Indianapolis and three other Indiana cities are suing video streaming services, including Netflix and Hulu, seeking to require them to pay the same franchise fees to local governments that cable companies must pay. The suit also names DirectTV and Dish satellite television providers.
Heroin dealer loses appeal of murder convictions
A known heroin dealer convicted of murdering one of his buyers and two other individuals did not convince the Indiana Court of Appeals on Friday that his convictions should be reversed.
Justices certify Bartholomew County magistrate as senior judge
The Indiana Supreme Court has certified a Bartholomew County judicial officer as a senior judge.
2 Indianapolis officers charged with battery in protesters’ arrests
A grand jury indicted two Indianapolis police officers on battery and other charges after an investigation into allegations that they used excessive force while arresting demonstrators at a May protest over the death of George Floyd, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced Wednesday.
New Allen Superior Judge Williams’ swearing-in ceremony Friday
The Allen Superior Court will host a swearing-in ceremony for incoming Judge Andrew S. Williams this week as he succeeds retiring judge Nancy Eshcoff Boyer.
Legal aid attorney Copsey remembered for housing legacy
Orville Copsey, Jr., an Indianapolis attorney whose work helping many elderly and disabled clients stay in their homes earned him the nickname “St. Orville,” died Aug. 4. He was 88. “We have lost a true gem in our legal community,” one attorney said in tribute.
Indiana Supreme Court divided over custody reversal
Two Indiana Supreme Court justices have dissented from their colleagues’ denial of transfer in a child custody dispute that resulted with the mother gaining sole legal custody of her kids. The dissenting justices would have granted joint legal custody to both parents instead.
Man pleads guilty to killing 2 brothers at Fort Wayne motel
A man accused of stabbing two brothers to death last December at a Fort Wayne motel pleaded guilty Friday, telling a judge he killed the siblings because he had “a problem with them.”
Indiana eviction, utility shutoff moratoriums end next week
Indiana residents who have struggled to pay rent or utility bills during the coronavirus pandemic have one more week before the state’s protections against evictions and utility shutoffs end, despite a recent analysis that found that more than 40% of the state’s renters are unable to pay their rent.
COA affirms admission of child molesting victim’s forensic interview
The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed a man’s child molesting conviction after finding that the admission of a forensic interview video played for the jury under Indiana Rule of Evidence 803(5) was not an abuse of discretion.
Allen County Bar Association working to improve diversity and inclusion
Inspired by the call for action from Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush, the Allen County Bar Association has taken steps to broaden access and participation in the legal profession and the justice system.
Web Exclusive: First impressions of the first COVID-era jury trial
“I knew that I was the first trial and that if I screwed up, nobody else would get to go, so I wanted these people to be comfortable,” Lake Superior Judge Bruce Parent said. Parent and others shared their perspectives on the first Indiana jury trial permitted after court proceedings were suspended due to the pandemic.
Studies show initial success in state pretrial release assessments
With the implementation of Criminal Rule 26 in January, courts across Indiana have been required to begin using evidence-based practices to make pretrial release decisions. But do those practices actually improve the criminal justice system?
Moratorium extended as landlords, tenants encouraged to avoid evictions
As Gov. Eric Holcomb extended the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures until mid-August, Indiana state courts increased their calls for residents and property owners to start trying to work out agreements that will keep families in their homes.