Indiana Trial Courts - The Indiana Lawyer

Appeals court slams due process violations in TPR cases: ‘This must stop’

May 27, 2020 | Dave Stafford

Indiana trial courts and the Department of Child Services continue to deprive parents of their due process rights after years of warnings, the Indiana Court of Appeals said Wednesday, reversing the termination of a mother’s parental rights when the termination hearing went on without her or her lawyer present. In doing so, appellate judges strongly restated that courts and DCS have a duty to ensure parents’ rights aren’t violated.

Plaintiffs push for summary judgment in Hill suspension dilemma

May 26, 2020 | Marilyn Odendahl

After filing a lawsuit challenging Curtis Hill’s ability to remain Indiana Attorney General while he serves a license suspension, four Marion County plaintiffs filed a motion Friday for summary judgment on their claim that the office is vacant and the governor can name a replacement.

High court further expands video, phone proceedings during COVID-19

May 14, 2020 | Katie Stancombe

Indiana Supreme Court justices have permitted the expansion of remote proceedings until further order amid the coronavirus public-health emergency.

Justices extend deadline for trial court transition plans to May 30

May 14, 2020 | IL Staff

The Indiana Supreme Court has extended the deadline through May 30 for courts to submit transition plans for expanded trial court operations. The order also extends through the end of May emergency relief granted to trial courts in response to COVID-19.

COA reverses for problem-solving court litigant in sanctions dispute

May 6, 2020 | Katie Stancombe

A woman terminated from a problem solving court for violating its conditions who was then ordered to serve her 16-year sentence received a partial reversal from the Indiana Court of Appeals on Wednesday.

Reversal: Brownsburg teen wrongly convicted in drug-deal shooting

May 6, 2020 | Katie Stancombe

A student was wrongly convicted by a jury of shooting another teen during a drug deal gone bad, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled on Wednesday. The panel reversed his convictions and decades-long sentence after finding insufficient evidence that he committed the crime.

Judge: Indianapolis not required to reveal Amazon bid deal

May 6, 2020 | Associated Press

The details of Indianapolis’ bid for Amazon’s second headquarters project may never be revealed after a judge ruled that the documents aren’t required to be released under Indiana’s public records law.

Appeals court orders man’s release from pretrial detention in child battery case

May 5, 2020 | Katie Stancombe

A man accused of battering a 2-year-old was ordered released from jail Tuesday by the Indiana Court of Appeals after it found no evidence that he posed a threat to either the victim or the community.

Supreme Court extends will-witnessing order due to COVID-19

May 5, 2020 | IL Staff

An Indiana Supreme Court order relating to probate and estate planning documents executed during the health crisis posed by COVID-19 will remain in effect until the health emergency is over, the high court announced Friday.

Virtually empty: Courts try to keep dockets moving amid pandemic

April 29, 2020 | Olivia Covington

Like the rest of the world, the judiciary has been walking a tightrope for the last six weeks, trying to keep courts open while protecting judges, staff, lawyers, litigants and the public from COVID-19 exposure.

Working it out online: Mediation goes digital amid COVID-19

April 29, 2020 | Olivia Covington

Nearly every legal function has transitioned to a virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic, and mediation is no exception. But the concept of online dispute resolution was gaining traction even before “coronavirus” was an everyday word.

Judge orders return of seized Land Rover that led to SCOTUS civil forfeiture case

April 28, 2020 | Olivia Covington

After seven years, two appearances before the Indiana Supreme Court and a trip to the United States Supreme Court, a Marion man fighting for the return of his seized vehicle has won his battle, with a trial court judge ordering the “immediate” return of his SUV. But a pending appeal means the case is not over yet.

Justices extend trial court relief through May 17, require transition plans by May 15

April 27, 2020 | IL Staff

The Indiana Supreme Court is extending through May 17 the previously approved emergency relief orders issued to trial courts due to COVID-19. Justices are also setting a May 15 deadline for courts to submit transition plans for expanded operations.

Allen County judicial interviews rescheduled for June

April 23, 2020 | IL Staff

Interviews for an upcoming Allen Superior Court vacancy are set to take place in June after being postponed this month due to COVID-19 concerns.

Indiana courts may livestream proceedings during COVID-19 emergency

April 23, 2020 | IL Staff

The Indiana Supreme Court has issued an order authorizing livestreaming of court proceedings during the coronavirus emergency. The order relaxes longstanding rules prohibiting the broadcasting of live court sessions to balance the public interest in judicial transparency while access to courts is restricted, justices said.

Home again: Elkhart man released after 15 years in prison, but case likely isn’t over

April 15, 2020 | Olivia Covington

Andrew Royer has been granted a new trial after a special judge determined his 2005 trial was tainted by false evidence and coercive investigative techniques that exploited his mental disability. But the possibility of a retrial remains.

Justices extend COVID-19 procedures, halt non-emergency warrants

April 3, 2020 | IL Staff

The Indiana Supreme Court has extended the effective date of Indiana trial court Administrative Rule 17 orders issued in response to the coronavirus pandemic, leaving them in place through May 4, according to a Friday announcement from the high court.

Allen County video explains court stay of residential evictions

April 2, 2020 | IL Staff

One Indiana court is taking steps to better inform its community about changes to eviction proceedings as a result of the novel coronavirus crisis through a personal, virtual message.

Coronavirus update: Indiana Supreme Court issues 5 orders giving flexibility

April 1, 2020 | IL Staff

Cases handled by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office continue to be rescheduled or continued as the Indianapolis courts adjust operations in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Application deadline extended for Marion Superior judicial vacancies

March 25, 2020 | IL Staff

The application deadline for three Marion County judicial vacancies has been extended to June 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Wednesday. Interviews of potential Indianapolis judges likewise are expected to be delayed until late summer or early fall.

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