Finding the right forum
Marion County’s small claims courts are unifying practices and ensuring litigants know their rights.
Indiana Trial Courts
Articles
Attorney must register as a sex offender
An attorney and former Democratic candidate for Gibson County prosecutor indicted on charges including possession of child pornography and false informing, entered into a plea agreement Tuesday that wouldn’t have required he register as a sex offender. After further review, the trial judge realized Indiana law requires him to do so.
Deputy owed no duty to warn of icy road
A county sheriff’s department that doesn’t own, maintain or control a county road does not owe a common law duty to warn the public of known hazardous conditions upon the roadway, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled Thursday.
COA: Court erred in admitting probable cause affidavit
A trial court should not have admitted a probable cause affidavit that contained multiple layers of hearsay at a probation revocation hearing, the Indiana Court of Appeals concluded Wednesday.
Court commission OKs new judicial officer requests
The Commission on Courts held its final meeting on Thursday, voting in support of new judicial officers for a handful of Indiana counties and agreeing to send those recommendations on to state lawmakers for consideration.
Court issues rules on bulk access to Odyssey case records
After more than four years of requests from commercial case management system vendors, the Indiana Supreme Court has outlined how third-parties can interface with the state-provided system to provide broader public access to Indiana court records.
Bomb threat causes evacuation of courthouse
A bomb threat called into the clerk’s office in Hancock County Wednesday morning prompted an evacuation of the building for several hours.
Special masters named in judge’s disciplinary case
The Indiana Supreme Court has appointed three trial judges as special masters to preside over the disciplinary case of one of their city court colleagues from Lake County, who is accused of operating an illegal traffic school, dismissing cases without assessing required fees, and dissuading one litigant from contesting a seatbelt violation in court.
Former Jackson Circuit Judge Robert R. Brown dies
Robert R. Brown, retired Jackson Circuit judge, died Sept. 12 at his Brownstown home. He was 78.
COA orders new trial for overly talkative defendant
In a divided opinion, the Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed a trial court’s denial of motion for mistrial, holding that the court went too far in physically preventing a defendant from speaking.
Appeals court sets arguments in Camm case
The Indiana Court of Appeals has schedule oral arguments in the case of the former Indiana State Police trooper accused of killing his wife and children in 2000.
Bar foundation names ‘legendary lawyer’
The Fellows of the Indiana Bar Foundation have chosen Leslie Duvall as the 2011 Legendary Lawyer. On Sept. 27, Indianapolis firm Lewis & Kappes will hold a ceremony in his honor.
Attorney general wants State Fair class action dismissed
The Office of the Indiana Attorney General filed a motion Monday in Marion Superior Court to dismiss a proposed class-action lawsuit filed as a result of the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair.
Class-action lawsuit filed over State Fair stage collapse
A class-action lawsuit filed by an Indianapolis law firm is the largest legal action to arise so far from the collapse of a concert stage at the Indiana State Fair.
Rising CHINS cases cause concern
Southern Indiana counties struggle with increase in child abuse cases.
Indiana courts contemplate response to potential juror apathy
Kelly Scanlan can’t understand why people don’t want to serve on juries or why some don’t even respond to questionnaires and show up when called.
Jefferson County Courthouse reopens
More than two years after an accidental fire destroyed the Jefferson County Courthouse roof and heavily damaged the upper floor, those displaced by the fire have moved back into the landmark.
COA allows for admission of vehicle photo in personal injury action
The Indiana Court of Appeals addressed for the first time the issue of whether a photograph admitted at trial showing little damage to a truck involved in an accident is inadmissible on the grounds that it’s irrelevant to any determination of bodily injury.
Online court employee training begins Aug. 18
In an effort to give a general introduction of the judicial system to new trial court employees, a new online training program has been created and is now open for enrollment.
Scott County joins statewide CMS
Scott County is the latest county to become connected to Odyssey, a case management system that has slowly been implemented throughout the state.