Grant Superior judge steps aside
A Grant County judge’s illness has forced him from the bench temporarily, and the Indiana Supreme Court has appointed a deputy
prosecutor from Marion as judge pro tempore.
Indiana Trial Courts
Articles
Court pilot programs boost foreclosure conferences
Foreclosure rates have remained at record highs for Indiana the past few years, and a court program to help homeowners hasn’t
been as successful as hoped. That’s now changing.
Judge, others honored around Law Day
The Evansville Bar Association recognized a judge and others in the legal profession during two annual events that take place
near Law Day.
2 county court systems get e-filing approval
Two of Indiana’s largest counties are getting close to putting electronic filing plans into place after receiving a green
light from the Indiana Supreme Court late last year and early this year for pilot projects.
Legal process on mental illness isn’t yet where it should be
Courts nationally began in the mid-1990s to focus on mental illness and how the judiciary could fine-tune what it does to
better address that issue. But many within the Hoosier legal community say that the criminal justice system hasn’t gone far
enough in the past decade, and both the courts and society are a long way from where they need to be on addressing mental
illness.
New judge gets 60-day unpaid suspension
The Indiana Supreme Court has suspended LaPorte Superior Judge Jennifer L. Koethe for 60 days without pay, effective March
12.
Venue move rarity
A southern Indiana judge's decision to survey residents about their knowledge of a high-profile murder case is raising
questions within the legal community. It may signal a first for this type of court-conducted questioning aimed at determining
whether a third trial should be moved elsewhere in the state.
Courts coping with tough times
No one needs to tell Johnson Circuit Judge Mark Loyd how tough times are for the state's court system.
Little court guidance on repressed memory litigation results in trial court split
Reaching into a person's mind to revive repressed memories is an issue that's settled law in one sense,
but what remains unsettled is how such memories are used during litigation and whether a lawsuit should be tossed or allowed
to proceed to trial.
Suspended LaPorte judge acquitted at trial
A suspended LaPorte Superior judge has been acquitted of any criminal charges involving an accidental shooting where her
head was grazed by a bullet and led to accusations that she tried to cover up details about what happened.
Federal case challenges policies of Marion County Traffic Court
A new lawsuit against Marion County's Traffic Court has implications for how all state-level judges handle fines for citations and violations, and raises questions about whether a part of the judicial system in Indiana's largest county operates fairly and openly.
State funding of judges being explored
Lawmakers rejected a southern Indiana county's request this week for a new judge to run a family court, even though it proposes paying for it locally rather than with state money.
Lawmakers mull veto override on merit selection
Vetoed legislation that would scrap St. Joseph County's merit selection for judicial elections and also add a new three-judge panel to the Indiana Court of Appeals is back in play.
Legislature’s end suspenseful for legal community
As the Indiana General Assembly got down to its final hours in a short-session, significant changes for the Hoosier legal community were on the table to possibly increase the number of appellate judges, change how one county chooses its trial judges, and impact how juveniles can be placed outside the state.
Judge wins national award for drug court
Noble Superior Judge Michael J. Kramer was nationally recognized for his work as judge of the Noble County Drug Court. Judge Kramer was named an Advocate of the Year at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America's National Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. He received the award at a luncheon Thursday.
Court commissioner publicly admonished
A Delaware County Commissioner has been publicly admonished for his conduct after receiving a parking ticket in February 2009. Commissioner Brian M. Pierce, who serves as the Delaware Circuit Juvenile Commissioner, admitted to violating Rules 1.2 and 1.3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct. He received a parking ticket for parking in the wrong direction. […]
Trial court didn’t have personal jurisdiction over serviceman
The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed part of a dissolution decree after finding the Marion Superior Court lacked personal
jurisdiction over the husband who was in the military overseas.
AG files suit to recover taxpayer money
The Indiana Attorney General has filed a complaint in St. Joseph Circuit Court to recover public money that the former Lakeville
clerk-treasurer allegedly spent on personal items like movie rentals and satellite television.
Workshop examines foster care
Child Advocates and the Marion Superior Court’s Juvenile Division are hosting a workshop this week in Indianapolis to examine why more African-American children are in the county’s foster care than other races.
Former justice discusses merit selection
During a visit to South Bend today, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor pushed a message that merit selection is the best way to ensure an independent judiciary, though her words come at a time when state lawmakers are close to scrapping that very system in the county she visited.