IndyBar: Apply Now for Leadership Program
IndyBar’s Bar Leader Series Class XX applications are now being taken until Feb. 28.
Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson
Articles
CLE panel to discuss federal criminal defense of indigent litigants
The Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana’s is hosting a CLE event this week focused on federal criminal defense of indigent litigants.
Inmate can proceed with claim that prison officer exposed him to COVID, court rules
An Indiana Department of Correction inmate can proceed with his claim that a prison officer violated his rights by housing COVID-positive inmates near him, a federal judge has ruled, rejecting the officer’s exhaustion-of-remedies argument on summary judgment.
Judge angry but grants oral arguments in rent-to-buy housing case
Some Indiana plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging a rent-to-buy housing business will get a second chance to argue their claims in federal court, but the judge has indicated there will be little patience for weak arguments or uncivil behavior.
Trans girls’ sports ban: Rokita opposes Title IX changes, female athletes file amici brief supporting the state
Efforts supporting a law restricting transgender girls from participating in girls’ K-12 sports continued this week, with Attorney General Todd Rokita opposing proposed Title IX changes and a group of female athletes filing a brief in support of the ban.
Federal criminal case against former Celadon Group executives dismissed
In an uncommon turn of events, all fraud charges against two former Celadon Group Inc. executives have been dropped, ending a federal criminal case that had been ongoing for more than two years.
Man paralyzed after being thrown into sheriff’s van can proceed with claims against Indy, council, judge rules
A federal judge is allowing two claims against Indianapolis police and the City-County Council to move forward after a man alleged law enforcement left him paralyzed after he was thrown headfirst into the back of a van without safety restraints.
Transgender Indy girl who challenged new trans sports law can play on school softball team, judge rules
Indianapolis Public Schools must allow a 10-year-old transgender girl to continue playing on a school-sponsored softball team, a federal judge has ruled. The decision comes after the girl challenged a new state law that prohibits trans girls from playing on girls’ sports teams.
7th Circuit: Bloomington antitrust complaint against IU Health can proceed
A Bloomington surgeon alleging Indiana University Health violated federal antitrust laws by acquiring local competitors has convinced the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals to reinstate his complaint.
Story of Indy man’s struggles told at sentencing
By the time Tyrone Anthony Lewis Ross stood on the street corner in downtown Indianapolis at 11:15 p.m. on May 30, 2020, he had survived an abusive childhood, had long struggled with mental health issues and was well-known to local law enforcement.
Federal judge: Parts of lawsuit filed on behalf of Dreasjon Reed may proceed to trial
Parts of a federal lawsuit filed by the mother of a slain Indianapolis man who was shot by police last year after vehicle and foot pursuit will move ahead to trial.
Federal judge makes traveling voter boards permissive, not mandatory, in win for blind, print-disabled voters
While the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana expressed it was “gravely concerned” about the current procedures in place for allowing blind and print-disabled Hoosiers to vote absentee, it determined it was only able to provide partial injunctive relief ahead of the May 2022 primary election. But disability rights organizations say the order puts an end to the country’s “most restrictive” rule regarding mandatory traveling voter boards for voters with print disabilities.
Pandemic forces delay in fraud trial of former Celadon execs
The ongoing pandemic has created another delay in the long-pending fraud trial of two former Celadon Group Inc. executives.
Criminal case against former Celadon execs headed for court
More than two years after they were indicted on multiple fraud charges, two former Celadon Group Inc. executives are soon to have their day in court — if the pandemic allows it.
Pratt named Indiana Southern District Court chief judge
Judge Tanya Walton Pratt has been named the new chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the court announced Monday, making history as the first person of color to lead the court.
7th Circuit remands Indiana civil forfeiture case
In another dispute in an Indiana civil forfeiture case, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has denied issuing an opinion on a district court ruling that found parts of the state statute unconstitutional, finding the lower court was not given a chance to address the state’s effort to fix the problem.
Family, colleagues celebrate Hanlon at public investiture
Tilting the microphone down from the podium, the youngest daughter of new Southern District Judge James Patrick Hanlon drew smiles from his investiture crowd as she characterized her father as a hardworking man who always makes time for his kids.
New lawyers reminded of civility, service and family at admission ceremony
Emphasizing civility and community service, Indiana state and federal judges along with other members of the legal profession welcomed nearly 300 new attorneys to the practice of law Tuesday as part of the Indiana Supreme Court Admission Ceremony.
Judge finds Vigo County Jail conditions unconstitutional
A federal judge has ruled conditions are unconstitutional at the overcrowded Vigo County Jail in Terre Haute.
Ruling: DOC violating rights of inmates with hepatitis
The Indiana Department of Correction’s failure to provide inmates with recommended hepatitis C treatment violates their constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment, a federal judge ruled Thursday in a groundbreaking order.