DOC violated religious rights in denying kosher meals
A federal judge has found the Indiana Department of Correction was wrong to stop serving kosher meals to those whose religious practices required them to eat the specially prepared meals.
Justices/Judges
Articles
Judges: early retirement ends unemployment benefits
The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed the termination of unemployment benefits for an auto worker who accepted an early retirement package after she was laid off.
Dozens apply for new federal magistrate spot
More than 40 attorneys have applied for a new magistrate spot in the Southern District of Indiana, the first new position since the 1980s.
COA affirms man not falsely arrested, imprisoned
The Indiana Court of Appeals declined to address whether a pro se prisoner is “incapacitated” for purposes of the Indiana Tort Claims Act in a man’s appeal of his suit involving false arrest and false imprisonment.
Judge grants attorney summary judgment in collections suit
A federal judge ruled in favor of an Indianapolis attorney involved in a class-action suit alleging he violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The judge granted summary judgment to the attorney after finding the class representative fell outside the class definition.
Order asks for attorneys, court to use more professionalism
The Indiana Supreme Court denied a request for a writ of mandamus Friday, but noted that the attorneys and court involved had failed to act as professionally as they should regarding schedules.
COA finds voyeurism statute not vague
The state’s voyeurism statute is not unconstitutionally vague, the Indiana Court of Appeals concluded today by rejecting a man’s claims that the statute would prevent taping a surprise birthday party.
Court divides over injury claim under insurance policy
The Indiana Court of Appeals split today on whether a couple’s emotional distress claim constitutes “bodily injury” under their uninsured motorist coverage.
Attorney, legal services organization receive access to justice awards
The Muslim Alliance of Indiana presented two awards today at its second annual Access to Justice luncheon.
Judges split on court’s role in garnishments with pro se debtors
The Indiana Court of Appeals was divided on whether a trial court should assert exemptions in garnishment actions on behalf of debtors who aren’t represented by counsel.
Judges’ right to bear arms (sometimes)
The Commission on Courts didn’t recommend any state statute changes that would have allowed judges authority to carry weapons in places county ordinances or laws currently prevent.
SCOTUS asked to take both judicial canons appeals
A Terre Haute attorney wants the nation’s highest court to review two appellate cases out of Indiana and Wisconsin that uphold judicial canons and pose free speech questions about what judicial candidates can say or do when campaigning for office.
Indiana gets new federal magistrate
For the first time since the early 1980s, the Southern District of Indiana has gotten approval to hire a new full-time federal magistrate. The U.S. Judicial Conference, which is the policy-making arm of the federal court system, approved during its annual fall meeting on Tuesday the Indianapolis-based magistrate spot along with three others throughout the country.
Southern District names new magistrate
The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana announced today the selection of Mark J. Dinsmore as
magistrate judge.
9 semi-finalists in running for justice spot
Nine attorneys remain in the running to be the next Indiana Supreme Court justice after a seven-member commission narrowed
down a list of nearly three-dozen applicants earlier this month for the court opening.
Marion Superior Traffic judge charged with misconduct
The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has charged Marion Superior Judge William E. Young with misconduct for his
handling of traffic court cases.
Justices address habitual-offender statute
The Indiana Supreme Court tackled the state’s habitual-offender statute today in two separate rulings, finding that
an instant offense of drug dealing, coupled with a prior conviction, can qualify a defendant as a habitual offender.
COA balances free speech vs. minor’s privacy rights
The Indiana Court of Appeals was faced with competing constitutional rights today: a mother’s right to free political
speech versus her daughter’s right to privacy as to whether her father allegedly sexually abused her.
Justices answer certified question
The Indiana Supreme Court Monday answered the certified question sent to them by the U.S. District Court in New York about
what standard should be applied in determining whether a director is “disinterested” under Indiana Code Section
23-1-32-4(d).
Eyeing new magistrate openings
Within a year, the federal court system that covers the southern half of Indiana could have two new full-time magistrates, one being a newly created position that would be the first creation of its kind in almost three decades.