SCOTUS rejects 3 Indiana cases
The Supreme Court of the United States on Monday declined to review a ruling that struck down Indianapolis’ limits on the hours that adult bookstores can operate.
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Indiana county settles dispute with forensics firm
A southern Indiana county has reached a settlement in its billing dispute with a forensics company that testified on the prosecution's behalf last year in a triple-murder trial.
COA: Letter satisfied notice requirements after city damages pipeline
The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed the denial of the city of Plymouth’s motion to dismiss an administrative action against it stemming from damages it caused to an underground natural gas pipeline. The appeals court found the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission satisfied the statutory and administrative requirements concerning notice of the violation and recommended penalties.
Annexation called ‘legalized bullying’ during interim study committee meeting
Property owners told Indiana legislators Sept. 24 that despite the General Assembly’s continual tinkering with the state’s annexation statute, the process still favors municipalities by giving them all the power to take the land they want without considering the owners’ wishes.
Former sheriff’s deputies lose suit challenging promotion process
Because the phrase “shall endeavor” should be read to mean one shall try, the Indiana Court of Appeals rejected two Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers' arguments that they should have been promoted to captain. The two claimed because they were former sheriff’s deputies, the consolidation of the sheriff’s and city police departments in 2006 required their promotions to maintain proportional representation.
State’s way of paying public defenders debated
The state pays the salaries of its judges and prosecutors, but public defenders are paid by counties that are only partially reimbursed for their costs — an approach that some including the executive director of the Indiana Public Defender Council want to see changed.
Mentally ill inmates straining jail and DOC resources
An interim legislative committee is examining the need for treatment options but is unsure if funding will be available.
No dismissal of charges against county treasurer
A judge has rejected a central Indiana county treasurer's request for the dismissal of criminal charges that he mishandled public money.
Judgment favoring policeman’s meth-exposure claim reversed
A police officer who claimed disability resulting from his work dismantling methamphetamine labs had a favorable trial court ruling reversed by the Indiana Court of Appeals Friday.
Family sues over teen’s death in police car
The family of a teenager who died of an apparent suicide in the back of a police car two years ago is suing the city of Anderson for wrongful death and negligence.
COA orders judgment in favor of Lapel in annexation lawsuit
The city of Anderson does not meet the requirements to bring a declaratory judgment action to challenge the town of Lapel’s annexation of land in Madison County that Anderson once considered annexing.
Settlement reached in Nashville shocking case
The southern Indiana tourist town of Nashville has reached a settlement with a Michigan man who accused a deputy marshal of shocking him with a Taser gun while he was having a seizure.
Judge threatens to find Indiana mayor in contempt
A judge threatened to find a central Indiana mayor in contempt of court over a dispute about pipes blocking a courthouse entrance.
7th Circuit grants city, mayor’s request for stay
The doctrine of “pendent appellate jurisdiction” allows the city of Anderson to ask the District Court to stay proceedings in a case alleging city employees were fired because of political affiliation, ruled the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. The case against the city is directly tied to the result of the case against the city’s mayor.
Trial begins in South Bend police wiretapping case
A federal judge will decide whether the South Bend Police Department violated the Federal Wiretap Act by recording the telephone conversations of some police officers.
Special prosecutor to handle councilman’s case
A special prosecutor has been appointed to handle the case of a South Bend Common Council member who allegedly drove the wrong way on a highway while drunk.
McDermott to seek another term as Hammond mayor
Attorney and Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. says he'll seek re-election to that post but still is considering a run for governor in 2016.
Absence of a plan foils development proposal
A plan commission did not overstep its authority when it turned down a proposal to build a 300-unit apartment complex, in part, because the developer did not submit a preliminary plan for the project.
Supreme Court affirms COA on issue in public-private contract
In a mere three sentences, the Indiana Supreme Court summarily affirmed the Indiana Court of Appeals opinion in the lawsuit involving Veolia Water and the city of Indianapolis and liability for damages resulting from a fire that destroyed a restaurant.
AG offers county clerks guidance on same-sex marriage questions
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller’s office issued a memo to county clerks July 1 attempting to clear the confusion lingering from the several days when same-sex marriage was legal in Indiana.