Judicial officers in demand
Seven counties are asking the Legislature for 11 magistrates to handle increasing caseloads.
Porter County
Articles
‘Common sense’ requires ruling in favor of inmate, judge says
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed judgment in favor of jail officials on an inmate’s complaint that he was denied medical access while in jail. The judges did not agree with the magistrate judge’s decision that Randy Swisher had failed to exhaust his administrative remedies by not filing a written grievance.
Judiciary interim study committee to vote on magistrates
The Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary is expected to vote Thursday on endorsing magistrate judge requests from seven Indiana counties.
Change to public employee annuities spurs exodus in Porter County
A northwestern Indiana judge will lose a combined 67 years of experience this month when all three of his employees retire.
Appeals court OKs dead witness’s video testimony
The state Court of Appeals has upheld a northern Indiana judge's decision to allow videotaped statements from a dead witness to be used in an upcoming murder trial.
Appeals panel reverses judgment favoring insurer
A trial court erred in granting summary judgment to an insurance company that argued a driver injured in a car crash could not collect on an underinsured motorist policy because she received payments from other sources in excess of her policy limits.
Judges dismiss man’s appeal of protection order extension
The Indiana Court of Appeals dismissed a Porter County man’s appeal of a judge’s decision to reset a hearing on a temporary protection order for six months after the victim had an anxiety attack while testifying. The judges held Douglas Allison had to seek a discretionary interlocutory appeal in the matter.
Valparaiso attorney slapped with 5th felony charge
Valparaiso attorney Clark Holesinger, charged last month with four felony counts alleging he stole more than $1.6 million from clients, now faces a fifth count alleging theft from another client.
Valpo attorney charged with $1.6M theft held in contempt in civil suit
A Porter County lawyer allegedly stole more than $1.6 million from four companies owned by a client he represented for decades, according to criminal charges filed against him.
Brother must prove why depositions should remain confidential
A Porter County court erred in merging the issue of confidentiality for purposes of discovery with the issue of restricting public access to materials filed in court, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday. It ordered a hearing at which a man involved in a lawsuit with his brother must prove why portions of his deposition should be restricted from public access under Administrative Rule 9.
Ex-wife not required to pay attorney fees under FDCPA
A woman does not have to pay the attorney fees for her ex-husband after she sought more than $135,000 in owed child support after he failed to pay for 16 years, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled. The trial court ordered her to pay the fees under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Judges uphold refund to pilot unhappy with plane rental’s service
A man who prepaid into an account to be used when he rented planes to fly is entitled to a refund of $1,755.88 from a company offering flight instruction and rentals, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled. The judges rejected the company’s claims that the small claims court erred by ruling in the pilot’s favor.
COA upholds award of attorney fees but orders damages amount reduced against construction company
A claimed scrivener’s error on the Secretary of State’s website should not be held against the couple filing the lawsuit against a company, the Indiana Court of Appeals held. The error involving an incorrect address on the website was made by an employee of the company being sued more than two years before the suit was filed.
Judges uphold 10-year suspension of driver’s license
A Porter County man who fought the Bureau of Motor Vehicles' decision to suspend his license for being a habitual traffic violator lost his case before the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Justices vacate transfer in malpractice case, settlement reached
The Indiana Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal of a medical malpractice complaint filed in Porter County because Tim Black and the Department of Insurance have reached a settlement.
Indiana seeks to overturn EPA decision on air quality in Lake, Porter counties
Gov. Mitch Daniels and Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said Wednesday they will appeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to designate Lake and Porter counties as nonattainment regarding ozone.
COA affirms judgment in favor of contractor in bid dispute
The Indiana Court of Appeals has found that a school corporation seeking bids for renovations did not acquire the right to enforce a construction company’s mistaken bid.
Valparaiso professor to receive animal law award
Valparaiso University School of Law Professor Rebecca J. Huss will be given the Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award at the American Bar Association’s annual meeting in August.
Valparaiso law school recognized for reconstruction of Heritage Hall
Valparaiso University School of Law was honored by the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce at the 44th Annual Community Improvement Awards luncheon.
Court won’t recognize non-fiduciary liability
Indiana doesn’t allow people to sue when they’ve had corporate opportunities taken away by business partners who’ve gone off and formed new partnerships with others, and the state Court of Appeals declined to decide whether non-fiduciaries can be held liable for usurping corporate opportunity.