Bosma: ‘Lady legislators’ harassment policy being finalized
Although Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma said he hopes to have the General Assembly’s sexual harassment policy finalized by the end of next week, he’s not sure if that’s possible.
Sexual Misconduct
Articles
Roberts’ year-end report focuses on sexual harassment in judiciary
Following the year of the #MeToo movement and the retirement of a former 9th Circuit Court of Appeals judge accused of sexual harassment, Chief Justice John G. Roberts pushed in his most recent end-of-the-year report that more can be done to encourage judicial employees to report misconduct.
Records: Probe of Indiana’s AG cost taxpayers at least $26K
An investigation into allegations that Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill drunkenly groped four women at a party last March cost taxpayers at least $26,300, according to records obtained through open records requests. The bulk of the expenses, $17,861, came from the office of Inspector General Lori Torres, which opened its inquiry after requests by Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb and legislative leadership.
Year in Review: Hill sexual misconduct scandal top legal news story of 2018
Indiana Lawyer’s top story of 2018 began inside an Indianapolis bar in the cool early-morning hours of Thursday, March 15. Attorney General Curtis Hill had had a few drinks. A few too many, several witnesses would later claim.
AG Hill says his office is investigating USA Gymnastics
The Indiana attorney general says his office is investigating USA Gymnastics, which has filed for bankruptcy due to the Larry Nassar sexual-abuse scandal.
Male student claims gender bias in campus rape investigation in lawsuit against IU
A male student has filed a federal lawsuit against Indiana University after the Bloomington school investigated a sexual assault complaint against him and determined that even though he “reasonably should not have known” the woman was incapacitated, he was still responsible for nonconsensual sex.
USA Gymnastics bankruptcy might leave sex-abuse victims unpaid
Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics, under threat of being decertified by the U.S. Olympic Committee, filed for bankruptcy after running short of funds to pay victims of Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse.
AG Hill, through deputies, asks for $5 million budget increase
Embattled Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill wants lawmakers to increase his budget by about $5 million, despite previously drawing their ire for spending $300,000 on office renovations and a van with his name emblazoned on the side.
Pro-Kavanaugh group received millions from anonymous donors
After President Donald Trump announced Kavanaugh’s nomination in July, the Judicial Crisis Network declared that it was prepared to spend as much as $10 million or more in a pro-Kavanaugh advertising campaign. It set up confirmkavanaugh.com, calling Kavanaugh “a person of impeccable character, extraordinary qualifications, independence, and fairness.”
Critics say General Assembly harassment proposal sidesteps key concerns
A new proposed policy is being sent to the Indiana General Assembly House and Senate ethics committees for further review before it lands in both chambers for a full vote. Even so, questions linger over whether the recommendations will change behavior and protect potential victims.
Stepdad who exposed self to teen loses indecency appeal
A northern Indiana man who exposed himself to his stepdaughter’s teenage friend has lost his appeal of his public indecency conviction and sentence, with the Indiana Court of Appeals finding sufficient evidence and the man’s criminal history supported the trial court’s decisions.
Protester claims feeling unsafe at AG’s anti-crime event
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill discussed crime prevention Tuesday during the Indiana General Assembly’s organization day, presenting his office’s commitment to making Hoosier neighborhoods safer. However, one woman said she did not feel safe at the statehouse with Hill present.
Top legislators say no forcing out AG Hill
Top Republican legislative leaders don’t expect lawmakers will take any action toward removing state Attorney General Curtis Hill from office even though the governor and other state officials have called on him to resign over allegations that he drunkenly groped four women during a party.
Women students, expelled after reporting assaults, sue Purdue
Purdue University has been hit with another lawsuit over expelling students following investigations into allegations of sexual assaults, but in this instance, the students banished from the school were the accusers.
Ice Miller attorney faces discipline in Park Tudor sex abuse case
A prominent Indianapolis employment attorney is facing a disciplinary complaint for his involvement in the botched investigation of a former Park Tudor basketball coach who later was convicted of coercing a student into exchanging sexually explicit images and texts. Ice Miller LLP partner Michael Blickman, 65, is accused of possessing and copying child pornography, failing to immediately report child abuse and other ethical rule violations.
Indiana law professors support changes to judicial conduct rules
Although they concede that more needs to be done, two Indiana law professors are applauding the recommendations on how to handle sexual harassment complaints made against the federal judiciary. Professors Charles Geyh and Jennifer Drobac, offered their comments as part of the public hearing to consider the proposed changes to the Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges and the Rules for Judicial-Conduct and Judicial-Disability Proceedings.
Tort claim notice, IG report create more legal obstacles for Hill
Though Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill won’t face criminal charges stemming from allegations that he groped at least four women at a party in March, he may not legally be out of the woods. A tort claim notice filed with Hill’s office last week announced the women’s plans to seek civil redress against the Attorney General, an action that could have a direct impact on taxpayers’ wallets.
Special prosecutor believes women but won’t charge AG Hill
Special prosecutor Daniel Sigler said he believes the four women who accused Attorney General Curtis Hill of groping them, but he said he chose not to file criminal charges against Hill because believing the women would not be enough in a court of law.
Victims of AG Hill’s sexual misconduct want more than to be believed
Indiana’s top attorney threatened to sue the women for defamation. But the four who publicly came forward with allegations of being groped by Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill found out that while the #MeToo movement gave them plenty of support from other victims, they will still be on their own in fighting for change.
Justices agree to hear case regarding ‘obscene’ material on cellphone
The Indiana Supreme Court granted one transfer request and denied 18 others last week, agreeing to hear argument as to whether content found on the phone of a man convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor is considered obscene under an Indiana statute.