Indiana trooper fatally shoots man during traffic stop
An Indiana State Police trooper fatally shot a southern Indiana man early Wednesday during an exchange of gunfire following a traffic stop, authorities say.
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Mock trial championship sticks with Evansville, resets date for 2021
About a month after Evansville got the heartbreaking news the National High School Mock Trial Championship would not be coming in May 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, the city and legal profession were told not to roll up the welcome mat just yet.
Charlestown zoo owner loses bid to reinstate federal license, overturn $340K fine
The owner of an embattled Charlestown roadside zoo has lost his bid to overturn an order revoking his federal exhibitor’s license and requiring him to pay more than $300,000 in civil penalties.
Judge denies inmate request for release over COVID-19 risk
An inmate facing drug and weapons charges who claims he is at a higher risk of contracting the novel coronavirus has been denied his request to be released to home detention for his health.
Public, press can be included in electronic federal court proceedings
Federal courts that have been forced to close courthouses to the public because of the novel coronavirus pandemic have been authorized to use technology to provide the public and press with continued access to court proceedings.
Ball State joins list of schools facing students’ Title IX suits
As the U.S. Department of Education prepares to implement new regulations regarding sexual misconduct on college campuses, lawsuits filed by accused students claiming their rights were violated continue to boil over in the federal courts. Ball State University recently prevailed in the first such case brought by one of its students.
Lewis’ legacy: Cake, applause and a challenge coin mark a special REACH graduation
Calling REACH “a beautiful program,” Kenny Lewis credited the federal court re-entry initiative with giving him the perseverance to stay at his job and teaching him to speak louder so others could hear what he had to say. Baker and the other members of the REACH team described Lewis as a model participant who not only exhibited tremendous character and did everything expected of him, but also encouraged and supported his fellow participants.
Next steps unclear after dismissal of accusers’ suit against AG Hill
The four women who have accused Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill of sexual misconduct are considering their next steps after the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana dismissed their sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation claims against Hill and the state.
3 Muncie officers indicted in federal excessive force cases
Three Muncie police officers have been charged in connection with the use of excessive force during arrests and attempts to cover it up.
Judge Walton Pratt honored as Howard University distinguished alumna
Judge Tanya Walton Pratt of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana this week was recognized as a distinguished graduate of her alma mater, Howard University, the district court announced Monday.
US attorney reviewing polling places for ADA compliance
U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler said his office is reviewing all polling places in the Southern District of Indiana to see if they comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Court dismisses suit that sought to provide attorneys to CHINS children
A lawsuit filed by 10 Hoosier children who argued Indiana should be required to provide legal counsel to youngsters involved in children in need of services proceedings was dismissed Tuesday in federal court. Attorneys who filed the case, however, indicated the matter is far from over.
Southern Indiana District Court serves breakfast thanks to pro bono attorneys
Lawyers who volunteered to handle pro se cases brought by inmates last year took the time Thursday to attend a special thank you event hosted by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.
Reversal: Tax liability can’t exceed 1% of property’s gross assessed value
The Indiana Tax Court has reversed an Indiana Board of Tax Review’s final determination, answering the dispositive issue of whether an assessor should have capped a homeowner’s 2013 property tax liability at 1% instead of 2% of her property’s gross assessed value.
Applications open to replace Baker on Court of Appeals
Southern Indiana judges and attorneys may now apply to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Indiana Court of Appeals that will be left by the state’s longest-serving Judge, John G. Baker, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Tuesday.
Southern District to offer CLE on implicit bias
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana next month will host a training session on implicit bias in the legal environment, welcoming both experienced and young attorneys to attend.
Newburgh man pleads guilty to abusing elderly disabled man
A southwestern Indiana man has pleaded guilty to charges that he put an elderly disabled man in a headlock and otherwise abused him while working as his caregiver in 2017.
Civil forfeiture amendments don’t defeat prior forfeiture action, COA says
Legislative amendments to Indiana’s much-debated civil forfeiture scheme did not defeat a pre-existing forfeiture action in state court, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Friday, finding the amendments did not constitute an ex post facto law.
Justices agree to hear Ohio River billboard dispute
The Indiana Supreme Court has granted transfer to a case involving an economic development group’s suit against a southern Indiana town over its plans to allow billboards near an Ohio River bridge.
Justices reaffirm life without parole in brutal murder
A Southern Indiana convicted of killing two people will spend the rest of his life behind bars, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled Monday, finding a trial court did not impermissibly rely on aggravating circumstances outside those listed by statute in imposing a sentence of life without parole.