Hammerle on… Court humor
Even though court appearances are rare these days, let me reflect on some funny moments that I treasure.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
Articles
Pokagon tribe to be featured at domestic violence representation training
Free training for lawyers on modest means and pro bono representation of domestic violence victims will be available next month, sponsored by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.
Judicial Conference recommends safety reforms after killing of judge’s son
One month after the shooting death of the son of a New Jersey judge, the governing body of the United States federal courts is advocating reforms to increase protection for members of the federal judiciary.
Northern District certifies negligence question to Indiana Supreme Court
An internal split within the Indiana Northern District Court over whether store managers may be held liable in certain negligence cases has prompted a federal judge to ask the Indiana Supreme Court for guidance.
Ex-Lake County Sheriff Buncich resentenced for bribery, fraud
A former northwestern Indiana sheriff has been resentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison for accepting bribes from towing businesses. The sentence is about three years less than long-serving former Lake County Sheriff John Buncich received after he was convicted in a 2017 public corruption case.
National bankruptcy filings fall despite COVID-19 impact
Personal and business bankruptcy filings posted a decline in the year ending June 30, despite a sharp rise in national unemployment stemming from the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Judge’s retirement opens St. Joseph court vacancy
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The coming retirement of a St. Joseph Superior Court judge has opened applications for her successor, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Friday. |
Maley: Pro bono appointments are necessary obligation for justice
I’m still processing the news that this morning my court-appointed death-row client, Wesley Purkey, was executed. I was his pro bono counsel on three civil-rights/conditions of confinement claims in the Southern District of Indiana. So as I wrestle now — and hopefully for some time — with the legal and moral aspects of capital punishment that otherwise have been remote, it seems appropriate and timely to discuss the needs and opportunities for pro bono service in civil cases in our local federal courts. Both are robust.
Tax fraud sentence affirmed for man who sought ‘legacy trust’ IRS refunds
A man who repeatedly sought six-figure tax refunds from the IRS based on sovereign-citizen-style claims lost his appeal of a three-year sentence and an order that he repay nearly $150,000.
Appeals court corrects factual error but otherwise denies inmates’ rehearing request
An appellate panel has granted a man’s petition for rehearing, but only to correct a factual error it made in its original decision in his case.
Judgment against widow in late husband’s workplace injury suit upheld
The widow of a man who sued his employer after a fall at a construction site failed to convince the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that a federal district court ruled for her late husband’s employer.
New and improved PACER system unveiled
The electronic PACER federal court records system is sporting a new look and improved functions as part of its first major upgrade in a decade. New features are touted as enabling users to more easily navigate the system, more quickly find what they are seeking, and get better access on their mobile devices. The upgrade also is designed to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Fort Wayne protesters sue police for ‘violent and inappropriate actions’
Protesters claiming Fort Wayne law enforcement fired teargas canisters, flashbang grenades and rubber bullets into peaceful demonstrations filed a lawsuit Friday in federal court seeking to stop the use of chemical agents and projectiles.
Insurer owes no coverage in $50M Elkhart damages ruling, 7th Circuit affirms
A federal court ruling in favor of the insurer of a wood processing facility in Elkhart that was the subject of years of environmental litigation brought by neighbors was affirmed Thursday. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals held Westfield Insurance owed no duty to cover its insured against an environmental damages award of more than $50 million.
7th Circuit rejects sentence appeal as ‘way short of due diligence’
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed the denial of a man’s claim that he is entitled to resentencing, concluding that his request was much too late.
7th Circuit removes East Chicago lead pollution case to federal court
Companies sued by residents who claim their former housing complex in East Chicago was polluted by toxins including lead and arsenic prevailed in their bid to have the case heard in federal rather than state court. In doing so, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals also eased the standard for when a defendant may assert a defense of acting under federal authority.
Valpo fighting donor suit over law school contribution valued at $1.4M
After recently shuttering its 140-year-old law school, Valparaiso University is going on the offensive to keep a donor from reclaiming a gift worth more than a million dollars that was made to support the legal education program.
7th Circuit’s Purdue ruling impacting other Title IX lawsuits
The case against Purdue University brought by a male student who was expelled and lost his Navy ROTC scholarship after the school determined he had sexually assaulted a female student has survived a second motion to dismiss.
Suit against Allen Co. sheriff transferred to federal court
A lawsuit alleging a northeastern Indiana sheriff violated a teenage boy’s constitutional rights during an altercation last year at a festival has been transferred to federal court.
Purdue faces second student lawsuit seeking refunds due to COVID-19
Purdue University faces a second proposed class-action lawsuit filed by a student who says he and others are owed refunds for tuition and fees paid for in-person classes and activities that transitioned to remote education when campuses closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.