U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana

Lewis’ legacy: Cake, applause and a challenge coin mark a special REACH graduation

March 18, 2020 | Marilyn Odendahl

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

March 18, 2020 | Olivia Covington

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.

Indiana must recognize both spouses in female same-sex marriages as parents

March 17, 2020 | Marilyn Odendahl

A federal court issued an order Tuesday requiring Indiana to include non-birth mothers’ names on their children’s birth certificates, marking a milestone in a long legal battle.

3 Muncie officers indicted in federal excessive force cases

March 16, 2020 | Associated Press

Three Muncie police officers have been charged in connection with the use of excessive force during arrests and attempts to cover it up.

$1.8M restitution order vacated in car dealership fraud

March 13, 2020 | Katie Stancombe

The 7^th Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed and remanded for the recalculation of restitution to be paid by a man involved in fraudulent activities at an Indianapolis car dealership.

Judge Walton Pratt honored as Howard University distinguished alumna

March 12, 2020 | IL Staff

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.

Trucker awarded nearly $900K after Lawrenceburg post office fall

March 11, 2020 | Olivia Covington

The United States government has been ordered to pay nearly $900,000 to a disabled truck driver who suffered brain and spinal injuries after a fall at an Indiana post office.

Coronavirus impacting Indiana courts, law firms, schools

March 11, 2020 | IL Staff

The Indiana legal community is taking precautions and ramping up efforts to stay healthy as the coronavirus spreads. Meanwhile, Faegre Drinker announced Wednesday that it had reopened most of its offices Wednesday, including its Indianapolis location. The firm had closed all 22 of its global offices Tuesday after a person who attend a firm event in Washington, D.C., tested positive for COVID-19.

Strong showing of intellectual disability prompts stay of federal execution

March 10, 2020 | Katie Stancombe

A federal judge in Indiana has granted a Louisiana man’s motion to stay his execution pending resolution of his habeas action, finding the man made a strong showing that he is intellectually disabled and as a result, the Federal Death Penalty Act forbids his execution.

Big liquor chain sues Indiana for denying permit for Nora superstore

March 10, 2020 | John Russell and Indianapolis Business Journal Staff

Just days after getting turned down for a liquor permit, a huge Maryland-based liquor retailer is suing the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, saying the denial was unconstitutional and amounted to economic protectionism.

Indiana governor backs path for forcing out attorney general

March 6, 2020 | Associated Press and IL Staff

Indiana’s governor is endorsing a proposal that could force the state’s attorney general from office if his law license is suspended over allegations he drunkenly groped a state legislator and three other women.

Court dismisses suit that sought to provide attorneys to CHINS children

March 4, 2020 | Marilyn Odendahl

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.

Web Exclusive: Pendleton inmate wins $425K solitary settlement with help from Chicago, pro bono attorneys

March 4, 2020 | Katie Stancombe

A Pendleton Correctional Facility inmate will be paid $425,000 by the state after spending four years in isolation for a disciplinary violation he says he didn’t commit. But the settlement might not have been agreed upon without the help of a Chicago-based justice center that says it advocates for underdogs.

Complaint dismissed but Hill’s accusers plan to continue their fight

March 3, 2020 | Marilyn Odendahl

Chief Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson of the Southern Indiana District Court dismissed the lawsuit March 2 brought by three legislative employees and a state representative who claim they were sexually harassed by Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, then retaliated against when their allegations were made public. But the women are indicating they are prepared to continue their legal battle.

7th Circuit affirms communications company’s easement use in trespass case

March 3, 2020 | Katie Stancombe

The joint use of a Jeffersonville easement between a Louisville gas company and a communications company is permissible under Indiana law, the 7^th Circuit Court of Appeals held Monday. As such, it found no basis for relief against the communications company for a man fighting its use of the easement.

Court overturns guilty plea for Jared Fogle friend, associate

March 3, 2020 | Marilyn Odendahl

The Southern Indiana District Court tossed the guilty plea and 27-year sentence of Russell Taylor, friend and employee of former Subway pitchman Jared Fogle, finding Taylor’s attorney advised him to plead guilty to charges he did not commit.

Judge dismisses women’s lawsuit accusing Curtis Hill of sexual harassment

March 2, 2020 | Lesley Weidenbener and Indianapolis Business Journal Staff and IL Staff

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by four women who say Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill groped them during a legislative party in 2018. Indiana Southern District Chief Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson said in part that because the women didn’t work for Hill, they can’t sue the state of Indiana under federal laws meant to prevent workplace discrimination and retaliation.

Indiana ordered to pay $182K in abortion case attorney fees

February 26, 2020 | Olivia Covington

The state of Indiana is on the hook for more than $182,000 in attorney fees and costs related to a long-fought legal battle over a controversial abortion law that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

SCOTUS considering South Bend abortion clinic case without evidence of clinic corrections

February 21, 2020 | Olivia Covington

The bid to take yet another Indiana abortion case to the United States Supreme Court will proceed without evidence of a South Bend abortion clinic’s efforts to correct state licensing violations. The procedural ruling comes as the nation’s highest court is set to consider the case in conference Friday.

Booker T. Washington in Indiana topic of Black History Month CLE

February 19, 2020 | Katie Stancombe

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana celebrated Black History Month last week with a public presentation of Booker T. Washington, an important activist and leader in the African American community.

Articles