Judge rules for Hendricks County deputy in mentally ill man’s slaying
A federal judge has ruled in favor of several parties, including a Hendricks County sheriff’s deputy, after a mentally ill man was fatally shot during a welfare check.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
Articles
Carmel synagogue vandal who espoused Nazism gets 3 years for hate crime
A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to three years in prison for spray-painting anti-Semitic graffiti and lighting fires outside a Carmel synagogue. Witnesses said the man had openly advocated Nazism among friends and co-workers and had planned a larger attack.
ACLU, state debate ‘alternatives’ to banned abortion procedure
As abortion rights supporters and opponents nationwide clash over legislation restricting abortions in several states, Indiana is beginning yet another legal battle over a law that could limit Hoosiers’ abortion access. This year’s fight is centered on second-trimester abortions and whether alternative procedures make banning a specific abortion procedure permissible.
Domestic violence coalition to offer training on pro bono victim representation
Attorneys interested in receiving training on modest means and pro bono representation of domestic violence victims will have an opportunity to do so at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana next month.
Indy towing operator charged with defrauding car owners in massive scheme
The owner of an Indianapolis towing company has been indicted for running what prosecutors describe as a “title-washing scheme,” in which he targeted financially distressed car owners, took possession of their vehicles, charged huge towing and storage fees and then resold them.
Woman’s murder conviction vacated for ineffective counsel
A woman with a history of mental illness who was convicted in 2002 of murdering her boyfriend after testifying the she heard a voice telling her she was the Messiah has won her federal habeas case asserting ineffective assistance of counsel. She will be freed unless the state opts within 120 days to retry her.
Fresh feud: Hill says Curry can’t hire city attorney in abortion case
A lawsuit challenging an Indiana abortion law has once again led to a public dispute between Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill and Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry.
New lawyers advised they cannot achieve success by themselves
As the newest group of Indiana attorneys raised their right hands and took their admission oaths Tuesday, they were reminded that just as they needed to achieve this success, they will continue through their careers to need a little help from their friends. The 120 individuals who passed the February 2019 Indiana Bar Exam were admitted to the Indiana Supreme Court as well as the Northern and Southern Indiana District Courts.
Bedford attorney appointed judge pro tem to fill McCord vacancy
A judge pro tempore has been appointed to replace former Lawrence Circuit Judge Andrea K. McCord following her appointment to the federal judiciary as the newest bankruptcy judge in the Indiana Southern District Court. Serving in McCord’s place as judge pro tempore will be Bedford attorney Nathan G. Nikirk.
Prisoner rights case challenges forced labor in private prisons
An inmate lawsuit filed against New Castle Correctional Facility seemingly marks the first time a judge has ruled that a private prison operator can be liable for human trafficking in a punitive setting.
IU McKinney students bring energy, enthusiasm to re-entry program
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law students have been meeting monthly with participants in a re-entry program for much of the school year, mentoring them and helping them overcome barriers in whatever they need to succeed.
New bankruptcy judge appointed to Indiana Southern District bench
Lawrence Circuit Judge Andrea K. McCord has been appointed to a 14-year term as a bankruptcy judge in the Indiana Southern District Court based in New Albany. McCord will take office May 20, succeeding retiring bankruptcy Judge Basil H. Lorch III.
Chinese national indicted in connection with Anthem’s massive data breach
A federal grand jury in Indianapolis has indicted a Chinese national in connection with the massive computer hacking of health insurer Anthem Inc. in 2015 that compromised the private information of 78.8 million customers and former customers.
1st black, female major general in U.S Army speaks at federal courts’ Black History event
Dozens gathered to belatedly celebrate Black History Month on Friday at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, but the delay only heightened the joyful celebration. A crowd gathered to hear from honorary guest Major General Marcia Anderson, the first African-American woman to achieve the rank of major general in the history of the United States Army.
Indiana’s abortion ultrasound petition listed at U.S. Supreme Court
While the U.S. Supreme Court is still considering Indiana’s petition for a review of two abortion laws blocked by the lower courts, another abortion petition from the Hoosier state has been listed for the justices’ May 9 conference. Indiana filed a writ of certiorari Feb. 4, asking the Supreme Court to uphold its law requiring an ultrasound be performed on women seeking an abortion at least 18 hours before the procedure.
Man’s failure to wear hardhat didn’t cause tree cutting injury, 7th Circuit rules
A man who was nearly killed in a tree cutting accident successfully appealed his negligence claims to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, which found error with the admission of evidence that he was not wearing certain safety equipment at the time of the incident.
7th Circuit reversal: Damages claims brought by exonerated man may proceed
An exonerated man whose murder conviction was vacated nearly a decade ago can continue seeking damages against the investigators in his case, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled, reversing a lower court’s decision that the claims couldn’t stand.
Former Sen. Birch Bayh honored for long legacy as ‘doer’
The legislative legacy forged on Capitol Hill and the jovial hog farmer-turned-politician who won three terms in the Senate were both remembered during an Indiana Statehouse memorial service Wednesday for U.S. Sen. Birch Bayh, who died in March at age 91.
ACLU sues to block latest Indiana abortion law
The American Civil Liberties Union has once again filed a federal lawsuit challenging an Indiana abortion law, this time filing a complaint against recently signed legislation that would place new restrictions on second-trimester abortions.
7th Circuit: No due process violations against rejected billboard company
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed the denial of a digital billboard company’s motion for preliminary injunction against the City of Westfield, finding its due process rights were not violated when the city ordered construction on a billboard to stop.