Opinions August 9, 2024

The following opinion was published after IL’s deadline Thursday:
7^th Circuit Court of Appeals
Indiana Right to Life Victory Fund and Sarkes Tarzian, Incorporated v. Diego Morales, et al.
22-1562
Civil. Appeal from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division. Judge Sarah Evans Barker. Vacates the decision of the district court denying Indiana Right to Life Victory Fund and Sarkes Rarzian, Inc.’s request for a preliminary injunction against two provisions of Indiana law (Ind. Code §§ 3-9- 2-4 & 3-9-2-5) that they read to prohibit corporate contributions earmarked for independent expenditures. Finds Indiana’s prohibition on corporate contributions to super PACs cannot be upheld on corruption-prevention grounds because that interest does not extend to such independent expenditures. Remands with instructions to enter a preliminary injunction barring enforcement of Indiana’s campaign finance restrictions against either the fund or Sarkes Tarzian.

Friday opinions

Indiana Court of Appeals
Scott A. Blattert, Jr. v. State of Indiana
23A-CR-1571
Criminal. Affirms Scott Blattert’s convictions in Lawrence Superior Court for Level 3 felony aggravated battery, two counts of Level 5 felony domestic battery, Level 6 felony strangulation, Level 6 felony domestic battery, and Class A misdemeanor domestic battery. Finds the jury acted within its discretion when it concluded that Blattert’s actions underlying count 5 and count 6 were unreasonable. Also finds the state presented sufficient evidence to support Blattert’s conviction for Level 3 felony aggravated battery.

Raymond Lamar Williams v. State of Indiana
24A-CR-2
Criminal. Affirms Raymond Williams’ conviction in Marion Superior Court of unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a Level 4 felony. Finds the state presented sufficient evidence to prove that Williams both actually possessed and constructively possessed the handgun found in his vehicle.