Justices to hear 5 cases in next 2 days

The Indiana Supreme Court hears five arguments in the next two days. Two are scheduled for Wednesday, and three will be heard on Thursday.

Wednesday at 9 a.m., the court will hear arguments in Troy R. Smith v. State of Indiana, No. 35S02-1106-CR-369, a Huntington County case involving a man who pleaded guilty to non-support of a dependent child and was placed on probation. Later, the Huntington Superior Court revoked probation when Smith did not continue paying the full amount of support. The Court of Appeals reversed on grounds the state had not proved Smith’s ability to pay and the trial court abused its discretion in revoking probation in full.

At 9:45 a.m., the justices will hear Indiana Department of Revenue v. AOL, LLC, No. 49S10-1108-TA-514. The state agency denied AOL’s claim for a refund for use tax paid on its in-state use of certain promotional materials sent to prospective and existing customers. On AOL’s original tax appeal, the Tax Court issued an unpublished order granting summary judgment to AOL.

A third argument scheduled for Wednesday – Indiana Department of Revenue v. United Parcel Service, Inc. – was cancelled.

On Thursday, the justices will hear three sets of arguments:
At  9 a.m., the justices will hear Sheila Perdue, et al. v. Michael Gargano, et al., No. 49S02-1107-PL-437. Plaintiffs brought a class action against Family and Social Services Administration seeking declaratory and injunctive relief with respect to the administration of Medicaid, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Sheila Perdue also brought an individual disability discrimination claim. The trial court granted summary judgment to FSSA on plaintiffs’ claim that their procedural due process rights were violated, but granted summary judgment to Perdue individually and to the class of SNAP applicants/recipients whose benefits were denied or terminated for failure to cooperate. On cross-appeals, the Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s judgment as to Perdue and as to those whose SNAP benefits were denied or terminated for failure to cooperate, and it reversed the award of summary judgment to FSSA, holding the procedures at issue did not afford plaintiffs due process.

At 9:45 a.m., the court hears Harold J. Klinker v. First Merchants Bank, No. 01S04-1107-PL-438. The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed summary judgment for First Merchants Bank on its claims against Harold Klinker, including a fraud claim, and the order that he pay treble damages. The appellate court concluded that Klinker’s affidavit denying fraudulent intent and opposing summary judgment failed to show a genuine issue of material fact.

At 10:30 a.m., the court hears Rodney Nicholson v. State of Indiana, No. 55S01-1107-CR-444. Rodney Nicholson was found guilty of Class C felony stalking, but the Indiana Court of Appeals reversed due to insufficient evidence.