Church not protected from negligence claim because accident occurred in non-worship area, court rules
The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled that certain liability protections apply only to church property “used primarily for worship services.”
Alexa Shrake
Articles
AG Rokita says terminated pregnancy reports are public records
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita took issue Thursday with state health officials’ recent decision not to release individual terminated pregnancy reports and issued an advisory opinion declaring them public record.
Indiana Court of Appeals celebrates its national civics award with reception, exhibit
The appellate court received the Sandra Day O’Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education in 2023. The award, named after the late Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, honors an organization, court or individual who actively promotes civic education as it relates to the justice system.
Indiana Supreme Court overturns French Lick woman’s murder conviction
The state’s high court unanimously ruled that jury instructions issued by Orange Circuit Court Judge Steven L. Owen may have misled the jury to convict Sabrina Dunn of the murder of her ex-husband William “Bill” Dunn.
Indiana AG files lawsuit against 22 companies over ‘forever chemicals’
The lawsuit was filed in Shelby County and accuses the companies of making per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS, that they knew could have a toxic impact on Indiana’s drinking water and natural resources.
Learning to be a mediator: ‘It’s not Judge Judy’
From neighborhood disputes to landlord-tenant quarrels, the Indy Center for Conflict Resolution works to solve issues in Indianapolis before they escalate.
Web Exclusive: Meet the Judges: Warren Circuit Court Judge Hunter Reece
With a passion for community outreach, Warren Circuit Court Judge Hunter Reece said he enjoys being on the bench and finds it important to get more attorneys into rural communities.
BMV doesn’t have to include third-gender option on driver’s licenses, court rules
The Monroe Circuit Court erred when it ordered the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and its commissioner to include a third-gender option on driver’s licenses and identification cards, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.
Appeals court upholds injunction against Indiana abortion ban but wants it to be more limited
Ken Falk, ACLU of Indiana legal director, said the appeals court decision reflects the “clear directive” that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act “protects religious freedom for all Hoosiers.” The Indiana Attorney General’s Office did not immediately respond to Indiana Lawyer’s request for comment on whether the state would appeal the decision.
Indiana Supreme Court split in rejection of inventory search case
The Indiana Supreme Court narrowly denied the transfer of a case in which the Indiana Court of Appeals found that an inventory search of a man’s truck that led to a drug conviction was reasonable.
Former Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Sharpnack dies at 90
Former Indiana Court of Appeals Judge John T. Sharpnack, 90, died on March 25.
Temporary judge appointed to Marion Superior Court
Senior Judge David A. Shaheed will be serving as judge pro tempore in Marion Superior Court 4 starting on April 8.
Two men sentenced to decades in prison for fatal robbery
Two men were sentenced to decades in prison for their roles in a fatal robbery outside of a gas station on Indianapolis’ southeast side in January 2021.
Indiana joins others in comment letter opposed to FERC approval of investment companies
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, along with 19 other state attorney generals, have sent a comment letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that questions federal authorizations for investment companies engaging in socially and environmentally conscious investing.
LifeCell not liable, jurors rule in Strattice mesh hernia lawsuit
An Indianapolis-based law firm plans to appeal a jury verdict issued in New Jersey for a lawsuit that alleged a medical device used to repair hernias causes life-threatening complications.
Democrats seeking nomination for attorney general see an opening against Rokita
Indianapolis attorneys Destiny Wells and Beth White will battle it out at the Democratic state convention this summer as they seek to become the party’s nominee for Indiana attorney general.
Web Exclusive: Meet the Judges: Fulton Superior Court Judge Greg Heller
Not feeling quite ready for law school, Greg Heller initially managed a trucking terminal in Wisconsin.
Grandfather’s child molesting conviction reversed, appellate court remands for further proceedings
The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed a grandfather’s child molestation convictions Monday, finding the child’s statements violated Indiana Supreme Court precedent.
7th Circuit Court of Appeals upholds order lifting injunction for gender-affirming care ban
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals denied a motion Thursday for reconsideration of its order lifting an injunction of Indiana’s gender-affirming car ban for minors.
Rokita files lawsuit against drug companies, managers over high insulin prices
Attorney General Todd Rokita has taken aim against multiple drug companies and pharmacy benefit managers over insulin prices with a new lawsuit filed in Lake Superior Court.