Longtime Vevay lawyer Ronald Hocker dies
Ronald Jewell “Ron” Hocker of Vevay, a longtime attorney and civic leader in southeastern Indiana, died Monday at the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis. He was 71.
Marilyn Odendahl
Articles
Independent analysis finds DOC’s population will grow under new criminal code
A report released Dec. 10 predicts that Indiana’s new criminal code will increase the number of individuals incarcerated in state prisons to the point where a new facility may have to be built.
Indiana among states wanting SCOTUS to clear the air on pollution standard
A coalition of 14 states, including Indiana, are headed to the Supreme Court of the United States Dec. 10 to argue that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has overstepped its authority, again, in trying to regulate air pollution in upwind states.
Brother in Holiday World dispute still fighting for ownership
The family battle over the southern Indiana amusement park, Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, could be moving to the Indiana Supreme Court.
Child Support Court being reopened in Gary
Although an appeal is pending in the Indiana Court of Appeals, the child support court that had been consolidated to Crown Point in early 2013 is moving back to Gary.
Denial of SSI reversed for failure to consider mental health
A woman who claimed disability in part because of her diminished mental health will get another chance to present her case after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals found the administrative law judge did not properly consider the opinions and testimony regarding the woman’s mental condition.
Judge finds Google’s book project ‘transformative’
Attorneys differ on whether the recent ruling benefits society or opens the door for infringement.
Rising bar association memberships linked to jobs and social activities
A boost in membership rolls at some bar associations around the state is credited to the changing employment landscape in the legal community. People are joining the organizations because they are getting jobs or because they want to network to get future jobs.
Fewer LSATs show reduced undergrad interest in law
The continued drop in the number of people taking the LSAT has brought more worries about the future of law schools; however, many would-be applicants may just be waiting for the economy to improve before they try for admission.
Legal service nonprofits look to private dollars as public funds shrink
The alteration the Indianapolis Legal Aid Society made this season to its letters soliciting donations reflects a strategic decision by the nonprofit to go after higher contributions and underscores the need for service organizations of any kind to be aggressive.
Notre Dame Law School launches exchange program with China
The University of Notre Dame Law School will be starting a student exchange program with two elite law schools in China.
Non-custodial parent must still pay arrearages to cover funeral expenses
An emancipated child will be able to collect child support arrearages to pay for her custodial parent’s funeral but she and her sibling will not be allowed to accept the remainder of the accrued support payments, ruled the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Trial court must properly exercise discretion on sentencing
Although a trial court had the ability to deny a man credit for time served, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled the lower court did not follow proper procedure when it granted actual days credit.
Verification letters support estoppel argument
A series of verification letters from a subcontractor to a contractor provided the grounds for the doctrine of promissory estoppel from being applied to commercial transactions.
Malpractice complaint hobbled by ongoing foot pain
A woman who suffered with a troubled toe for four years got her medical malpractice claim booted by the Indiana Court of Appeals for waiting too long to file the complaint.
US Supreme Court takes pass on cyberspying petition
Although the Supreme Court of the United States decided Monday, not to consider a petition challenging the legality of the National Security Agency’s surveillance activities, one cybersecurity expert at IU expects the issue will eventually come before the nine justices.
Fostering cooperation between Indiana legal service providers
The Indiana Supreme Court has formed a new commission to address the problem of Indiana residents who cannot afford legal services. But rather than giving attention to the clients, this group will focus on the nonprofit agencies that provide the assistance.
Renowned defense expert to lead Valparaiso Law School
Valparaiso University has tapped a capital defense attorney and academic clinician to lead the law school, underscoring the growing importance of hands-on training in legal education.
Lawyers want to settle tainted medication suit
The product-liability litigation arising from the outbreak of fungal meningitis across the United States that infected nearly 100 Hoosiers has become mixed with a bankruptcy, a possible criminal investigation and a desire by plaintiff attorneys to reach a settlement soon so their clients can get restitution.
Indiana inventors tell Maurer students about challenging big business in federal court
Speaking recently to a group of students at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Lebanon inventor Larry Durkos and his son, Duane, told their story of battling the biggest giant in the bedding industry and winning.