U.S. Senate Judiciary passes bipartisan JUDGES Act co-authored by Young
The JUDGES Act would increase the number of federal district judges in the most overburdened areas of the country, including the Southern District of Indiana.
Maura Johnson
Articles
Plunkett Cooney paralegal named Indianapolis Bar Association 2024 Paralegal of the Year
The Indianapolis Bar Association named paralegal Laura E. Adamaitis Thirion as its 2024 Paralegal of the Year, recognizing her outstanding contribution to the legal community.
State panel begins work to find lawyer shortage solutions
Expanded roles for paralegals are among the options being considered by the 23-member Commission on Indiana’s Legal Future, which was appointed by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Supreme Court reinstates Indiana Utility Commission as defendant in debate over local ordinances
The Indiana Supreme Court reinstated the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to a case involving the City of Carmel, reversing an Indiana Court of Appeals decision that claimed the commission couldn’t be a party in the case while also acting as a fact-finding entity.
Finding foster parents is a challenge, Indiana advocates say
In the 2022 fiscal year, 570,000 children across the United States were served by the foster care system. Of that number, 19,201 children were served in Indiana.
Notre Dame Law School, University of Cape Town partner on human rights research and more
The two schools have solidified a new partnership that will allow faculty and students to collaborate on legal topics of interest to their respective countries and to travel to each other’s schools, furthering the educational experience. One key focus will be human rights.
Hearing in Delphi case cancelled after defense files second motion to disqualify judge
The special judge in the ongoing case of Richard Allen, the man accused of killing two teenage girls in Delphi in February 2017, has cancelled this week’s hearings after the defense team filed a motion to disqualify the judge from the case.
Public admonition issued for former Benton County judge, but no formal charges brought
The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications issued a public admonition of former Benton Circuit Court Judge Rex Kepner for engaging in conduct unbecoming of a judicial officer.
Indiana Supreme Court approves two transfers of cases, denies 27
The Indiana Supreme Court granted the transfer of two cases and denied 27 for the week ending May 10.
7th Circuit finds care facility not liable for alleged harassment in employment discrimination case
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled a Newburgh-based long-term care facility was not liable for alleged harassment in an employment discrimination case filed on behalf of Black employees.
New rules add clarity to Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s final rules, published on April 15, are considered by many to be a win over discrimination against pregnant workers. But some oppose provisions that offer time off and other job accommodations for abortions.
Indiana Supreme Court affirms one lower court ruling, reverses other in insurance dispute
An Indiana trial court correctly granted judgment to an insurance company because evidence showed the company had no special duty to a family following a 2017 accident, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled in an opinion issued Monday.
Special judge in Delphi double-murder case denies camera access for jury selection
The special judge in the Delphi double-murder case has ruled that no cameras will be allowed in the courtroom when jurors are selected in Allen County starting May 13.
Court of Appeals reverses trial court’s summary judgment order in Rokita advisory opinion case
The Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed a trial court opinion granting summary judgment to a plaintiff requesting information from an informal advisory opinion issued to Attorney General Todd Rokita.
7th Circuit finds Fourth Amendment was not violated in search of man’s vehicle
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a district court ‘s ruling that an Indianapolis man’s Fourth Amendment rights were not violated when police searched his vehicle for narcotics and other contraband in connection with an investigation.
Special judge in Delphi case denies more broadcast camera requests for trial
The special judge in Richard Allen’s murder trial next month has denied three more news organizations from accessing the proceedings with broadcast cameras.
Town of Zionsville joins trend of hiring in-house counsel
Municipal leaders say hiring an in-house attorney helps them stay on top of ever-changing laws.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana welcomes new magistrate judge
A new magistrate judge has been selected to serve in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.
Judge in Delphi double-murder case denies another request to allow courtroom cameras at trial
Thursday’s decision marks the fourth television station to be denied camera access at trial, increasing doubts that any video cameras will be allowed at one of the most high-profile criminal trials in Indiana in decades. Allen’s trial is set to begin May 13.
Patron sues Indianapolis Motor Speedway over alleged Snake Pit injuries
A concertgoer who attended last May’s Snake Pit event during the Indianapolis 500 weekend is suing the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after allegedly being hit in the head by a glass bottle during the festivities.