DEC. 17-30, 2014
Indiana Lawyer recently invited Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush, Indiana Court of Appeals Chief Judge Nancy Vaidik, Indiana Tax Judge Martha Wentworth and Chief Judge Robyn Moberly of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana’s Bankruptcy Court to discuss their career paths as well as the opportunities and challenges today’s courts and lawyers face. State and federal courts are clamping down on confidential filings. A few pluck - and lucky - people have reclaimed and revived famous Hoosier trademarks. Remember Choc-Ola?
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The changing face of the judiciary
When Loretta Rush was named chief justice of the Indiana Supreme Court in August, Indiana hit a milestone. For the first time, all of our state’s appellate courts were being led by women. Indiana Lawyer recently invited Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush, Indiana Court of Appeals Chief Judge Nancy Vaidik, Indiana Tax Judge Martha Wentworth and Chief Judge Robyn Moberly of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana’s Bankruptcy Court to discuss their career paths as well as the opportunities and challenges today’s courts and lawyers face.
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Death records law causing headache for genealogists
Although the Indiana Supreme Court recently confirmed that death certificates listing the cause of death are public records, the state is continuing to grapple with questions over privacy and online access to the documents.
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State and federal courts clamp down on confidential filings
Come Jan. 1, lawyers better make certain they’re on firm ground before asking a judge to file court pleadings under seal. Attorneys also may face new liability if confidential information is mistakenly entered in a public case file. State and federal courts have rewritten rules for when and how court pleadings can be filed out of public view, reaffirming they should be open to inspection with limited exceptions.
Read MoreJudge holds 2013 abortion law violates Equal Protection Clause
A ruling in federal court has essentially struck down Indiana’s restrictions on drug-induced abortions, but the argument that the law places an undue burden on women caused the court to refrain from making a final judgment.
Read MoreConour pursues wire fraud appeal
As ex-attorney William Conour’s appeal of his conviction and 10-year sentence on a federal wire fraud charge moves ahead, so do victim lawsuits that seek to collect damages from colleagues who practiced with him years earlier and from a Conour creditor.
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Lucky, plucky owners reclaim and renew famous Hoosier trademarks
Entrepreneurs enjoying sweet successes and heady times with the resurgence of their retro products took varied paths to claim the rights to bring back brands with deep Hoosier roots. The new owners of Roselyn Bakery, Choc-Ola chocolate drink and Champagne Velvet beer got dormant brands back on store shelves by capitalizing on trademarks that had disappeared from the marketplace but retained a certain cachet.
Read MoreFrustrations with patent trolls spark push for pest control
Three years after passing the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act which overhauled the U.S. patent system, Congress and state legislatures have been introducing bills that primarily seek to reform the process by clamping down on so-called patent trolls.
Read MoreWhite: Say ‘I do’ to IP due diligence in business transactions
Intellectual property is one of the most valuable and important assets of any consumer products, life sciences or technology driven company. Despite the inherent value associated with these intangible assets, IP rights are often overlooked or are only cursorily evaluated when a company is embroiled in a business transaction (such as a merger or an acquisition).
Read MoreGallagher: Recent Supreme Court rulings could help end patent trolls
There have been recent efforts in Congress and state legislatures to address the issue of so-called patent trolls, also known as patent assertion entities. This year, at least three of the six patent-related decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States have been widely regarded as impacting PAE activity. Although these decisions are only six months old, they appear to be on a path to help curb these unwanted lawsuits.
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Dean’s Desk: IU McKinney is out in front with experiential learning
Our school is proud to provide students the ability to study at the center of the state’s legal profession, with an array of opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom.
Read MoreInside the Criminal Case: Grand juries in Indiana shrouded by law
The effectiveness of grand juries has been in the news lately. In one case, a Missouri grand jury failed to indict a police officer in a case involving the death of an unarmed suspect. When inconsistent testimony was raised as a possible justification for this result, many opined that police needed to carry body cameras. However, approximately a week later, a New York grand jury failed to indict another police officer involved in the death of an unarmed suspect where the officer’s interactions with the suspect were caught on a cellphone video. This led lawyers and non-lawyers alike to wonder what happens behind the closed doors of grand juries. This article speaks to how grand juries are used in Indiana.
Read MoreFederal Bar Update: End-of-year tweaks to federal court rules
John Maley takes a look at rule changes in federal courts and reminds attorneys that the rule on Statement of the Facts has been deleted.
Read MoreHammerle On… ‘Beyond the Lights,’ ‘The Homesman,’ and ‘Horrible Bosses 2’
Bob Hammerle says don’t waste your time on “Horrible Bosses 2.”
Read MoreTechnology Untangled: Apps for safe travels and finding lost phones
Today we will look at two smartphone applications that could be helpful to you this holiday season.
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Indiana Court Decisions – Nov. 24-Dec. 9, 2014
Read recent appellate decisions from Indiana courts.
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Disciplinary Actions – 12/17/14
Read who’s been publicly reprimanded or suspended by the Indiana Supreme Court.
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DTCI Annual Meeting 2014
Members gathered in French Lick to honor attorneys, attend educational sessions and socialize.
Read MoreAbrams: A Loss for Civility
Last month, Zeff Weiss, a friend of mine, a friend to his partners, a friend to the Real Estate and Land Use Section, a friend to many, and a father of four and husband of a fellow attorney passed away from a short battle with cancer.
Read MoreIndyBar Members Show the Spirit of Giving Year-Round
Be it spring, summer, fall or winter, IndyBar members have been hands-on from the start this year.
Read MoreIndianapolis Bar Association Remains Optimistic About Justice Center Complex
The following statement was released by the IndyBar following the announcement of the selection of a preferred bidder for the proposed criminal justice complex by Mayor Greg Ballard on Friday, Dec. 12.
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