Indiana Court Decisions – Jan. 14-27, 2021
Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.
Latest News
Articles
Mizzell: You can’t ignore texts and chat messages in e-discovery
Texts and chat messages are informal and fragmented forms of communication that can be hard to address in both written discovery and the technical collection of documents. So here are a few suggestions to help attorneys who are just starting to grapple with this developing area of electronic discovery.
DTCI: Constitutional Law and Private Health Care Providers
When the typical claim in health care against a private health care provider alleges medical malpractice, why would the provider be concerned about the constitutional rights of the patient and the patient’s family? Section 1983 claims provide a Constitution-based vehicle for patients and/or their families to bring claims alleging violations of constitutional rights.
IndyBar: Weekly Bill Watch Reports Keep up with Legislation that Matters to You
With the help of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, the IndyBar Legislative Committee (chaired by Mindy Westrick of the Indiana Energy Association) provides weekly Bill Watch reports throughout the session, which highlight progress and recent actions taken on bills being monitored by the association.
IndyBar: I’ve Got Your (Feed)Back: Giving and Getting Feedback in Mediation
Recently, I participated in a mediation. The case did not settle. Later that evening, I received an email from the mediator, giving me some feedback as to the what the mediator thought were the stumbling blocks in the case that day and some ideas as to what resolutions may still be salvageable. I rarely receive post-mediation emails from a mediator. But I really appreciated the feedback. It was challenging yet motivating.
IndyBar: Make a Connection: Participate in the Women and the Law Division Mentoring Program!
Female mentorship in the workplace is important now more than ever, and the IndyBar Women and the Law Division (WLD) is looking to help you find your perfect match!
DTCI: 2020 DTCI Award Recipients
See who was named DTCI Defense Lawyer of the Year, Outstanding Young Lawyer and Diplomat of the Indiana Defense Trial Counsel for 2020.
Bill to alter Lake, St. Joseph judicial selection rankles local bench, bar
Legal professionals in Lake and St. Joseph counties are raising serious concerns about advancing legislation that would change the structure of the local judicial nominating commissions that shape the state trial court judiciary in the northern Indiana counties.
Senate confirms Pete Buttigieg as transportation secretary
Former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg won Senate approval Tuesday as transportation secretary, the first openly gay person to be confirmed to a Cabinet post. He’ll be tasked with advancing President Joe Biden’s ambitious agenda of rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure and fighting climate change.
Tragesser named managing partner of Quarles & Brady Indianapolis
Quarles & Brady LLP has announced that Joel Tragesser has become managing partner of the firm’s Indianapolis office, effective Monday. He succeeds Lucy Dollens, who has led the office since 2017.
Indiana Senate approves bill to deregulate wetlands
The Indiana Senate has passed controversial legislation that would repeal state oversight of wetlands. Some lawmakers in both parties, however, said the law goes too far and would interfere with regulatory or judicial review of multiple pending cases.
Judicial Conference seeking comment on proposed rule amendments
The Indiana Judicial Conference is seeking feedback on proposed changes to rules governing specialty courts.
After rift between partners, court asked to dissolve George & Farinas
Claiming she and her law partner can no longer continue working together, Indianapolis attorney Kathleen Farinas is asking the Marion County Commercial Court to dissolve George & Farinas LLP, appoint a receiver and enter damages against Linda George.
Justices in tug-of-war over judge in suit accusing ex-lawyer of estate theft
Nearly eight months after the Indiana Supreme Court accepted the resignation of a one-time northern Indiana judge and former lawyer accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from a widow client’s estate, justices now are being asked to remove the judge hearing a related civil lawsuit.
Ownership fight could leave new Gary casino empty
The legal fight over ownership of a new $300 million casino in northwestern Indiana could leave it sitting unused for possibly months after construction work is completed.
Senate set to confirm Buttigieg for transportation secretary
The Senate is poised to approve former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg to be transportation secretary, the first openly gay person ever confirmed to a Cabinet post, tasked with advancing President Joe Biden’s wide-ranging agenda of rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure and fighting climate change.
Biden asks high court to put off wall, asylum cases
The Biden administration has asked the United States Supreme Court to put off arguments over two controversial Trump administration policies that have been challenged in court now that President Joe Biden has taken steps to unwind them.
Indiana House approves COVID-19 liability protection bill
The Indiana House has approved legislation that would protect businesses from COVID-19-related lawsuits. The measure slightly differs from a liability protection measure passed last week by the state Senate.
Indiana lawmakers discuss doubling cigarette tax rate
Indiana lawmakers are considering doubling the state’s cigarette tax and imposing a tax on e-cigarettes. If passed, the new $1 per pack tax would be the first increase since 2007 and the measure would also raise taxes on vaping products.
Applications available for 2021 ICLEO program
The Indiana Court of Appeals announced applications are now available for the 2021 Indiana Conference for Legal Education Opportunity program. The program aims to help bring diversity to the legal profession and is designed to assist traditionally underrepresented groups in pursuing a legal career.