Hammerle on… Court humor
Even though court appearances are rare these days, let me reflect on some funny moments that I treasure.
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IU McKinney professors contribute to assessment of U.S. response to COVID-19
United States policy response to COVID-19 has been dangerously lacking, according to a recent report authored partially by two Indianapolis law professors. The new report recommends steps to safeguard health as well as civil and human rights.
Plaintiffs seek 10-day deadline for November mail-in ballots
As part of another lawsuit challenging Indiana’s election laws, Common Cause Indiana and the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP are seeking a preliminary injunction to suspend the noon Election Day deadline for county officials to receive completed mail-in ballots.
Holcomb unveils plan to equip state police with body cameras, create cabinet position
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Tuesday announced plans to equip Indiana State Police troopers with body cameras by next spring and create a new cabinet-level position in his administration to focus on equity and inclusion.
Pokagon tribe to be featured at domestic violence representation training
Free training for lawyers on modest means and pro bono representation of domestic violence victims will be available next month, sponsored by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.
Indy man loses witness ‘reliability’ argument against attempted murder conviction
An Indianapolis man’s attempted murder conviction was upheld Tuesday after the Indiana Court of Appeals found that the testimony of one of his shooting victims was not incredibly dubious.
COA: Indiana right to counsel doesn’t extend to revocation hearings
The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed the revocation of a woman’s home detention in favor of incarceration, declining to make the “profound statement” that the Indiana constitutional right to counsel extends to revocation hearings.
Judicial Conference recommends safety reforms after killing of judge’s son
One month after the shooting death of the son of a New Jersey judge, the governing body of the United States federal courts is advocating reforms to increase protection for members of the federal judiciary.
Marion County courts plan to resume jury trials
Following a months-long hiatus, the largest county court system in Indiana will resume felony jury trials next week. The Marion Superior Courts announced that major felony trials will resume Monday, while low-level felony, misdemeanor and civil jury trials will resume the week of Sept. 14.
Allen Co. prosecutor to try 50 protesters, drop charges against 45
Allen County Prosecutor Karen Richards will prosecute 50 people but drop charges against 45 others who were arrested after protests in Fort Wayne in late May and mid-June, she announced Monday.
Witnesses sought to fatal Indianapolis police shooting of Black man
Investigators want to speak with possible witnesses to the fatal shooting of a Black man by an Indianapolis police officer in May, Indiana State Police said Monday.
Website highlights 7 appellate judges on November retention ballot
Hoosier voters in November will decided whether seven Indiana appellate judges should retain their positions for the next 10 years. A Supreme Court justice, the chief judge of the Indiana Court of Appeals and five other appellate jurists are on the fall retention ballot.
Insurance judgment for scooter driver hurt in crash reversed
A scooter driver who won a trial court ruling when he sued to obtain insurance coverage after a crash lost on appeal Monday when judgment in his favor was reversed and an appellate court instead found for his insurer.
Supreme Court allows cameras in courtrooms for COVID-19 PSAs
The Indiana Supreme Court is easing the rules against cameras in the courtroom to allow counties to produce videos that instruct the public on COVID-19 procedures in courthouses.
Hoosiers with disabilities seek greater access to absentee voting
Indiana Disability Rights and the Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council have joined the fight to push Indiana to expand mail-in voting for the November 2020 general election, saying requiring in-person voting during the COVID-19 pandemic would put the health of disabled Hoosiers at greater risk.
Judgment upheld for Clarksville dinner theater in estates’ negligence case
The Indiana Court of Appeals on Monday affirmed judgment in favor of the owner of a Clarksville dinner theater in a negligence suit filed by an elderly woman who broke her hip at the theater.
Man loses 7th Circuit appeal of drug-related firearm conviction
A federal appeals court has upheld the conviction of a man who was arrested after federal authorities set up a controlled drug purchase.
7th Circuit remands for new disability benefits hearing
A man with chronic neck and back pain who was denied disability benefits will receive a new hearing, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a Friday remand. The appellate court found a vocational expert’s testimony regarding potential job options was “entirely unilluminating.”
WISH-TV sues AT&T over fee negotiations, claims racial discrimination
Indianapolis-based Circle City Broadcasting, which owns WISH-TV Channel 8 and WNDY-TV Channel 23, has filed a lawsuit that accuses AT&T of racial discrimination as the two companies battle over retransmission fees.
Indianapolis, Fishers, 2 other cities sue Netflix, Hulu, others seeking franchise fees
Indianapolis and three other Indiana cities are suing video streaming services, including Netflix and Hulu, seeking to require them to pay the same franchise fees to local governments that cable companies must pay. The suit also names DirectTV and Dish satellite television providers.