Indiana Court Decisions – Sept. 23-Oct. 6, 2021
Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.
7th Circuit Court of Appeals
Articles
Longtime 7th Circuit executive Fitzpatrick retires after 50 years
Collins Fitzpatrick, who initially served as a law clerk at the 7th Circuit in 1971, would later become the federal judiciary’s longest-serving circuit executive to date. After serving in that position for 45 years, Fitzpatrick retired Sept. 28 — leaving behind a legacy that both judges and attorneys alike argue will be hard to replicate.
IU students again challenging vaccine mandate at 7th Circuit
A group of Indiana University students challenging the school’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate are seeking relief from the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing IU should have the burden to prove that the mandate is constitutional.
7th Circuit upholds convictions for drug ringleader Grundy, multiple crew members
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld convictions for Indianapolis drug kingpin Richard Grundy and members of his crew following their 2019 convictions in a wide-ranging trafficking conspiracy. But the court did reverse two convictions for one member of Grundy’s team, finding evidence “left a reasonable doubt” that he committed the crimes.
Hill not participating in appeal of case stemming from sexual misconduct allegations
Three of the four women who in 2018 accused former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill of sexual misconduct are appealing the dismissal of their Title VII claims against the state, but Hill has declined to participate in the appeal.
Vaccine mandates still contested issue inside law offices, courts as president prepares requirements
Whether by choice or force, COVID-19 vaccine mandates are changing operations in law offices and courtrooms across the country.
Indiana Court Decisions – Sept. 9-22, 2021
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7th Circuit invites Hoosier kids, youth to submit creative entries for Bill of Rights contest
Hoosier kids and youth are invited to participate in a multistate art and writing contest hosted by the United States Courts of Appeals in celebration of Bill of Rights Day.
7th Circuit requests comment on proposed circuit rule rescission
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals is seeking comment on the proposed rescission of a federal rule regarding remands for revision of judgment.
7th Circuit: Collection agency entitled to fees after woman defaulted on small hospital debt
A collection agency didn’t violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act when it attempted to collect attorney fees and “fees-on-fees” from an Indianapolis woman who defaulted on a small debt to an Indiana hospital system, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled.
Indiana Court Decisions — Aug. 26-Sept. 8, 2021
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7th Circuit upholds dismissal of Vectren shareholders’ suit against merger
A panel of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a district court’s ruling that dismissed a shareholder lawsuit over the acquisition of one of Indiana’s major utility companies with an out-of-state public utility holding company in 2018.
Challenge to IU vaccine mandate moves forward in 7th Circuit
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has denied Indiana University’s motion for dismissal, allowing the challenge to the school’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate to continue.
7th Circuit denies appeal for habeas corpus relief
In a case presenting a “rare circumstance” that “few if any other federal prisoners face,” the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana did not err in denying habeas corpus relief to an Indiana man on Friday. The 7th Circuit did acknowledge, however, the appellant’s argument that his counsel was ineffective by not challenging whether his drug convictions were predicates would succeed today.
7th Circuit orders stay of injunction on Indiana abortion laws
An injunction against several provisions of Indiana law that tighten access to abortions was stayed Wednesday by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. A dissenting judge, however, blasted the majority’s position and state laws that “piously purport to protect women’s health” while “chip(ping) away” at longstanding abortion precedent.
Indy environmental cleanup case partially remanded on liability questions
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated an Indiana Southern District Court ruling in an environmental cleanup dispute in Indianapolis, finding its determinations on apportionment and allocation of liability required remand.
7th Circuit: Uber personal injury accident case properly dismissed for untimely summons
The Indiana Northern District Court did not abuse its discretion in dismissing an Indiana man’s personal injury case stemming from an Uber accident after he failed to timely serve the summons and complaint on the defendants, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Friday.
Indiana Court Decisions – Aug. 12-25, 2021
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7th Circuit: Exclusion of cross-examination of DNA evidence didn’t contribute to verdict in shooting case
The exclusion of cross-examination of DNA evidence did not contribute to the verdict handed to a Fort Wayne man for shooting at his ex-girlfriend and her children, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed Tuesday.
7th Circuit affirms dismissal of Alabama surgeon’s claims against Hoosier insurance broker
An out-of-state surgeon did not sway the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday from affirming the dismissal of his negligent procurement claims against an Indiana insurance broker who convinced him to switch disability policies.