Businesses ask patrons, workers to waive right to sue if they get ill
As businesses reopen across the U.S. after coronavirus shutdowns, many are requiring customers and workers to sign forms saying they won’t sue if they catch COVID-19.
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Marion County courts begin reopening in-person proceedings
Indianapolis courts are beginning to reopen to in-person proceedings this week, though social distancing and other public-safety measures remain in effect at the downtown City-County Building.
Southern District requiring federal courthouse visitors to wear face masks
All visitors and occupants of every Southern District of Indiana courthouse will be required to wear protective face masks, Chief Judge Jane Magnus Stinson announced in a Friday order. Those who refuse could be found in contempt of court.
Court backs Trump administration on COVID-19 safety at work
The Trump administration does not have to issue an emergency rule requiring employers to protect workers from the coronavirus, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday in a case brought by leading labor unions.
Indiana theaters, bars, playgrounds reopening Friday, but not in Indianapolis
Movie theaters, bars, museums and amusement parks across Indiana will be allowed to reopen Friday for the first time in nearly three months, as the governor announced Wednesday that he was moving up by two days the next stage of easing the state’s coronavirus restrictions. Indianapolis and Marion County, however, will delay the final reopening phase for another week, Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Thursday.
First remote interviews for COA vacancy held amid pandemic
In a first for Indiana, applicants seeking to join the state’s appellant bench were interviewed remotely Wednesday. After multiple continuations, the seven-member Judicial Nominating Commission logged in to Zoom on Wednesday morning to hold 20-minute interviews with candidates seeking to succeed retiring Court of Appeals Judge John Baker.
ABA, Clio partner to offer hotline for lawyers’ COVID, stimulus questions
The American Bar Association is partnering with legal technology services and practice management software provider Clio to offer a toll-free hotline to answer practice-related questions from attorneys regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inmates seek prison release due to COVID-19
Almost immediately after the coronavirus reached the United States, criminal justice advocates sounded the alarm on behalf of the incarcerated. Inmates in county jails, state prisons and federal penitentiaries are at a higher risk of contracting the virus, advocates say, simply because of the nature of their living conditions. The result of release efforts has been a mixed bag.
Helping legal aid: ILAS has full agenda to raise money, build its identity
Even as Indianapolis Legal Aid Society has been successful at bringing in more money from grants and private donors in recent years, the nonprofit is still facing an identity crisis with people getting confused about its name as well as the services it provides. The new chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors is launching an effort to clear the confusion and grow the contributions.
Applegate & Dillman: Tips for long-term care patients’ families during pandemic
Mid-March was likely the last time you saw your loved one in a senior living facility face-to-face. The coronavirus pandemic has led most nursing homes to close their doors or, at the very least, require stringent temperature checks and other precautions for urgent visits. As a result, families are fearful and anxious about the care their relatives are receiving and whether they will be exposed to the virus. Here are some tips for families that may help ease their fears.
Indiana reports increase of 410 coronavirus cases, 23 more deaths
The Indiana State Department of Health on Tuesday said the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the state has risen to 38,033. That marks an increase of 410 cases over the cumulative number — 37,623 — the department reported on Monday.
Indiana reports increase of 482 COVID-19 cases, 26 deaths
The Indiana State Department of Health on Friday said the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the state has risen to 36,578. That marks an increase of 482 cases over the cumulative number — 36,096 — the department reported on Thursday.
Pandemic means a silent June at the Supreme Court
The coronavirus pandemic has kept justices of the United States Supreme Court from their courtroom since March and forced them to change their ways in many respects. Now, in their season of weighty decisions, instead of the drama that can accompany the announcement of a majority decision and its biting dissent, the court’s opinions are being posted online without an opportunity for the justices to be heard.
Vote by mail in today’s election? You can still get a sticker
Indiana’s first election to feature widespread mail-in balloting concludes Tuesday with an in-person primary that was delayed four weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
After habeas win, man convicted in IU student’s murder to be freed pending appeal
The man convicted nearly 15 years ago in the killing of Indiana University student Jill Behrman will be released from custody later this month after the same judge who granted his request for habeas relief last year also granted his bid for coronavirus-related release.
Supreme Court expands trial court tolling amid COVID-19 backlog
The Indiana Supreme Court is taking steps to help trial courts handle the coming backlog of cases, extending certain emergency operations due to the COVID-19 public health emergency through as late as January 2021.
SCOTUS rejects challenge to COVID-19 limits on church services
A divided Supreme Court on Friday rejected an emergency appeal by a California church that challenged state limits on attendance at worship services that have been imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
External webcams, quiet rooms among details for first-ever remote bar exam in July
The nearly 500 applicants who have registered to take the Indiana Bar Exam in July will need to have external webcams, quiet rooms and be prepared to write extensively for the test that will be given remotely for the first time because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Indiana regulators agree to hear utility request to raise rates in wake of pandemic losses
Two weeks after 10 Indiana utilities asked state regulators for permission to charge ratepayers for millions of dollars in revenue the utilities stand to lose because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has agreed to consider the matter.
Trump continues to claim broad powers he doesn’t have
Threatening to shut down Twitter for flagging false content. Claiming he can “override” governors who dare to keep churches closed to congregants. Asserting the “absolute authority” to force states to reopen, even when local leaders say it’s too soon.