After the verdict, attorneys have learning opportunity
In both federal and state courts, jury feedback occurs after a trial is over. Despite how helpful attorneys and jurors often find this extra step, though, it isn’t always part of the process.
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7th Circuit tosses slating system for Indy judges
Now that Indianapolis’ pay-to-play slating system that evenly divvied judgeships between Democrats and Republicans has been ruled unconstitutional, it’s up to the General Assembly to figure out how Marion County should select its judges.
Justices decline to extend ‘bystander rule’
The father of a moped driver killed in a collision with a car may not recover on a claim of negligent infliction of emotional distress, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled Monday, declining to extend the bystander rule in such cases.
Successor owner must pay more to unemployment insurance
A buyer of an auto parts retail business that used the same name, same signs, same location, same phone number, same inventory, same fixtures, and hired some of the same employees lost his appeal to the finding that he is liable for a higher employer rate as a successor business.
Justices take appeal involving eavesdropping cops
Whether Michigan City police officers should be forbidden from testifying in a murder case because they eavesdropped on the suspect’s conversation with attorneys will be decided by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Tax Court reverses assessment after ‘trial by ambush’
The Indiana Board of Tax Review abused its discretion and conducted a “trial by ambush” when it heard the appeal of a property owner who challenged the assessment of a property in Long Beach.
Conviction affirmed despite Spanish jury waiver form omissions
A Spanish-speaking litigant failed to persuade an appeals court Monday that omissions on a jury trial waiver form merit reversal of his rape conviction.
Ex-husband may argue contempt in seeking arrearage
An ex-husband who a trial court determined is owed $76,173 from his wife’s teacher retirement benefits was wrongly denied an opportunity to argue the arrearage can be pursued through contempt, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Monday.
Split decision: Bicyclist killed by driver can’t sue insurer
A bicyclist killed by an unlicensed motorist who took her boyfriend’s truck without his permission may not seek damages against the company that insured the truck’s owner, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Friday.
Justices vacate murder convictions for 3 of ‘Elkhart 4’
Three members of the “Elkhart 4” convicted of murder in a controversial, highly publicized case in northern Indiana had their murder convictions vacated Friday by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Marshal’s wage suit against town fails on appeal
A former marshal in a small southern Indiana town is not entitled to unpaid wages, overtime and other damages because the town employed fewer than five law enforcement officers, the Indiana Court of Appeals held Thursday in a matter of first impression.
General Motors settles criminal case over ignition switches
General Motors admitted it failed to disclose to the public a deadly problem with small-car ignition switches as part of a $900 million deal reached with federal authorities to avoid criminal charges, authorities announced Thursday.
Rape victim’s work as prostitute does not excuse assault, COA rules
A felon’s attempt to get his rape conviction overturned because his victim was a prostitute drew a sharp rebuke from the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Altice robing ceremony set for Monday
Former Marion Superior Judge Robert Altice’s public robing ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Monday in the Indiana Supreme Court courtroom, with Chief Justice Loretta Rush administering the oath to the state’s newest Court of Appeals judge.
Final defendant in state fair stage collapse suit dismissed
A security company named in a class-action lawsuit filed by victims of the deadly 2011 Indiana State Fair stage collapse has become the final defendant dismissed from that case.
Attorney fees award was reasonable, COA rules
After a former employee was awarded nearly $100,000 in attorney fees, R.L. Turner Corp. asserted the amount was unreasonable given the employee’s total award for damages was less than $12,000.
California man charged with murder in Indiana cold case
Central Indiana authorities say a murder warrant in a 2002 cold case has been issued against a man currently jailed in California.
Double jeopardy voids two cocaine convictions
A trial court violated the prohibition against double jeopardy by convicting a man in a bench trial of three felony cocaine possession counts, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled in tossing out two of the convictions.
Rural central Indiana landowners fight town’s annexation bid
The state's highest court is set to hear a legal battle by a group of rural landowners fighting to prevent an adjacent central Indiana town from annexing their land and subjecting them to higher taxes.
Woman asks court to allow marijuana use per church beliefs
A Minnesota woman accused of violating probation says she should be able to use marijuana for religious reasons because she belongs to a pot-smoking church based in Indiana.