COA affirms trial court in finding drug evidence was admissible
The Indiana Court of Appeals has held that a trial court did not err in admitting evidence obtained from a search of a purse and hotel room.
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Supreme Court rules Charlie White was eligible to assume office
The Indiana Supreme Court has held that Charlie White was eligible to assume the office of secretary of state after being elected to that post in the 2010 general election. The justices point out the average voter was aware of concerns surrounding White’s voter registration history and they will not, on the basis of the petition before them, “judicially disenfranchise voters who went to the polls.”
Judges reverse adoption completed while mother was out of state
The Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed the grant of an adoption petition by a child’s paternal grandparents, finding the matter was surrounded by irregular and fraudulent circumstances.
Justices rule for first time on FEGLIA preemption issue
In a dispute between two ex-wives over the life insurance policy of their deceased husband, the Indiana Supreme Court has ordered the trial court determine how much money each woman is entitled to.
Court upholds robbery conviction
The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed a woman’s Class B felony robbery conviction over her objections that the jury’s guilty finding for assisting a criminal is logically inconsistent with its guilty finding for robbery as an accomplice.
Retired Putnam County judge dies
Retired Putnam Superior Judge Sally Hallof Gray passed away Tuesday. She was 78.
Appellate court affirms ruling in retaliation lawsuit
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a northern Indiana judge’s decision granting summary judgment for a bank in a lawsuit filed by a former employee alleging retaliation in violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.
7th Circuit reverses Southern District judge
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed a decision by U.S. Judge Sarah Evans Barker in the Southern District of Indiana involving a former police officer’s claim that he was falsely arrested for murder following a shooting outside an Indianapolis bar.
COA affirms trial court in land rental dispute
The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed a trial court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of a tenant who was not given adequate notice to vacate rented land.
Judges affirm sentence for man who questions constitutionality of Indiana Code
A man’s criminal actions that resulted in a two-year sentence were not part of a single episode of criminal conduct, and therefore, his claim that his sentence was unconstitutional is without merit.
Justices reprimand former Marion County prosecutor
The Indiana Supreme Court has publicly reprimanded former Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi for statements he made about a high-profile murder case, and in doing so the state’s justices have set a new standard and issued a warning for prosecutors statewide: Be careful what you say.
Indiana Court Decisions – Feb. 23-March 7, 2012
Read summaries of the latest for publication opinions from the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and Indiana’s appeals courts.
Shield law ruling unique in nation
The Indiana Court of Appeals adopts a modified test in a defamation case.
Tort law case tests boundaries of ‘duty’
The Indiana Court of Appeals recently issued an opinion that answered some complicated questions about the point at which one person assumes a “duty” to another. But the panel did not reach a consensus, with one judge writing that the majority opinion could have a negative impact on public policy.
Marion County small claims under review
A two-judge task force looking into the operation of Marion County’s small claims courts has listened to complaints from the public about inconvenience and confusion with the current system and will consider if any changes are needed.
Questionable results of drug tests
Attorney Fran Watson worries that people have been wrongfully convicted in Indiana, and findings released from a court-appointed task force show that she may be justified in having that fear.
Divided Supreme Court rules on attorney fees case
The Indiana Supreme Court has affirmed the award of attorney fees to an Indiana town, although two justices disagreed and would have reversed the trial court.
Legislation to supplement IOLTA funds passes
Effective July 1, a fee of $1 for every civil filing will be awarded to the Indiana Bar Foundation to augment funding for its pro bono districts.
Justices: Tax Court erred in prima facie showing requirement
The Indiana Supreme Court has found that the Indiana Tax Court erred in requiring the state revenue department to produce more evidence of a proposed assessment of additional tax liability for a corporation.
New mailing address for bankruptcy court
At the end of March, the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Indiana will deactivate its Indianapolis post office box.