7th Circuit cautions against ‘ostrich-like’ advocacy
Warning appellate lawyers not to ignore precedent, a 7th Circuit Court of Appeals decision today issues a short but clear message to not use “ostrich-like” tactics when briefing and arguing cases.
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COA delves into grammar in reversing trial court
The Indiana Court of Appeals issued three opinions Wednesday that dissect the grammar of a state statute in reversing a trial court’s decision regarding sentence enhancements.
7th Circuit rules on Indiana’s prison grievance process
Addressing a question for the first time about prison inmate complaints, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals held that a prisoner's participation in internal affairs investigations isn’t an alternative for the administrative process an inmate must follow in filing a grievance.
Supreme Court rules town can regulate aquifer’s water use
Underground aquifers are “watercourses” as defined by state law and as a result the Indiana Supreme Court says community officials have the ability to reasonably regulate how that water is taken out and used by other local governments.
Holiday court closures, bankruptcy court changes
Indiana’s courts will be closed Thursday in honor of Thanksgiving. However, some court offices will be available to handle emergencies on Friday.
COA orders trial court to award credit for time served
The Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled a trial court erred in calculating credit for time served but found the record was insufficient to prove that additional credit time should be awarded for the defendant’s participation in a drug-treatment program.
Magistrate applicants sought
St. Joseph Circuit Court Judge Michael Gotsch is seeking applicants for the position of magistrate judge.
Tax Court rules on inheritance tax valuation
The Indiana Tax Court has rejected an estate’s attempt to sidestep trial rules by allowing verified tax returns to stand in for affidavits in determining a property’s fair market value.
Justices accept two cases
The Indiana Supreme Court has granted transfer in two cases, one examining medical malpractice liability evidence for damages and another examining how Marion County’s mass tort litigation rules impact the overall goal of orderly and speedy justice in an asbestos case.
Court relies on equitable estoppel determination test
Examining both state and national caselaw in an appeal involving an Allen County car crash, the Indiana Court of Appeals has used a two-part test in determining whether equitable estoppel is available to those filing a claim.
COA: Serving notice on an adult’s parents isn’t adequate
The Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled that a trial court can’t serve notice on the home of someone’s parents if that adult doesn’t live there and expect that to serve as adequate notice for the party to appear in court.
Disciplinary actions 11/23/11
Read the latest disciplinary actions issued by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Knowing the possible consequences
Legal community works to ensure defendants know plea agreements could impact immigration status.
Unifying Indiana courts
Unification of courts is leading to greater efficiency and cooperation.
Targeting stolen money
AG says lawsuits against public officials show need for better oversight.
7th Circuit decides MDL appeal question
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeal wants each federal judge handling multi-district litigation to have the flexibility to choose between sending parts of unresolved cases back to the original courts or keep those in one jurisdiction, once a final district-level decision has been made and the time for appeal arrives.
COA affirms trial courts in truant kindergartner cases
The Indiana Court of Appeals has sided with the trial courts in two cases that have been consolidated in one appeal in determining that referral and attendance records for truant students were admissible at trial under the state’s business records exception.
Hammond City judge gets 60-day unpaid suspension
The Indiana Supreme Court has ordered that Hammond City Court Judge Jeffrey A. Harkin be suspended for 60 days without pay.
Court won’t remove trial judge in Simon case
The Indiana Court of Appeals has dismissed an appeal filed by Melvin Simon’s widow, finding that it doesn’t have jurisdiction to remove a Hamilton Superior judge from the case involving the late mall-magnate’s estate valued at more than $2 billion.