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.
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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.
Justices rule on applicable statute of limitations
The Indiana Supreme Court decided Thursday that the period within the general statute of limitations controls the limitation period when a medical provider may seek payment of outstanding bills for authorized treatment to an employer’s worker. The justices came to that conclusion after finding the Worker’s Compensation Act is silent on what the applicable limitation period is for this matter.
COA finds Army discipline does not exempt defendant from prosecution
The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed a trial court denial of a man’s motion to dismiss, rejecting his argument that being reprimanded by the United States Army precludes him from prosecution for the same offense.
Justices: court could impose only 1 juvenile commitment
The Indiana Supreme Court has issued an opinion affirming that a juvenile may not be sentenced to both a determinate and indeterminate commitment.
Terre Haute Odyssey demonstration
The Terre Haute City Court and clerk will demonstrate for the public the new Odyssey case management system at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 21 in Terre Haute City Court, City Hall, 17 Harding Ave. Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan, Jr. will join local court officials to answer questions about the system and show the public how it works.
Justice’s wife honored for support of judiciary
Jan Aikman Dickson, the wife of Indiana Justice Brent E. Dickson, will be inducted into the Warren E. Burger Society Friday. Membership in this society honors those who have shown a commitment to improving the administration of justice through service or support to the National Center for State Courts.
Court rules arbitration provision null and void
Tackling an issue of first impression, the Indiana Court of Appeals concluded that an arbitration provision in a loan agreement from a payday loan provider is null and void on the grounds of impossibility because the arbitrator named in the document is no longer available.
Justices suspend Logansport lawyer for 1 year
The Indiana Supreme Court suspended a Logansport attorney for one year because he routinely allowed his secretary to prepare and sign his name on bankruptcy petitions and other court documents, including one petition that she mistakenly filed in the wrong District.