Former Jackson Circuit Judge Robert R. Brown dies
Robert R. Brown, retired Jackson Circuit judge, died Sept. 12 at his Brownstown home. He was 78.
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COA orders new trial for overly talkative defendant
In a divided opinion, the Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed a trial court’s denial of motion for mistrial, holding that the court went too far in physically preventing a defendant from speaking.
Civic index numbers show Indiana trails most states in voter turnout
The inaugural Indiana Civic Health Index shows that while the state is on-par with national standards in volunteerism, its voter turnout and registration are among the lowest in the country.
Court reverses decision denying trial counsel appointment
The Indiana Court of Appeals has determined a Jay Superior judge didn’t look at a defendant’s “total financial picture” when assessing his need for a court-appointed attorney. It has ordered a new indigency evaluation and trial for the misdemeanor battery charge.
Justices split on appellate review of prisoner litigant’s claim
One of Indiana's most well-known pro se prisoner litigants convinced two of the state justices that his latest appeal should get their attention, but the other three denied transfer relating to how the Indiana Court of Appeals dismissed the case.
Court sends reminder on permanent withdrawal rules
Note to Indiana attorneys: don’t permanently relinquish your law license in this state unless you’re absolutely sure you won’t ever want to return. If you do, don’t be surprised if you have to take the bar exam again.
COA: surety agency’s lack of timely action justifies fines
The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed a trial court’s determination that a surety agency failed to comply with Indiana Code and is therefore liable for a deceased man’s bond.
Justices consider state back-pay suit
Almost a year after the Indiana Court of Appeals significantly slashed a $42.4 million damages award against the state, the Indiana Supreme Court heard arguments Sept. 8 on whether past and present employees can recover back pay and how much should be awarded.
Constructing contracts for safety
Indiana Supreme Court case examines construction manager’s liability.
New magistrate takes the oath
U.S. Magistrate Denise K. LaRue was sworn in Sept. 8 as the Southern District of Indiana’s newest magistrate.
Recent medical malpractice opinion causes some lawyers concern
Attorneys have asked the Indiana Supreme Court to weigh in on a recent ruling that has left some people wondering about the future of medical malpractice law.
2 Indiana lawyers part of legal team representing plaintiffs in 9/11 litigation
Even now, chills run down Mary Beth Ramey’s spine when she stands along the canal in downtown Indianapolis and thinks about how that spot ties into the litigation she’s been involved in for the past decade.
Judges disagree on whether use of names or initials is appropriate
A clear divide exists at the Indiana Court of Appeals these days and is anything but confidential. Judges are debating whether parties’ names on certain cases should be released publicly or be shielded through use of initials only.
Questioning judicial campaign contributions
The American Bar Association urges states to adopt recusal rules because of judicial fundraising concerns.
Damage of personal property not unconstitutional taking
The Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of a sanitary district in a suit against it alleging an unconstitutional taking of homeowners’ personal property after sewage backed up into their homes. The judges relied on a case from Nevada to support their decision.
Supreme Court takes 4 cases
The Indiana Supreme Court has granted transfer to four cases, including two cases dealing with double jeopardy issues.
Appeals court sets arguments in Camm case
The Indiana Court of Appeals has schedule oral arguments in the case of the former Indiana State Police trooper accused of killing his wife and children in 2000.
COA affirms lower court in shoe-killing case
The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld a post-conviction court’s determination that a man convicted of kicking another man to death cannot appeal his conviction.
Civic health study results available Sept. 14
The Indiana Supreme Court announced Thursday that the results of the first-ever Indiana Civic Health Index will be released Sept. 14. The study release is in conjunction with an advanced screening of the movie “We the People,” which chronicles America’s history and its founding documents.