AG wants Melendez-Diaz overturned
The Indiana Attorney General's Office is joining several states in co-authoring an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court of the United States to modify or overturn its decision in Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts
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Indiana delegation attending ABA summit
Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard is heading an Indiana delegation that will attend the American Bar Association's national summit to foster cooperation and communication among the three branches of state government.
First impression in jury rule issue
The participation of alternate jurors in discussions of evidence during recesses from trial, as allowed under Indiana Jury Rule 20(a)(8), doesn't violate Indiana statute that prevents alternates from participating in deliberations. The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled on the matter for the first time today.
Need remains for GAL/CASA help in Indiana
While more than 4,000 Indiana children remain on a waiting list for advocates in cases that involve abuse and neglect, Guardian Ad Litem/Court Appointed Special Advocates programs recruited and trained 911 new volunteers, a 50 percent increase from 2007, according to the 2008 statewide Court Appointed Special Advocates statistics made available today.
COA invites high court to revisit Indiana law
In a case involving the purchase of a home, Indiana Court of Appeals judges today disagreed as to whether the home sellers should be granted summary judgment in a fraud suit. The judges unanimously did agree to encourage the Indiana Supreme Court to re-evaluate a rule that protects a seller from a lawsuit, even if he lies about a property, as long as the prospective buyer had a reasonable opportunity to inspect the property.
Attorney sentenced to 2 years in prison
An attorney who pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death as a Class C felony has been sentenced to two years in the Indiana Department of Correction.
Judges split in termination ruling
In an opinion involving whether a worker was fired for just cause after multiple excused absences, the majority acknowledged the split in the Indiana Court of Appeals regarding the reasonableness of "no-fault" attendance policies.
Judge’s suspension begins Feb. 11
An Allen County judge sanctioned as a result of his conduct in a fellow jurist's courtroom will serve a three-day suspension without pay beginning Feb. 11, the Indiana Supreme Court announced today.
COA rules on coal bed gas dispute
In settling a dispute between two Illinois companies regarding who has the legal right to recover coal bed methane gas, the Indiana Court of Appeals made its decision based on public safety and ruled in favor of the company assigned the coal bed gas lease.
Reception honors retiring Fulton Circuit judge
The public is invited to attend a reception honoring Fulton Circuit Judge Douglas B. Morton as he retires from the bench.
Governor appoints Wayne County judge
Charles K. Todd, a private practice attorney, has been appointed by Gov. Mitch Daniels as judge of Wayne Superior Court 1.
Adoption statute allows for subsequent consents
The statutes governing adoption and public policy don't prohibit the execution of subsequent adoption consents, ruled the Indiana Court of Appeals. In In the matter of the adoption of A.S., D.S., C.S., and J.S., minor children, by next friend M.L.S., No. 49A02-0901-CV-60, M.L.S. appealed the probate court's ruling denying her petition to adopt A.S., D.S., C.S., […]
Court doesn’t order contempt sanctions on state
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals was presented with the question in an Indiana case of how much non-compliance of a consent decree involving Medicaid applications is needed before a District Court can impose civil contempt sanctions.
COA reverses assisting criminal conviction
The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed a woman's conviction of misdemeanor assisting a criminal Jan. 2 because the state failed to define "fugitive from justice" and prove the criminal was charged with an offense in another state and fled to Indiana.
Federal judge OKs state’s judicial canons
A federal judge says the Indiana Supreme Court can regulate judicial speech through its cannons, and has ruled the existing rules do not violate a judge or judicial candidate's constitutional free speech or association rights.
Lawmaker wants additional judge for Indiana
A bill proposed this week would add a new federal judgeship to the Southern District of Indiana, a recommendation that's been pitched for years but has failed to garner enough legislative support.
Lawyer appointed to fill city judge seat
The Indiana Supreme Court on Monday appointed attorney Michael D. Edwards to serve as judge pro tempore of Bicknell City Court.
COA to hear arguments at Indy high school
Indiana's Court of Appeals will hear arguments at an Indianapolis high school Friday in a case determining whether a juvenile committed auto theft, a Class D felony if committed by an adult.
Gov. appoints Madison Superior judge
Attorney David A. Happe is the new judge of Madison Superior Court IV.
Justices: judicial discipline now moot
The Indiana Supreme Court has ended a disciplinary action against a former LaPorte Superior judge who'd served in senior capacity for three years because that jurist has retired and will no longer practice law.