Psych exam ordered for man accused of firing gun at VA hospital
A federal judge has ordered a mental health evaluation for an Indianapolis man accused of opening fire at a Chicago veterans hospital earlier this month.
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Web Exclusive: ILS files labor-trafficking suit for migrant workers
A recently filed complaint on behalf of several foreign nationals who have traveled to the United States for work has Indiana Legal Services Migrant Farmworker Law Center attorney Kristin Hoffman excited.
Manpower, technology changes impact low wiretap use
According to data released by the United States Courts, wiretapping in federal and state courts was down by a combined 23 percent in 2018 compared to 2017. Likewise in Indiana, federal and state courts authorized 75 wiretaps in 2017, but only 46 in 2018, according to the data. Experts say staffing and law enforcement resources, as well as the cyclical ebb and flow of complex surveillance work account for the decline.
Plaintiffs challenge Mich. redistricting panel’s independence
The release of emails in the gerrymandering lawsuit brought by the League of Women Voters spurred Michigan residents to strip their legislators of redistricting duties and turn the mapmaking over to an independent commission. However, a new federal lawsuit is challenging the new body, asserting the exclusion of certain individuals violates the First and 14th amendments.
Long partisan gerrymandering fight ends, but struggle continues
For a team of Indiana lawyers who successfully litigated a case contesting partisan gerrymandering in Michigan, a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision was a disappointment that likely will vacate the judgment in their favor. Legal observers say the issue now will be fought in statehouses across the country.
Ex-East Chicago health offical’s suit over firing proceeds in part
A former East Chicago city employee who has alleged her constitutional rights were violated when she was fired from the city Health Department in 2015 has secured a partial victory from the Northern Indiana District Court, which also ruled partially in favor of city officials.
Rental repairs licensing requirement poses no burden to interstate commerce, 7th Circuit affirms
An Illinois man who owns rental property in Hammond failed to convince the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that a city licensing ordinance requiring he obtain a license to make repairs to his properties was discriminatory.
Federal jury convicts alleged drug ringleader, 4 others
The alleged leader of a violent Indianapolis-based drug trafficking ring has been convicted on federal drug charges. A federal jury in Evansville convicted Richard Grundy III and four co-defendants on all charges Thursday during the 14th day of their trial.
Leader of BAE tuition reimbursement scam sentenced
A Fort Wayne man has been sentenced to a year in prison and ordered to pay $566,000 in restitution for a tuition reimbursement scam involving dozens of former employees of a British defense contractor.
Epstein death shifts federal focus to possible conspirators
In the wake of Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide, federal prosecutors in New York have shifted their focus to possible charges against anyone who assisted or enabled him in what authorities say was his rampant sexual abuse.
House Judiciary sues to force McGahn to testify
The House Judiciary Committee took another step toward possible impeachment proceedings, filing a lawsuit in federal court on Wednesday aimed at forcing former White House counsel Donald McGahn to testify about his interactions with President Donald Trump.
Virginia transgender bathroom case: Judge favors ex-student
A federal judge in Virginia ruled Friday that a school board’s transgender bathroom ban discriminated against a former student, Gavin Grimm, the latest in a string of decisions nationwide that favor transgender students who faced similar policies.
Southern District bans on pro se prison filer for ‘pattern of dishonesty’
A pro se prisoner and serial litigator has been barred from making additional civil filings in the Southern District of Indiana unless he pays nearly $5,000 in filing fees. A judge also raised the possibility of a perjury referral for any future violations.
Man pleads guilty to robbery in Gary shootout that wounded agent
A Chicago man who was involved in an Indiana shootout in which a federal agent was wounded and another suspect was killed has pleaded guilty to robbery.
7th Circuit affirms pro bono denial; judges may recruit to amend complaints
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed the denial of a man’s request for pro bono representation, but not before correcting a district court’s reading of language about its discretion to recruit counsel until after the complaint was answered by the defendant.
Resuming executions: As DOJ reinstates capital punishment, Southern District unsure what’s next
With federal death row in its jurisdiction, the Southern Indiana District Court is preparing but does not know what to expect as the U.S. Department of Justice moves forward with the resumption of executions after nearly two decades.
Couple severely injured in motorcycle crash loses appeal of evidentiary rulings
A Dyer, Indiana, couple severely injured in a motorcycle accident has lost an appeal of a products liability suit against a motorcycle gear website, a tire manufacturer and Harley-Davidson.
Blind Hoosiers claim Indiana failing to provide access to benefits programs
Claiming “systemic violations of the civil rights of blind Indiana residents,” two individuals and the National Federation of the Blind filed a complaint in federal court Tuesday against the directors of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and the Indiana Division of Family Resources. The plaintiffs assert the defendants failed to provide printed communications about government benefits in alternative formats, such as Braille, and instead directed the blind individuals to have sighted third parties read the materials to them.
Northern District offering domestic violence representation CLE
Attorneys interested in representing victims of domestic violence in court can learn about providing pro bono civil assistance during a continuing legal education program offered by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.
District Court: IPS must face teacher’s age discrimination claims
A former Indianapolis Public Schools teacher’s age discrimination claims will proceed against her former employer after a district court judge determined that a factfinder could conclude that IPS failed to hire her because of her age.