New provisions shine light on patent process
One addition under the America Invents Act is the public has the opportunity to participate in pre- and post-grant reviews.
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Victim funds create legal, public policy issues
Kenneth Feinberg, an authority on victim compensation funds, says circumstances warranting these types of programs are “rare.”
Zoeller, senators at odds over immigration law
Indiana lawmakers seek to intervene with aid of Kansas official Kris Kobach.
Task force, billboards part of AG’s prescription drug abuse fight
Billboards around Indiana are part of an awareness campaign about the dangers of prescription drug abuse announced Monday by Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller.
Payne resigns as head of DCS
James W. Payne, the director of the Indiana Department of Child Services since 2004, submitted his resignation letter Monday to Gov. Mitch Daniels. The resignation comes after news reports raised questions about his involvement in DCS actions pertaining to his grandchildren.
Study committees to look at workers’ comp, criminal history
This week at the Statehouse, interim committees will discuss issues including criminal history, criminal sentences and workers’ compensation.
Chief justice approves master jury list
Indiana Chief Justice Brent Dickson has signed off on the 2013 master list for jury pool assembly. The Judicial Technology & Automation and Jury committees merged data from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Department of Revenue to create the list. Any obvious duplicate information, errors or nonqualified persons were removed.
DCS launching pilot to address children with mental health issues
The Department of Child Services announced Monday that it will fund a two-month pilot program that will utilize local services to provide help for juveniles with mental health issues.
Governor appoints Rush to Supreme Court
Gov. Mitch Daniels has selected Tippecanoe Superior Judge Loretta Rush to sit on the Indiana Supreme Court. Rush is the second woman to serve on the state's highest court.
Attorney general’s office will now represent DCS on appeal
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced Thursday afternoon that the attorney general’s office will take over appellate representation of the Department of Child Services. DCS currently utilizes attorneys of its choice in appellate matters.
Proposed med mal complaint fee divides Court of Appeals
In a dissent from Judge Nancy Vaidik involving a proposed medical malpractice complaint filed with the Department of Insurance before filing fees were paid, Vaidik claimed Judge James Kirsch created a new test to determine whether a complaint is timely filed and shifted the burden of ensuring fees are paid to the Department of Insurance instead of the attorney.
Man’s barking dogs did not violate noise ordinance
An Indianapolis man will be able to keep all four of his dogs after the Indiana Court of Appeals found that complaints by just one neighbor about barking didn’t support finding he violated a local noise ordinance. The trial judge had ordered he get rid of two of his dogs.
Sept. 11 victims fund chief shares poignant, practical experience
Kenneth Feinberg brought tears to many of the attorneys who heard him speak Tuesday at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis about overseeing the compensation fund for victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.
LSA leaves opinions at the door
In a world of partisan wrangling, the Legislative Services Agency has “jealously guarded” its nonpartisan nature.
Attorneys seek to help homeless veterans
Legal issues are often obstacles in veterans finding permanent housing.
Lawsuits test gun restrictions at polling places, local regulations
Can you carry a gun to the ballot box? With a few narrow exceptions, the answer appears to be yes. A lawsuit filed last month in St. Joseph Superior Court could clarify further whether a 2011 law that voids local firearm regulations would make efforts to keep guns out of voting precincts illegal.
Sex offender registry listings subject of court appeals
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals says DOC must fix errors; The Indiana Court of Appeals recently heard an ex post facto claim.
CCEC Work Group proposes sweeping revision to the Indiana Criminal Code
The Indiana General Assembly’s Criminal Code Evaluation Commission has started another round of hearings to collect data and recommendations for revising the state’s criminal statutes. A key element of this review will be an extensive study of significant sections of Title 35 by the CCEC Work Group.
Sept. 11, State Fair compensation expert Feinberg to speak
Attorney and victim compensation expert Kenneth Feinberg will speak Tuesday at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis about efforts to compensate victims of the Indiana State Fair stage collapse that included an unsuccessful settlement offer.
7th Circuit rejects disability appeal
An Indiana man lost his appeal of denial of Social Security disability benefits Friday at the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.