2011-2012 Civil Legal Aid Fund figures released
The Division of State Court Administration has released figures for 2011-2012, showing how the $1.5 million Civil Legal Aid Fund has been distributed among 11 qualifying agencies.
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Jefferson County celebrates reopening of courthouse
A fire in May 2009 displaced the courts and government offices. After more than two years, they were able to move back into the courthouse.
Economic woes hitting state’s public defense
Years ago, those working in the Porter County Public Defender Office reported seeing a bright blue Post-it note tagged to their caseload reports that said, “HELP!” in huge hand-written print. That was a common occurrence at a time when the local public defender’s office faced a critical overload point because of skyrocketing caseloads and too few attorneys.
Meth use linked to increase in CHINS
Leslie Dunn, Indiana state director for GAL/CASA, said the number of Child in Need of Services cases over time remains stable, but she’s seen some remarkable variations in cases per-county from year to year. In Vanderburgh County, for example, new CHINS cases jumped from 448 in 2008 to 818 in 2010. People who are watching these numbers with concern cite several possible reasons for these variations.
Toxic dust exposure leads to litigation
Indianapolis attorney Gabe Hawkins has already attended the funerals of three former clients, and he hopes that he won’t have to see a fourth before finally being able to say that the courtroom battle they’ve been waging for years has paid off.
Governor appoints new ALJ
Gov. Mitch Daniels announced Friday the appointment of Aaron Raff as chief administrative law judge for the State Employees’ Appeals Commission. He succeeds Judge William “Tim” Rider, who has accepted a position at the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board.
Lawmakers discuss Barnes police entry ruling
An Indiana summer study committee met for the second time Wednesday to discuss a state Supreme Court ruling from earlier this year involving the right to resist police entry into one’s home.
Justice touts Odyssey, counties seek addition judicial officers
The Commission on Courts meeting Wednesday contained some familiar elements: Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan testified regarding Odyssey and two trial judges have once again asked for an additional judicial officer.
New IPAC leader named
Longtime prosecutor David N. Powell from Greene County is the newest leader of the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council.
Class-action lawsuit filed over State Fair stage collapse
A class-action lawsuit filed by an Indianapolis law firm is the largest legal action to arise so far from the collapse of a concert stage at the Indiana State Fair.
Public to testify before Barnes subcommittee
The subcommittee formed to address the issue of illegal police entry following an Indiana Supreme Court ruling will hear public testimony and discuss draft language at its Wednesday meeting.
Commission on Courts to discuss JTAC, new judges
At its first meeting Wednesday, the Commission on Courts will hear updates on Judicial Technology and Automation Committee projects as well as requests for new judges.
Tax judge shoots down ‘Al Capone’ approach
In a blow to the Indiana attorney general’s office, the state’s tax judge has shot down a legal theory that used jeopardy tax assessments to go after a purported puppy mill in Harrison County.
Committees discuss trafficking, sex crimes, child protection
A tougher state law for human and child trafficking was a key topic on this week’s legislative interim study committees agendas. With the Super Bowl less than six months away, the Indiana attorney general’s office is pushing for prompt action.
DCS announces new foster care reimbursement rates
Following a lawsuit filed by foster parents after the Indiana Department of Child Services announced in 2009 that it was going to decrease the foster care per diem by 10 percent, the department announced Friday that it has come up with new reimbursement rates beginning Jan. 1, 2012.
Damage cap limits state’s potential losses from concert tragedy
Total damages the Indiana State Fair could pay victims of last Saturday's concert tragedy would be capped at $5 million—an amount personal-injury lawyers say is far too low for the injuries and deaths involved.
Legislators to look at sex offenses, reporting laws in wake of Anthony trial
The Criminal Code Evaluation Commission is meeting Thursday morning to discuss sex crimes and sex offenders, and other issues, according to its revised meeting agenda. Later that day, the Criminal Law and Sentencing Policy Study Committee is going to take a look at Indiana’s laws regarding reporting a dead body or missing child.
Casino winnings pay child support
Indiana’s casinos have blocked payouts to hundreds of state gamblers who are behind on their child support payments during the past year.
Determining dependency in child support
A new law merges what guidelines had previously only recommended.
Beyers: Law makes dishonesty legal on applications
Attorney Bill Beyers writes about a new law enacted by the Legislature that has made it easier for people with a criminal history to obtain employment.