Rising CHINS cases cause concern
Southern Indiana counties struggle with increase in child abuse cases.
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11th Circuit strikes portion of health-care reform law
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled on a challenge to the federal health-care law filed by numerous states, including Indiana, and found the federal mandate that individuals have to purchase health insurance or face a penalty to be unconstitutional.
COA: Names in workforce development cases aren’t confidential
From now on, the Indiana Court of Appeals will publish full names of parties on workforce development review board cases after determining state statute doesn’t require those to be kept confidential in public court records.
Indiana AG sues Florida foreclosure firm owned by lawyer
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller has filed a complaint against a for-profit Florida foreclosure consultant company that Zoeller claims operated illegally in 15 Indiana counties and failed to provide refunds to customers after services were not provided.
Appeals court affirms sending employee appeal back to agency
The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed the grant of a fired Department of Correction employee’s petition for judicial review, finding that it was clear on the record that an administrative agency’s action was without evidentiary foundation. The appellate court noted the difficulty the judge had in conducting the judicial review due to deficiencies in recording testimony.
Judges split over order property owner pay for construction of drainage-ditch arm
The Indiana Court of Appeals was divided in its ruling on whether a man whose land sits higher and isn’t prone to flooding should have to pay for the reconstruction of an arm of a nearby drainage ditch. The dissenting judge wrote that Wednesday’s decision will promote “water wars” between neighbors.
DCS to host Foster Families Night at Gary baseball stadium
As a part of the series of events the Indiana Department of Child Services is holding to show appreciation for foster families, a Foster Families Night will be held Aug. 13 at the Gary SouthShore RailCats game.
Indiana joins suit against for-profit college company
Indiana has filed a joint complaint in a whistleblower suit against Education Management Corp., which alleges the for-profit college company and two of its subsidiaries received more than $12 million in state financial aid after making false claims and misrepresentations to the state.
7th Circuit upholds mail fraud convictions
Although it found the evidence presented in a mail fraud case “thin,” the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals viewed it as enough to send the case involving three Calumet Township Trustee’s Office employees to the jury.
UPL victims urged to claim refunds
The Office of the Indiana Attorney General is asking the victims of the United Financial Systems unauthorized practice of law case to apply soon if they want to receive restitution.
AG: DCS out-of-state placements shouldn’t be reviewable by courts
An Indiana Supreme Court decision upholding three statutes relating to juvenile judges’ authority on out-of-state placement cases created what the state attorney general’s office calls too much confusion, and the justices should revisit the ruling it made a little more than a month ago.
Indiana files appellate brief in Planned Parenthood case
The Office of the Indiana Attorney General filed its appellate brief Monday asking the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals to lift a preliminary injunction against parts of the new abortion-provider law cutting public Planned Parenthood funding.
Lawyers offer legal expertise in the political arena
Lawyers venturing into politics is not a new concept. But how much influence do those office-seeking or campaign-supporting attorneys and judges have on the political process, and does it really matter if people have a law degree as part of their background?
Lawyer lands winning in-house lottery job
When Andrew Klinger decided to take a job as corporate counsel for a state agency, he was essentially playing the odds like someone buying a lottery ticket.
DOJ: No charges against cops involved in arrest of Indianapolis teen
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday that it’s closed its investigation into whether federal criminal civil rights charges should be filed against the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers involved in the arrest of Indianapolis teenager Brandon Johnson. Johnson claimed officers used excessive force while trying to arrest him.
Criminal Code, Sentencing Policy committees meet this week
Lawmakers and other stakeholders will discuss issues surrounding Indiana criminal code and sentencing at interim study committee meetings this week.
Applicants vie to become next IPAC director
A four-person search committee continues reviewing applications of individuals who have expressed interest in becoming the next Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council director. About 20 people have applied to take over the post after the agency’s current leader, Stephen Johnson, retires Aug. 1.
Justices accept 5 cases
The Indiana Supreme Court has granted transfer to five cases, including a first impression issue dealing with Social Security income and restitution.
Ex-mayor argues $108 million judgment can be discharged in bankruptcy
The ex-East Chicago mayor hit with a $108 million racketeering judgment because of public corruption wants a federal bankruptcy court to dismiss a civil complaint against him that questions whether the judgment is dischargeable under bankruptcy code.
Judge approves proposed settlement agreement
A federal judge has approved a proposed settlement agreement in a class-action lawsuit against the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration alleging that an agency policy that doesn’t allow certain Medicaid waiver enrollees to apply for services other than what’s been approved by their case manager is in violation of federal Medicaid law.