State death penalty cases averaged 17 years
When the moment of death finally arrives, it ends what may be described as a long legal journey to justice within the capital punishment system.
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Articles
Immigration bill could bring Indiana into the national spotlight
On May 9, Indiana was still awaiting word about whether Gov. Mitch Daniels would sign Senate Enrolled Act 590. After a protracted volley between the House and Senate, the bill designed to crack down on illegal immigration passed on April 29, its language considerably altered from the introduced version.
Enduring legal process doesn’t change parents’ desire for justice
For 11 years, Dale and Connie Sutton’s lives as parents have been about ensuring what they see as justice for their murdered daughter.
ICJI board appoints new executive director
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute has appointed Mark Massa as executive director.
Prosecutor undergoes bypass surgery
Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry underwent cardiac bypass surgery Monday at an Indianapolis-area hospital.
COA affirms perjury, misconduct convictions against children’s caseworker
The Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled that that a closed hearing on a juvenile proceeding was admissible as evidence in the perjury trial of an Indiana Department of Child Services caseworker.
AG’s food drive raises more than 140,000 pounds of food
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller’s March Against Hunger challenge among law firms has raised the equivalent of nearly 144,000 pounds of food for needy Hoosiers.
General Assembly wraps up on time
The 2011 session of the Indiana General Assembly ended on schedule despite the weeks-long walkout by House Democrats. Now, bills impacting Indiana’s courts and legal community make their way to the governor’s desk.
Indianapolis attorney to represent accused USS Cole bomber mastermind
A week after the federal government announced it would seek the death penalty against the prime suspect in the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, the Department of Defense has appointed an Indianapolis attorney to represent the man who will face the first military tribunal under President Barack Obama’s administration.
Justices reverse forfeiture of truck
The Indiana Supreme Court agreed with the lower appellate court that a man’s truck shouldn’t have been lost in a civil forfeiture action because the state didn’t prove any substantial connection between the truck and the commission of a crime.
Judge: Governor doesn’t have to testify in IBM case
Marion Superior Judge David Dreyer has ruled that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels doesn’t have to testify about his involvement in the cancelled multi-million dollar IBM contract to modernize the state’s welfare system.
COA affirms transfer penalty for nursing home resident
The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed a finding by the Family and Social Services Administration that an elderly woman was not entitled to Medicaid nursing home benefits in the eight months after she gave $35,500 to her nephew and his wife.
Balancing philosophical with practical concerns regarding death penalty
Indiana Lawyer takes an in-depth look at the death penalty in the "Cost of Justice" series.
Green construction poses legal risks
Standard contracts aren’t adequate for this budding industry.
Legally preserving history
Real estate, property negligence, and zoning laws are often utilized to preserve, restore, or protect sites having historic significance.
Bill expands merit selection
Lawmakers consider election vs. selection of Superior county judges in Lake County.
SCOTUS denies case between Indiana agencies on 11th Amendment
The Supreme Court of the United States won’t take an Indiana case which delved into whether the 11th Amendment prohibits an independent state agency from suing a traditional state agency in federal court.
Judges address ‘public utility’ questions
In a case of first impression in this state, the Indiana Court of Appeals has determined that BP Products North America Inc.'s petroleum refinery plant in northern Indiana isn’t a public utility as defined by state statute when it acts as a sort of conduit and provides natural gas and other services such as steam and wastewater to other private companies nearby.
Justices put school board member back on Hammond mayoral ballot
The Indiana Supreme Court late Thursday reversed a decision from a Lake Superior judge and put a nonpartisan school board member back on the ballot for the Hammond mayoral run in the upcoming primary election.
Legislation impacting judiciary awaiting final approval
Several bills that may alter the look of the Indiana judiciary await final approval during the waning days of the 2011 legislative session.