FBI shares hate crime statistics
In late September 2010, as part of the FBI Citizen’s Academy in Indianapolis, agents passed around photos from a cross burning that took place four years earlier in Muncie.
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Bankruptcy delays collection effort
Former East Chicago Mayor Robert Pastrick has filed for bankruptcy, putting on hold the state’s attempt to seize his property to help pay off the $108 million he owes from a civil racketeering default judgment against him.
Federal estate tax law takes effect
New tax changes went into effect Jan. 1 that include a 35 percent estate tax rate as well as a $5 million per person and $10 million per couple exemption.
Justices appoint judge pro tempore
Judge Julian L. Ridlen was appointed by the Indiana Supreme Court as judge pro tempore in Howard Superior Court 2, effective Jan. 1, 2011. Judge Ridlen takes over for Judge Stephen M. Jessup, who retired from the bench Dec. 31, 2010.
Court clarifies, reaffirms its prior back pay ruling
The Indiana Court of Appeals denied an Attorney General’s request to clarify a previous ruling that slashed a $42.4 million damages award, and clarified the two-month period from which state employees can recover back pay.
Governor names two new trial judges
Gov. Mitch Daniels has chosen two new judges for the state’s trial bench roster, one of those to succeed the jurist elevated earlier this year to the Indiana Supreme Court.
New Tax Court judge ‘honored and humbled’ by appointment
A longtime lawyer and tax specialist received an early Christmas gift this week, learning that she’ll be the state’s newest Tax Court judge and the first woman to hold a seat on that bench.
Governor names new Tax Court judge
Gov. Mitch Daniels has chosen attorney Martha Wentworth as the state’s second-ever judge on the Indiana Tax Court.
Court examines statute about paternity, child support
The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled on a matter of first impression today, analyzing a specific state statute relating to how a court can cancel child support arrearage after a man’s paternity is vacated based on new genetic testing.
6 counties get federal grant for drug courts
Drug courts in Delaware, Marion, Monroe, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Vigo counties will share $1 million from a Bureau of Justice Assistance Drug Court Discretionary Grant, the Indiana Supreme Court announced today. The award will help courts increase graduation rates and lower recidivism.
Law firm evolution hints how Evan Bayh could follow in his father’s footsteps – again
It all began with three prominent attorneys 30 years ago.
Politics pivotal in legal world
Some may say law and politics go together like love and marriage, but it’s more than a cliché when looking at how the Indiana legal community is being influenced and even transformed by the political process.
Unsuccessful Medicaid applicants aren’t entitled to in-person hearing
People whose applications have been denied for Medicaid disability benefits do not have a constitutional right to an in-person administrative hearing, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled.
Madison County joins Odyssey system
Madison County is the latest county to go online with the Indiana Supreme Court’s Odyssey case management system. The system connects counties to a network of courts, clerks, law enforcement, and other state agencies.
COA rules in favor of town on breach of contract claim
The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed partial summary judgment to a city that collected a lower monthly bill rate than what was required for wastewater treatment from a town for 15 years and then sued to recover more than $500,000 it believed was owed to it. The city never informed the town the sewage treatment rate increased or that it was embroiled in a lawsuit over the matter.
‘We The People’ students to witness naturalization ceremony
As part of a three-day program that includes state finals for a civics competition that the Indiana Bar Foundation oversees, students will witness a naturalization ceremony this evening in downtown Indianapolis.
Governor appoints former prosecutor candidate to ATC
Mark Massa, the Republican candidate for Marion County prosecutor, is the new chairman of the Alcohol & Tobacco Commission. Gov. Mitch Daniels announced the appointment Thursday.
Settlement reached on foster care rates
The Indiana Department of Child Services has agreed not to cut subsidies for foster and adoptive parents and other caregivers as part of a class-action settlement in federal court.
Judge’s collection inspired military museum in Vincennes
After starting his collection of World War II memorabilia as a child, almost three decades ago a judge in southern Indiana had amassed enough artifacts, including jets and tanks, to open a museum in Vincennes.
Attorneys help wounded warriors
Since June, a number of Indiana-based Army Reservists have been helping American soldiers in their greatest hour of need.