2022 in review: Honorable mentions
While the “top stories” of each year are usually easy to define, there are always other stories that, while perhaps not as high-profile, are equally as important to our readers.
Indiana Supreme Court
Articles
Justices grant transfer to 1, deny 6
Indiana justices granted transfer to one case last week, handing down an opinion while declining to review six other petitions for transfer.
IN justices: Trial courts must show ‘good cause’ for remote hearings, but error in commitment case was harmless
If a party objects to holding a remote hearing, a trial court can’t deny the motion by simply citing COVID-19 without further elaboration.
Indiana Supreme Court asks for funding swap to support technology initiatives
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush outlined the judicial branch’s biennial budget request for a 7% increase in funding, highlighting the work of the court technology office and its need for a steady stream of funding.
State says IN Supreme Court must end ‘significant uncertainty’ created by ruling in RFRA challenge to abortion law
While preparing to defend the state’s abortion ban against a constitutional challenge now at the Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana is asking the justices to review a second challenge that claims the ban violates the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Indiana Supreme Court splits but still denies multiple transfer petitions
A dispute between a divorced husband and wife that became more inflamed when the arbitrator submitted, and the trial court adopted, an erroneous report caused a split in the Indiana Supreme Court over the decision not to grant transfer.
Justices reinstate murder conviction in Gary shooting based on ‘whole picture of the evidence’
The Indiana Supreme Court has reinstated a man’s murder and attempted murder convictions related to a 2020 fatal shooting in Gary, rejecting the defendant’s evidentiary challenges and finding that the “whole picture” supports the convictions.
Indiana appealing 2nd court decision blocking abortion ban
A second legal challenge that has blocked Indiana’s abortion ban from being enforced could also be headed to the state Supreme Court.
Justices deny transfer in 24 cases, including case regarding conviction for crime defendant ‘did not commit’
The Indiana Supreme Court denied transfer to 24 cases for the week ending Dec. 2, including one case that split the court.
2 appointed, 1 reappointed to Board of Law Examiners
The Indiana Board of Law Examiners, which is responsible for administering the bar examination, is welcoming two new members from the private bar who will serve five-year terms.
CJ Rush: ‘Rare and exceptional’ case ‘highlights the disparity’ in sentencing alternatives
Indiana Supreme Court justices have split in denying transfer to a drug case, with the chief justice writing in dissent that the defendant’s maximum sentence should be reduced because he didn’t have access to problem-solving courts.
Justices to hear drainage dispute, mental health murder case this month
The Indiana Supreme Court will hear two oral arguments this month, including a case involving a drainage dispute and a case in which a mental health patient killed his grandfather.
Northeastern Indiana attorney reinstated after suspension
Angola attorney Amanda R. German has been reinstated to the practice of law after being suspended last month for noncooperation with an investigation by the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission.
Wells Co. prosecutor publicly reprimanded after intervening between son, law enforcement
Wells County Prosecutor Andrew John Carnall has been publicly reprimanded after he improperly engaged with law enforcement during an incident involving his son this past summer.
AG asks Indiana Supreme Court to hear COVID case against Ball State
The Indiana attorney general wants the Indiana Supreme Court to weigh in on a lawsuit that seeks punitive damages for COVID-related college campus closures.
Indiana Supreme Court grants transfer to fight over roof repair
A dispute involving a roof repair that led to a breach of contract claim and a counterclaim alleging a violation of the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act is headed for the Indiana Supreme Court after the justices granted transfer to the case.
COA uses Supreme Court’s silence since Wadle in rejecting double jeopardy appeal
In considering the appeal from a woman convicted in the death of her boyfriend, the Court of Appeals of Indiana continued to wrestle with the fallout of Wadle v. State, which overturned the long-used test for resolving substantive double jeopardy claims.
Dean’s Desk: The IU Maurer School of Law and the Indiana Supreme Court
On Nov. 1, my first day as the 17th dean of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, I attended the robing ceremony for Derek Molter, Indiana’s 111th Supreme Court justice.
2 counties piloting framework focused on child welfare
LaPorte and Tippecanoe counties are piloting a National Center for State Courts project called “Upstream,” a framework which aims to prevent child maltreatment and out-of-home placement, reduce court involvement, and support safe and healthy families.
Dollens: 2022 DTCI amicus activity in Indiana appellate courts
This year, the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana participated as amicus in a variety of issues of significant interest to the defense bar.