Articles

2 county court systems get e-filing approval

Two of Indiana’s largest counties are getting close to putting electronic filing plans into place after receiving a green
light from the Indiana Supreme Court late last year and early this year for pilot projects.

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Legal process on mental illness isn’t yet where it should be

Courts nationally began in the mid-1990s to focus on mental illness and how the judiciary could fine-tune what it does to
better address that issue. But many within the Hoosier legal community say that the criminal justice system hasn’t gone far
enough in the past decade, and both the courts and society are a long way from where they need to be on addressing mental
illness.

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Venue move rarity

A southern Indiana judge's decision to survey residents about their knowledge of a high-profile murder case is raising
questions within the legal community. It may signal a first for this type of court-conducted questioning aimed at determining
whether a third trial should be moved elsewhere in the state.

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Suspended LaPorte judge acquitted at trial

A suspended LaPorte Superior judge has been acquitted of any criminal charges involving an accidental shooting where her
head was grazed by a bullet and led to accusations that she tried to cover up details about what happened.

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State funding of judges being explored

Lawmakers rejected a southern Indiana county's request this week for a new judge to run a family court, even though it proposes paying for it locally rather than with state money.

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Legislature’s end suspenseful for legal community

As the Indiana General Assembly got down to its final hours in a short-session, significant changes for the Hoosier legal community were on the table to possibly increase the number of appellate judges, change how one county chooses its trial judges, and impact how juveniles can be placed outside the state.

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Judge wins national award for drug court

Noble Superior Judge Michael J. Kramer was nationally recognized for his work as judge of the Noble County Drug Court. Judge Kramer was named an Advocate of the Year at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America's National Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. He received the award at a luncheon Thursday.

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Court commissioner publicly admonished

A Delaware County Commissioner has been publicly admonished for his conduct after receiving a parking ticket in February 2009. Commissioner Brian M. Pierce, who serves as the Delaware Circuit Juvenile Commissioner, admitted to violating Rules 1.2 and 1.3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct. He received a parking ticket for parking in the wrong direction. […]

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AG files suit to recover taxpayer money

The Indiana Attorney General has filed a complaint in St. Joseph Circuit Court to recover public money that the former Lakeville
clerk-treasurer allegedly spent on personal items like movie rentals and satellite television.

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Workshop examines foster care

Child Advocates and the Marion Superior Court’s Juvenile Division are hosting a workshop this week in Indianapolis to examine why more African-American children are in the county’s foster care than other races.

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Former justice discusses merit selection

During a visit to South Bend today, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor pushed a message that merit selection is the best way to ensure an independent judiciary, though her words come at a time when state lawmakers are close to scrapping that very system in the county she visited.

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Tipton City Court judge dies

Tipton City Court Judge Lewis Daily Harper died Aug. 14 at the age of 85. Judge Harper became city judge in 1997; he also worked as a real estate broker.

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