St. Joseph Bar evaluates judges
The St. Joseph County Bar Association has released the results of its 2009 survey evaluating Superior Court judges. This is the second time the bar association has completed and published this survey.
Indiana Trial Courts
Articles
AG files suit against former town employees
The Indiana Attorney General filed a suit Monday against former Chesterfield town officials seeking recovery of more than $259,000 in public funds they allegedly defrauded from the town government.
Federal judge still won’t block Voter ID law
A week before some Indiana voters go to the polls, a federal judge in Indianapolis has declined to block the state's voter identification law that's currently in flux following a state appellate court ruling in September.
‘Vampire’ sentenced for threatening judge
A man who believes he's a vampire pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of Class D felony intimidation for threats he made toward a Marion Superior Judge in 2008.
Court implements new staff training
The Marion Superior Court has started a new continuing court education program for its employees as part of an ongoing effort to better serve staff and the community. The training was the first in a series of mandatory sessions planned for 2009.
Commission wants judge suspended now
The Indiana Judicial Qualifications Commission agrees with a three-masters panel that a Marion Superior judge should be removed from the bench but wants him immediately suspended while the Indiana Supreme Court considers his final punishment.
Masters call for Marion Superior judge’s removal
A three-judge panel is recommending that a Marion Superior judge be removed from the bench for judicial misconduct.
Court consolidates Lake County voter cases
The Indiana Supreme Court has stepped in to settle conflicting rulings from two Lake County courts regarding early-voting sites in East Chicago, Gary, and Hammond, deciding that consolidating the cases to proceed in Lake Superior Court is the "most orderly approach."
Investiture for St. Joseph judge Friday
Recently appointed St. Joseph Superior Judge Margot F. Reagan will officially take the bench Dec. 5 with a 4 p.m. robing ceremony in the Superior Court courtroom in the St. Joseph County Courthouse.
Gov. names judge to new Miami Superior Court
Miami Superior Judge Daniel C. Banina has been appointed by Gov. Mitch Daniels as judge of the newly created Miami Superior Court II. Judge Banina will become judge of the new court Jan. 1.
Ukrainian judges observe Indiana legal system
Five Ukrainian judges have been in central Indiana this week examining the U.S. judicial system.
Judge argues for suspension, not removal
A Marion Superior judge who's been suspended from the bench pending a final decision from the Indiana Supreme Court believes his penalty should fall somewhere between a public reprimand and removal.
Special masters named in senior judge’s case
The Indiana Supreme Court has named three trial judges to serve as special masters in the disciplinary action against Senior Judge Walter P. Chapala, formerly of the LaPorte Superior Court.
Senior judge accused of misconduct
The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications has filed five charges against a senior judge and former LaPorte Superior Court judge, alleging he violated ethics rules while serving as an elected judge.
Absentee ballots challenged in Marion County
Republicans in Indiana are challenging early votes again, only this time Marion County absentee ballots are being questioned.
Court sanctions Allen County judge
The Indiana Supreme Court has suspended Allen Superior Judge Kenneth R. Scheibenberger for three days without pay as part of an agreement to resolve a judicial misconduct action.
Study to examine trial court reform
The Indiana Supreme Court's Division of State Court Administration is working with the Indiana University Center for Urban Policy and Environment to study ways to make the state's trial courts more equitable and efficient.
Appeals filed in challenged mail-in ballot ruling
The plaintiffs in a Marion County suit involving how challenged mail-in absentee ballots are counted have filed a verified appellate Rule 56(a) motion for the Indiana Supreme Court to accept jurisdiction over their appeal.
New St. Joseph Superior judge appointed
Gov. Mitch Daniels has appointed South Bend attorney Margot Fisher Reagan to St. Joseph Superior Court to replace the retired Judge William T. Means.
Former commissioner testifies against judge
A former Marion County commissioner took the stand against the judge she once worked for, hinting at a pattern of disorganization in his courtroom. However, she took most of the blame for an almost two-year delay in releasing a man who had been cleared of rape charges.