New judicial selection battle ahead?
Indiana may soon see its next battle over how the state’s top judges are selected.
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Disconnect between immigrants and the law leads to confusion
After chatting with a colleague, Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Fogle decided something needed to be done about the relationship between immigrants and law enforcement.
ACLU of Indiana files suit against immigration legislation
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday in the U.S. District Court’s Southern District of Indiana, challenging the wording of a new Indiana law designed to curb illegal immigration.
Change allows closed-circuit testimony for child victims
On July 1, Indiana will begin allowing the use of closed-circuit testimony in certain court cases. Introduced as House Bill 1215 and signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels, the amendment to Indiana Criminal Code 35-37-4-6 may help minimize emotional distress for child victims.
Students push for immigration reform
House Enrolled Act 1402 may make tuition unaffordable for some students.
Governor vetoes forfeiture legislation
Gov. Mitch Daniels has vetoed Senate Enrolled Act 215, which designated what percentage of funds from forfeitures would go to prosecutors, law enforcement, and the Indiana Common School Fund.
Governor signs courts, judicial age bills
Gov. Mitch Daniels has signed into law changes to various courts around the state, as well as the legislation that removes age restrictions of certain judges who run for office.
Bill causes concern for civic education
As educators and legal professionals continue their struggle to make civic education a priority for students, the Indiana Legislature has passed a bill that may put more pressure on teachers to focus on test scores rather than overall student development.
Bills on courts, forfeiture before governor
Several Indiana counties will have their Circuit and Superior courts unified and certain judges will no longer have to be less than 70 years old when they take office, thanks to legislation passed during the 2011 session of the General Assembly.
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.
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.
House Republicans vote to fine absent Democrats
The Indiana House Republicans passed a motion Thursday fining the Democrats who fled to Illinois last week $250 a day until a quorum is present.
Mandatory retirement, unified court bills still alive
The bill that would end a mandatory retirement age for certain judges and the bill that would unify Clark County courts are ready for third reading in their respective houses.
JTAC fee bill amended, other bills moving
The Senate bill aimed at increasing the automated record-keeping fee to pay for a statewide case management system made it out of committee, but not before legislators decreased the fee beginning this year.
JTAC fee, Clark County courts bills before committees
A bill that would increase the automated record-keeping fee to pay for implementation of a statewide case-management system and a bill that proposes to create a unified Circuit Court in Clark County are just two of the bills before committees this week in the Indiana General Assembly.
Unified courts, judicial nomination bills move
Several bills of impact on the courts saw action this week before the Indiana General Assembly shut down for two days after a winter storm hit the state.
ALJ, problem-solving courts bills moving
A House bill dealing with problem-solving courts and a Senate bill that involves administrative proceedings and administrative law judge disqualifications have made it out of their respective judiciary committees.
General Assembly returns for 2011 session
The Indiana Senate and House of Representatives reconvened this afternoon to begin the 2011 long session. The legislators still have time to file bills, but there are already several bills introduced that may affect Indiana courts and the legal community.
DTCI to promote civility, opposing ‘anti-lawyer’ sentiments
Terre Haute attorney Scott M. Kyrouac wants to advance civility between plaintiffs and defense lawyers, and plans to advocate against “anti-lawyer legislation” that may be lodged against the legal community.
Senate OKs COA panel, St. Joe judge elections
The full Senate voted today in support of legislation scrapping the St. Joseph Superior judge merit-selection system for judicial elections, and also creating a new panel for the Indiana Court of Appeals.