US Supreme Court refuses to hear Wyoming death-penalty case
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear the appeal of what was Wyoming’s lone inmate on death row, possibly clearing the way for his execution.
mental health
Articles
3-2 Supreme Court reverses, finds covered bridge arsonist insane
A man who confessed to burning down two Indiana covered bridges has had his guilty but mentally ill verdict reversed by a divided Indiana Supreme Court. The 3-2 majority cited unanimous expert opinion that the defendant is legally insane in overturning a jury’s conclusion.
Involuntary commitment affirmed for woman walking in middle of highway
The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed a Monroe County woman’s temporary mental health commitment at a Bloomington hospital after finding her schizophrenia made her dangerous to herself and gravely disabled.
COA reverses for problem-solving court litigant in sanctions dispute
A woman terminated from a problem solving court for violating its conditions who was then ordered to serve her 16-year sentence received a partial reversal from the Indiana Court of Appeals on Wednesday.
State announces expanded nursing home reporting requirements, new mental health resources
A bevy of new resources and a stricter set of reporting requirements introduced during Monday’s state COVID-19 briefing seek to establish support for Hoosiers, both mentally and physically. And Gov. Eric Holcomb promised that later this week, he’ll provide a plan to start returning Hoosiers to work.
Law students can counter isolation through virtual JLAP group meetings
Hoosier law students shuttered indoors amidst calls to stay at home in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 can still find comfort and support through weekly virtual meetings hosted by the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program.
Home again: Elkhart man released after 15 years in prison, but case likely isn’t over
Andrew Royer has been granted a new trial after a special judge determined his 2005 trial was tainted by false evidence and coercive investigative techniques that exploited his mental disability. But the possibility of a retrial remains.
7th Circuit affirms judgment for Hendricks County officer in mentally ill man’s killing
A father who sued a Hendricks County deputy and others after his mentally ill son was fatally shot during a welfare check did not convince the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that judgment entered in the defendants’ favor was wrong.
US Supreme Court rules states can bar insanity defense
The Supreme Court of the United States ruled Monday that states can prevent criminal defendants from pleading insanity without violating their constitutional rights. The decision could prompt states across the country to toughen standards for defendants who wish to plead not guilty by reason of insanity.
7th Circuit reinstates prisoner case after 3 denied requests for counsel
A prisoner’s case has been reinstated after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals found the Indiana Northern District Court’s denial of his three requests for appointed counsel prejudiced him.
COA upholds sentence for man who repeatedly stabbed wife
A Lake County man who stabbed repeatedly stabbed his wife did not convince the Indiana Court of Appeals on Wednesday that his nearly 30-year sentence for the crime was inappropriate.
Federal legislation would grow, sustain veterans court programs
As veterans court programs expand nationwide, the federal government is exploring opportunities to provide additional resources to local courts. If enacted, the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act of 2019 would task the Department of Justice with establishing an office to provide additional funding and technical assistance to veterans courts.
Justice center’s first building — addictions, mental health center — nears completion
City leaders can look southeast out the top floors of the City-County Building and see the Community Justice Campus taking shape in the Twin Aire neighborhood. Today, officials are just six months from a tentative opening for the first piece of the project, the 37,000-square-foot Assessment and Intervention Center.
Man accused of stabbing grandparents to undergo assessment
A northwestern Indiana judge has approved a mental health assessment to determine if a man accused of stabbing his grandparents with a butcher knife in their home is competent to stand trial.
7th Circuit reinstates habeas case for inquiry about man’s brain injury
Questions about whether a man’s brain injury caused his delay in seeking review in his case should be determined by the Southern District Court, and if so, whether the circumstances collectively justify the use of equitable tolling, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday.
Nevada mass killer wants US Supreme Court to block execution
A Nevada inmate who is fighting execution after being convicted of killing four people and wounding a fifth with a shotgun at a Las Vegas supermarket wants the U.S. Supreme Court to take up his appeal.
Passing of beloved therapy dog leaves JLAP staff ‘heartbroken’
The Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program has announced that Kirby, its beloved therapy dog who was a staple at many legal events around the state, died Jan. 29 after a brief illness. He was 14.
Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in deaths of 2 women
An Indiana man on Thursday pleaded guilty but mentally ill in the 2016 strangulation death of a radio personality and her daughter.
Bill revamps advisory group for Indiana criminal justice reform
A bill that would remake a key component of Indiana’s criminal code overhaul sailed through the House of Representatives on Tuesday with the author saying the measure will improve the efficiency of “one of the best things” that was included in the reform of the state’s criminal and sentencing statutes.
Judge advocates for competency evaluations upon arrest in post-conviction appeal
An appellate judge concurring with a one-paragraph opinion in a post-conviction case proposed reordering the way Indiana treats those who are arrested. But Judge Paul Mathias joined with judges Margret Robb and Rudolph Pyle III to affirm the denial of post-conviction relief in Charles E. Barber v. State of Indiana, 19A-PC-1234.