Indianapolis police testing mental illness screening tool
Indianapolis police are testing a new screening tool that’s intended to divert people suffering from mental illness to treatment and care, rather than sending them to jail.
mental health
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Pet therapy welcome relief for IU McKinney students
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law students headed to the library for final exam cramming were met with a pleasant surprise Wednesday when several furry, four-footed friends greeted them at the door.
Mental Fitness: An open letter to the family of a person with a mental health struggle
I was introduced to the mental healthcare system 17 years ago when I was a senior in high school. Unfortunately, if you are a beginner, the process will likely be highly stressful for you, difficult to understand, and will involve a lot of trial and error over a long period of time.
Judge’s failure to sign commitment order splits COA
For the second time in little more than one month, the Indiana Court of Appeals has addressed the issue of the Marion Superior Court ordering civil commitments by the judge summarily approving commitment orders signed by commissioners or magistrates without signing the orders. But unlike a prior ruling, the COA on Wednesday found that issue waived, though a dissenting judge argued litigants cannot waive the issue of a judge’s failure to perform a statutory duty.
Discrimination, retaliation claims fail in 7th Circuit termination case
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a district court’s denial of a woman’s discrimination and retaliation claims against her prior employer, finding insufficient evidence to support her claim that she was terminated for taking medical leave.
COA to hear commitment case Monday in Fishers
The Indiana Court of Appeals will hear argument next week in a case involving an involuntary mental health commitment that was not signed by the presiding judge.
Man competent for trial in ex-girlfriend’s gruesome killing
A Jeffersonville man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and eating parts of her body has been found competent to stand trial.
Web Exclusive: Sex abuse survivor trains lawyers, others to avoid revictimizing
After overcoming addiction, abuse and sexual harm, Sarah Hurley sought to aid women dealing with the same struggles she faced as a child. She created the White Stone Project, an organization devoted to providing survivor-led, professional training and coaching to people and organizations engaging trauma survivors. Its goal: to equip people to more effectively communicate, understand and avoid revictimizing those they work with.
Meditation, mindfulness prepare lawyers for the holiday season
Individuals stressed about the nearing holidays got a bit of a breather last week when life coach and yoga instructor Lori Bisser led IndyBar lawyers in the practice of meditation and mindfulness.
Drug court judge discusses successes, challenges
Marion County’s problem-solving courts are helping people break their addictions, but the presiding drug court judge said only a fraction of those who could benefit from treatment are receiving it.
Law Student Outlook: Mental health and the legal profession
As 2Ls who recently, and very thankfully, came out of a challenging season of firm recruitment successfully, a small fraction of that stress is no longer weighing on us, but that does not change the overall mental health landscape typical of law school. Beyond that, the workplace culture that we will enter upon graduating and passing the bar is nearly guaranteed to continue that cycle.
Man accused in attack on mother told police he was possessed
Police say a northeastern Indiana a man told an officer that he was possessed by demons and Adolf Hitler when he allegedly bit, hit, punched and choked his mother.
Sandra Day O’Connor announces likely Alzheimer’s diagnosis
Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman on the Supreme Court, announced Tuesday in a frank and personal letter that she has been diagnosed with “the beginning stages of dementia, probably Alzheimer's disease.”
Lawyer Cuban shares testimony of life after addiction
Lying down, surrounded by empty wine bottles and dozens of strewn Xanax, Brian Cuban opened his eyes and had no idea where he was. It was then he realized he had a problem.
Appeals court rejects judge’s civil commitment as court business record
The Marion County probate judge’s method of opening new cases to approve all of the mental health civil commitment recommendations of magistrate judges and commissioners during a given period of time was rejected Thursday by the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Diversity, mental health CLEs divide ISBA House of Delegates
The 2018 Indiana State Bar Association annual meeting began last week with an intense debate in the House of Delegates over a proposal designed to make a statement about the bar’s position on hot-button topics: should attorneys be required to attend CLE programs about diversity and mental health issues?
7th Circuit seeking public comment on jury instructions
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to criminal pattern jury instructions. Comments on the proposed changes will be accepted until Nov. 20.
House of Delegates adopts diversity, mental health CLE resolution
The Indiana State Bar Association House of Delegates has approved a resolution urging the Indiana Supreme Court to require one hour each of diversity and inclusion and mental health and substance abuse CLE training every three years, a proposal that prompted an impassioned debate during the House of Delegates’ annual meeting.
Mental Fitness: How peer support helped me bounce back, give back
People who have recently been diagnosed with a mental illness or who are in the beginning stages of recovery also have an opportunity to help others. You do not have to wait until you feel better to reach out to others.
Death penalty defense in officer’s killing seeks brain consultant
An Indianapolis man facing the death penalty for allegedly killing a Southport police officer is requesting public funds to hire a brain injury consultant in an apparent move to raise questions about whether he acted “knowingly or intentionally.”