Judge dismisses sludge lawsuit against Terre Haute
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that alleged the city of Terre Haute and its officials defaulted on an agreement to take out water from waste and use the sludge to make fuel.
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Articles
New OT rules force hard choices on small businesses
The regulations being issued by the Labor Department today would double to $913 a week from $455 the threshold under which salaried workers must be paid overtime. In terms of annual pay, the threshold rises to $47,476 from $23,660. The rules take effect Dec. 1.
Teen courts across northwest Indiana dole out justice
The Teen Court program in Lake County, along with others in northwest Indiana, gives teens an alternative to the traditional trajectory of juvenile justice. The program uses a novel approach in which a jury of teens decides the punishment for peers who are diverted from the juvenile justice system.
Indiana Supreme Court establishes new committee for civil legal aid
In an amendment to the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct, the Indiana Supreme Court is revamping its response to civil legal aid.
2 at IPS accused of not reporting sex abuse get diversion
Two Indianapolis Public Schools officials charged with not immediately notifying authorities of sexual abuse allegations against a former counselor have agreed to enter pretrial diversion programs.
New York could become 1st state to ban cat declawing
New York would be the first state to ban the declawing of cats under a legislative proposal that has divided veterinarians. Advocates say the procedure is misguided and cruel.
7th Circuit: Man not eligible for sentence reduction
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a prisoner is not subject to a sentencing reduction after it ruled an amendment that decreased the recommended penalties for the crimes he committed did not allow for a reduction.
Opinions — May 17, 2016
7th Circuit Court of Appeals
Samaron Corp. D/B/A Troyer Products v. United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
15-3446
Appeal from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, Judge Rudy Lozano.
Civil. Affirms United of Omaha does not have to pay Troyer Products after it mistakenly paid the wrong party a death benefit. Rules Troyer knew the money was going to the wrong party and let it happen anyway.
Insurer who paid wrong party doesn’t have to pay correct one
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed summary judgment for an insurance company that acknowledged paying a death benefit to the wrong party but successfully argued that the proper recipient waived its right to the proceeds by allowing the wrong party to claim the money.
COA: Evidence obtained during welfare check is admissible
The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled evidence from a search where police officers went into a house without a warrant to check on the children was valid evidence at trial and affirmed denial of a woman’s motion to suppress.
Ex-lawmaker, McKinney professor want recount in Congress race
A former state legislator and an IU McKinney School of Law professor wants a recount of the Democratic primary for a southwestern Indiana congressional seat.
$60 million project to fight for 1st Amendment
NEW YORK (AP) — The First Amendment is getting a new champion, with some deep pockets.
IndyBar: Why Attending Bench Bar is a Great Idea
The Bench Bar Conference is where judges and lawyers learn the “inside baseball” of our profession. Here are reasons why you should take advantage of this great opportunity and consider attending this year’s Bench Bar.
IndyBar: Special Offers for IndyBar Members from Verizon
Through the IndyBar’s partnership with NPP, eligible members have access to great deals on services offered by Verizon. Hurry! They end soon.
IndyBar: Talking Points with the Top Paralegal
IndyBar recently recognized Cheryl Keene as the 2016 Paralegal of the Year. The award is given to an outstanding paralegal in the Indianapolis community, and Keene exemplifies the passion, dedication, and service worthy of this recognition.
IndyBar: Bench Bar A ‘Can’t Miss’ Event for 22 Years
The idea for the IndyBar Bench Bar Conference came from similar events in the 1990s in St. Louis and Kansas City. Now, the local event is bigger than either of those and offers great opportunities for education, networking and fun.
Disciplinary Actions – 5/18/2016
Read who resigned and who the Indiana Supreme Court recently suspended.
Rucker likely to leave Supreme Court in 2017
Justice Robert Rucker, a Gary native appointed to the court by Democratic Gov. Frank O’Bannon in 1999, will turn 70 in January. Rucker informally has informed lawyers and judges he intends to retire from the court sometime next year in order to begin a dialog among those who may consider serving on the court.
Statewide crisis of CHINS stretches judicial resources
The increase in filings of juvenile children in need of services petitions across the state has been growing steadily since 2011 but ballooned to 14,227 in 2014 and could likely top 17,500 for 2015.
Veterans trade in military life to become legal aid attorneys
Polli Pollem is among a trio of Indianapolis attorneys who left the military as officers, went to law school and have since found their way into legal aid. They credit their time in the service with providing them the means to get an undergraduate degree and fostering the desire to pursue a J.D.