Judge denies inmate request for release over COVID-19 risk
An inmate facing drug and weapons charges who claims he is at a higher risk of contracting the novel coronavirus has been denied his request to be released to home detention for his health.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
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Public, press can be included in electronic federal court proceedings
Federal courts that have been forced to close courthouses to the public because of the novel coronavirus pandemic have been authorized to use technology to provide the public and press with continued access to court proceedings.
Federal judge throws out jury verdict against Marion County deputy
A jury verdict against a Marion County sheriff’s deputy in a jail inmate’s excessive force case has been vacated after a federal magistrate judge found insufficient evidence to support an excessive-force conviction.
Federal courts search for medical supplies to donate in COVID-19 fight
Federal courts in Indiana and nationwide joined a search for surplus medical supplies that could aid local hospitals in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic after two Florida district courts discovered and donated stockpiles of urgently needed protective gear.
Ball State joins list of schools facing students’ Title IX suits
As the U.S. Department of Education prepares to implement new regulations regarding sexual misconduct on college campuses, lawsuits filed by accused students claiming their rights were violated continue to boil over in the federal courts. Ball State University recently prevailed in the first such case brought by one of its students.
Federal courts get approval for remote access
The Judicial Conference of the United States is temporarily allowing federal courts to use video and teleconferencing for certain criminal proceedings as well as teleconferencing for civil proceedings during the COVID-19 national emergency.
Federal prisoner wins habeas relief for miscalculated sentence
A prisoner challenging the calculation of his federal sentence was granted habeas corpus relief Wednesday after a district court judge found his sentences were miscalculated.
7th Circuit affirms stay of DePuy medical device distribution litigation
A dispute over a medical device maker’s distribution contracts in Southern California was properly stayed in an Indiana federal court after parallel claims were brought here, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday.
Federal Bar Update: By the (hand)book: Jurisdiction, jurisdiction, jurisdiction
Federal courts are limited jurisdiction tribunals. As such, the federal judiciary carefully guards subject-matter jurisdiction, ensuring at multiple stages of a case, and in the trial court and on appeal, that the case is properly in federal court. Examples of jurisdictional issues abound in federal district courts and are scrutinized in the 7th Circuit, as well.
Lewis’ legacy: Cake, applause and a challenge coin mark a special REACH graduation
Calling REACH “a beautiful program,” Kenny Lewis credited the federal court re-entry initiative with giving him the perseverance to stay at his job and teaching him to speak louder so others could hear what he had to say. Baker and the other members of the REACH team described Lewis as a model participant who not only exhibited tremendous character and did everything expected of him, but also encouraged and supported his fellow participants.
Next steps unclear after dismissal of accusers’ suit against AG Hill
The four women who have accused Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill of sexual misconduct are considering their next steps after the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana dismissed their sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation claims against Hill and the state.
Indiana must recognize both spouses in female same-sex marriages as parents
A federal court issued an order Tuesday requiring Indiana to include non-birth mothers’ names on their children’s birth certificates, marking a milestone in a long legal battle.
3 Muncie officers indicted in federal excessive force cases
Three Muncie police officers have been charged in connection with the use of excessive force during arrests and attempts to cover it up.
$1.8M restitution order vacated in car dealership fraud
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed and remanded for the recalculation of restitution to be paid by a man involved in fraudulent activities at an Indianapolis car dealership.
Judge Walton Pratt honored as Howard University distinguished alumna
Judge Tanya Walton Pratt of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana this week was recognized as a distinguished graduate of her alma mater, Howard University, the district court announced Monday.
Trucker awarded nearly $900K after Lawrenceburg post office fall
The United States government has been ordered to pay nearly $900,000 to a disabled truck driver who suffered brain and spinal injuries after a fall at an Indiana post office.
Coronavirus impacting Indiana courts, law firms, schools
The Indiana legal community is taking precautions and ramping up efforts to stay healthy as the coronavirus spreads. Meanwhile, Faegre Drinker announced Wednesday that it had reopened most of its offices Wednesday, including its Indianapolis location. The firm had closed all 22 of its global offices Tuesday after a person who attend a firm event in Washington, D.C., tested positive for COVID-19.
Strong showing of intellectual disability prompts stay of federal execution
A federal judge in Indiana has granted a Louisiana man’s motion to stay his execution pending resolution of his habeas action, finding the man made a strong showing that he is intellectually disabled and as a result, the Federal Death Penalty Act forbids his execution.
Big liquor chain sues Indiana for denying permit for Nora superstore
Just days after getting turned down for a liquor permit, a huge Maryland-based liquor retailer is suing the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, saying the denial was unconstitutional and amounted to economic protectionism.
Indiana governor backs path for forcing out attorney general
Indiana’s governor is endorsing a proposal that could force the state’s attorney general from office if his law license is suspended over allegations he drunkenly groped a state legislator and three other women.