Articles

Civil forfeiture reform advances, but concerns remain

The Indiana Senate has approved a bill that would reform many aspects of Indiana’s civil forfeiture framework, a move local attorneys who practice such cases say is a step in the right direction. However, concerns remain about whether the legislation provides criminal defendants sufficient due process.

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ADA complaint against IPS will continue

A federal lawsuit alleging Indianapolis Public Schools failed to accommodate a former employee’s disability will proceed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana after a judge partially denied IPS’ motion to dismiss.

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Ex-trooper Camm’s $30 million lawsuit dismissed

A $30 million lawsuit brought by former Indiana State Police trooper David Camm was dismissed Monday by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana in New Albany. Camm was twice convicted, but ultimately found not guilty of the murder of his wife and children in a third trial.

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Judge declines recusal in fraudster Durham’s case

Indiana Southern District Chief Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson has denied a motion for her recusal in a civil case against convicted fraudster Tim Durham, determining her relationships with leaders of Indiana’s Democratic Party did not create the appearance of or actual bias.

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Senate committee advances civil forfeiture bill

A long-discussed civil forfeiture reform bill has cleared its first hurdle in the Indiana statehouse. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday passed Senate Bill 99, which tightens due process procedures when prosecutors seek to confiscate property allegedly connected with crimes.

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7th Circuit: Suit against Evansville, Kentucky police may proceed

A federal complaint alleging coercion, constitutional violations and falsification at the hands of Evansville and Kentucky police officers investigating a murder will continue after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals determined qualified immunity was not appropriate for certain claims against the officers.

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7th Circuit remands case for resentencing, pro se hearing

The Indiana Southern District Court must resentence an Indianapolis man convicted of possessing ammunition as a felon after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals determined the district court did not adequately inquire into whether the man wanted to proceed pro se.

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Federal courts open during government shutdown

With Congress failing to pass a budget measure by the deadline of midnight Saturday, and the federal government beginning the workweek amid a shutdown, federal judiciary officials sought to assure the public they are still open – for now.

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NCAA scores victory in trademark infringement case

A Las Vegas-based fantasy sports sweepstakes company can no longer use the phrases “Final 3” and “April Madness” in its events related to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship after a district court judge granted the NCAA’s request for a permanent injunction in a trademark infringement case.

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