Judges reverse dismissal of prisoner’s suit
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the dismissal of a prisoner’s civil rights suit that stemmed from his lack of gloves while working in the cold to remove tree stumps.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
Articles
SCOTUS refuses to accept two Indiana cases
The nation’s highest court has refused to take two Indiana cases, including the high-profile abuse and neglect case of 3-year-old TaJanay Bailey that revealed fatal flaws in the state’s child welfare system.
SCOTUS hears Indiana case
Indiana Federal Community Defender Bill Marsh made his debut appearance before the nation’s highest court on Jan. 12, arguing an Indiana case that questions whether vehicular flight from police is considered “violent” and warrants a higher sentence under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
7th Circuit judge to speak at Black History event
7th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Ann Claire Williams will be the featured speaker at an event celebrating Black History Month hosted by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.
BLE suit moves forward
Even as the Indiana Board of Law Examiners searches for a new leader, a federal lawsuit remains pending against the state agency’s questions to prospective lawyers about their mental and emotional health.
Southern District rules amended
Several Local Rules of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana have been amended. The changes are effective Jan. 1.
Dinsmore sworn in as U.S. magistrate
U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Dinsmore took his oath and was sworn in on Dec. 17.
Dinsmore sworn in as magistrate
Mark J. Dinsmore took the oath today to become the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana’s newest magistrate judge. Magistrate Judge Dinsmore was sworn in by Chief Judge Richard L. Young at the Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Indianapolis.
Settlement reached on foster care rates
The Indiana Department of Child Services has agreed not to cut subsidies for foster and adoptive parents and other caregivers as part of a class-action settlement in federal court.
7th Circuit affirms attorney’s fees award under Lanham Act
Finding a plaintiff’s actions frivolous, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals today has affirmed a District Court’s grant of attorney’s fees to a company that successfully defended itself after selling lamps to the plaintiff home health care provider. The 7th Circuit also granted the defendant’s motion for fees and costs pursuant to Rule 38 of the appellate rules.
Lawyer sentenced on child porn case
Anderson attorney Samuel Hasler, who pled guilty to a pair of child pornography charges, has received a 151-month sentence, meaning he’ll spend more than 12 years behind bars and then face a lifetime of supervised release.
Federal magistrate’s robing ceremony Friday
United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana Magistrate Judge Debra McVicker Lynch's investiture ceremony will be at 3 p.m. Jan. 16 in Courtroom 216 in the Birch Bayh Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio St., Indianapolis.
DOC violated religious rights in denying kosher meals
A federal judge has found the Indiana Department of Correction was wrong to stop serving kosher meals to those whose religious practices required them to eat the specially prepared meals.
Dozens apply for new federal magistrate spot
More than 40 attorneys have applied for a new magistrate spot in the Southern District of Indiana, the first new position since the 1980s.
Southern District seeks comment on rule changes
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana has proposed several amendments to its Local Rules involving discovery disputes, class action suits, appearances, and sentencing.
Court History Symposium set for Nov. 18
The third annual “Court History Symposium: Court History and History in the Making” CLE will feature remarks from Southern District judges as the court enters a new era.
Federal courthouse to celebrate new, old murals
An event Friday at the Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Indianapolis will celebrate the recent installation of new murals on the third floor of the building as well as recognize the 75th anniversary of murals on that floor.
Courthouse renovations close courtrooms, move chambers
Because of major renovations under way at the Birch Bayh Federal Courthouse in Indianapolis, the locations of judges’ chambers have changed and courtrooms have closed.
Attorney sues condo developer over accessibility
A resident of the 3Mass condo development who uses an electric wheelchair is suing the developers for failing to provide handicap accessibility to a rooftop terrace overlooking downtown Indianapolis.
7th Circuit orders lower court to consider a minor participant reduction
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a man’s lengthy sentence for transporting drug money because the District Court needs to determine whether the man should receive a minor participant reduction since he only transported money one time.