Thursday, August 28, 2008
Ind. Courts - Yet again on "Landowner calls move by pipeline company as intimidation"
Updating this June 11th ILB entry (see all ILB entries on "pipeline" here), Jason Thomas of the Indianapolis Star has an interesting report today. Some quotes:A paragraph in a Decatur County zoning ordinance has led the developers of a multistate...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 28, 2008
Courts - More on: "Bankruptcy Filings Near Million Mark for 12-Month Period Ending June 30, 2008"
Supplementing this ILB entry yesterday is a story today in the Indianapolis Star, reported by John Russell and Ted Evanoff, that has an Indiana focus. Headed "Bankruptcy filings are soaring in Indiana: As bankruptcies rise, Indiana ranks 5th on a...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 28, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Judge Wayne Lennington could face criminal charges"
The ILB has had a number of earlier entries about former Delaware Circuit Court 5 Judge Wayne Lennington. Today the Muncie Star-Press has a story headlined "Judge Wayne Lennington could face criminal charges." Reporter Rick Yencer writes in a story...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Ind. Courts - "State supreme court wants documents about McKinney pay"
A story today in the Muncie Star-Press, reported by Rick Yencer, begins:MUNCIE — The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission this week subpoenaed city records documenting payment of attorney fees to Delaware County Prosecutor Mark McKinney for civil forfeiture work. The...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Court scuffle puts new alert system to test"
Updating this story from yesterday, Rebecca S. Green of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports today in a story that begins:Monday’s Courthouse brawl provided one of the most serious tests of a relatively new panic alarm system installed in a...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Courts - "Ever-More-Expensive Court Races Heading Higher "
Three of Indiana's five Supreme Court justices will be on the ballot this fall. But they do not have opponents. Instead, Indiana's justices are appointed by the Governor, from a list of nominees submitted to him by the Judicial Nominating...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: "ACLU suit targets state welfare fixes"
This ILB entry from May 20th reported on a suit brought in Marion County by the ACLU. Today the Indianapolis Star's Tim Evans reports on the filing of a second suit, under the headline: "LaPorte County suit seeks to halt...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Park ban on sex offenders challenged: Man can't watch son play baseball" [Updated]
This report Aug. 9th in the Jeffersonville News & Tribune concluded:Judges with the Jeffersonville City Court have twice denied exemption requests filed on behalf of [Eric] Dowdell. The case first came about when Dowdell was coaching his son’s team last...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: "Fight delays manslaughter trial"
Updating this ILB entry from yesterday, Rebecca S. Green and Jeff Wiehe of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette report today:A brawl in a hallway of the Allen County Courthouse sent two people to the hospital, four people to jail and...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Fight delays manslaughter trial"
Rebecca S. Green of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reported early this afternoon in a brief story that begins:A fistfight at the doors to an Allen County courtroom Monday morning caused a five-month delay in a voluntary manslaughter trial scheduled...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Ind. Courts - AG files suit against Countrywide Mortgage, joining other states
A press release issued today by Attorney General Carter begins:Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter has filed a lawsuit against the country’s largest mortgage lender, Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., and its parent company, Countrywide Financial Corporation. Carter alleges that Countrywide engaged...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, August 24, 2008
Ind. Courts - Huntington Courthouse turns 100
Becky Manley reports in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette:As the Huntington Courthouse’s south clock tower’s gears ticked into the future, an antique cannon’s blast launched an event that celebrated the past. The blast echoed through the courthouse and into the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, August 24, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Grant County Superior Court 2 closes doors
Updating this ILB entry from August 18th, Maribeth Holtz of the Grant County/Marion Chronicle Tribune had a story yesterday about a special meeting of the Grant County Commissioners on Thursday that included this information:Also at the meeting, commissioners formally approved...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 23, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Goats OK in Fortville backyard
Remember the story from earlier this month (see Aug. 13th ILB entry here). Today the Indianapolis Star reports under the headline "Town may change law to get rid of pet goats." From the story:Fortville officials -- stymied in their efforts...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 23, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Ind. Decisions - Court of Appeals issues 1 today (and 9 NFP)
For publication opinions today (1): In Yolanda Rice, as Guardian and Next Friend of Dagoberto Lozez v. Albert Harper, et al. , a 16-page opinion, Judge May writes:Dagoberto Lopez was injured while riding in a van driven by an employee...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, August 22, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still more on: Report issued Monday by Delaware Circuit 2 Judge Richard Dailey
Updating this ILB entry from yesterday, today's Muncie Star-Press story is headlined "Report brings secret deal to light: Prosecutor Mark McKinney denies that justice was ever for sale." The story by Rick Yencer begins:MUNCIE -- Justice was never for sale,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, August 22, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Ind. Courts - Judge Felts pleads in OWI case [Updated]
Niki Kelly has just reported via the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette website:Allen Circuit Judge Thomas Felts pleaded guilty Thursday in Marion Superior Court to a misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and received a one-year suspended sentence. "You...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 21, 2008
Ind. Courts - "St. Joseph County judges defend proposed budgets as mandates"
Nancy J. Sulok writes today in the South Bend Tribune:Lurking in the background of the court budgets for next year is that dirty word "mandate.'' The Superior Court and Circuit budgets came up for hearing Wednesday before the county commissioners,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 21, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Report issued Monday by Delaware Circuit 2 Judge Richard Dailey
Updating this ILB entry from Aug. 19, Rick Yencer reports today in the Muncie Star-Press in a story that begins:Delaware County judges unanimously approved new rules governing civil drug forfeitures Wednesday, two days after Circuit Court 2 Judge Richard Dailey...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Ind. Courts - Carroll County judges' 2009 spending requests
Today's edition of the weekly Carroll County Comet reports, in a story by Debbie Lowe:Carroll County Council met Friday for a second day of 2009 budget hearings. Judges from both courts were among the department heads to present 2009 spending...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Ind. Courts - Doxpop now provides access to Court information in half of all Indiana Counties
Doxpop (Indiana court records online) has announced:The Shelby County Courts have become the newest local government information providers in the Doxpop community. With 46 counties participating, Doxpop now provides access to Court information in half of all Indiana Counties. The...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Ind. Courts - Report issued Monday by Delaware Circuit 2 Judge Richard Dailey
Rick Yencer of the Muncie Star-Press reports today: Delaware County Prosecutor Mark McKinney acted deceitfully in using confidential settlements to distribute and spend seized money and property from accused drug dealers, according to a report issued Monday by Delaware Circuit...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Ind. Courts - SLAPP-type lawsuit filed against several members of Allen County Plan Commission
A lengthy editorial today in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette begins:A lawsuit filed by a developer against three individuals serving on the Allen County Plan Commission is a slap in the face to citizens who volunteer their time to serve...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Randolph County seeking judge's opinion on zoning law for courthouse annex"
Updating this ILB entry from July 22, Joy Leiker of the Muncie Star-Press reports today:WINCHESTER -- Randolph County will ask a judge to interpret its unified zoning ordinance, determining specifically whether the county ever needed a variance for the embattled...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Federal Grant Brings $1 million to Supreme Court for E-Ticket Program"
Here is the press release that begins:The Indiana Supreme Court has been awarded a grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The $1.27 million goes to the Supreme Court and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Chief Justice Randall...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, August 18, 2008
Ind. Courts - Grant County Superior Court 2 closes doors
From Saturday's Grant County/Marion Chronicle Tribune, a story by Brett Wallace:Friday was the last day Judge Randall Johnson said he would open Superior Court 2 and the Juvenile Court at the Grant County Courthouse. In a letter Tuesday to the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, August 18, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Ind. Courts - "New Albany attorney’s career in jeopardy after felony plea"
Updating this long list of earlier ILB entries, Matt Thacker of the New Albany News & Tribune reports today:A New Albany-based attorney will spend no more than four months in prison for the sexual battery of a 16-year-old girl, but...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, August 17, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on "Haughee's appeals all are denied"
Updating this ILB entry from July 2, Bob Kasarda of the NWI Times reports today in a story that ebgins:VALPARAISO | Former Hebron Town Council President Michael Haughee failed again Thursday to persuade a judge to allow him to bond...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Ind. Courts - JTAC Odyssey Case Management System expanded
From a press release:The Indiana Supreme Court has agreed to invest an additional $1.1 million to acquire a computer system to provide advanced probation, community corrections, and other court supervisions functions, Justice Frank Sullivan, Jr., told the leadership of the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 14, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Porter County judges seeking higher pay for their court workers"
Vicki Urbanik reported yesterday in a lengthy story in the ChestertonTribune:Porter County’s judges are seeking higher pay for their court workers, in part because the salaries and perks for other county government employees outweigh those of court personnel. Porter County...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Ind. Courts - "System brings video arraignment to LaGrange County courts"
From WTHD 105.5, serving NE Indiana, comes this story by Tim Murray, complete with photo and audio, but check it soon because the stories aren't archived. LAGRANGE - It's a major step into the 21st century for LaGrange County's two...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Ind. Courts - Goats OK in Fortville backyard
Bill McCleery of the Indianapolis Star reports:A Hancock County judge has ruled that a Fortville town ordinance does not prohibit a local couple from keeping goats in their backyard. Residents Joshua and Sarah Brown sued the town in June after...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Floyd County judge upset with renovation plans"
Chris Morris reports this afternoon in the Jeffersonville News & Tribune:Glenn Hancock didn’t attend Tuesday night’s Floyd County Council meeting as a judge. He said he was there simply as a taxpayer. And he had plenty to say about the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Motion filed to pull driver’s license in judge’s drunken driving case"
Rebecca S. Green reports this evening in a story posted on the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette website that begins:Marion County prosecutors filed paperwork Tuesday to take away an Allen County judge's driver's license after he was arrested for drunken driving....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on Delaware County Courts drug forfeitures and related matters
The last story the ILB posted on the Delaware County courts' drug forfeiture and related issues was Aug. 8th. Today the Muncie Star-Press has two more stories. In the first, Rick Yencer reports:Delaware County Prosecutor Mark McKinney on Monday accused...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Judge sentences absent juror to serve as a warning to others"
So reports Bill Dolan today in a story today in the NWI Times. Some quotes:CROWN POINT | A judge bent on instructing the public to fulfill jury obligations got his point across Monday morning with the reluctant help of a...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Ind. Courts - Vanderburgh County major drug prosecutions may fall next year due to budget constraints
Thomas B. Langhorne reports today in the Evansville Courier & Press in a long story that begins:The number of major drug cases prosecuted in Vanderburgh County next year could fall because of money problems detailed publicly on Monday. After the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Outburst response filed by Judge Scheibenberger"
Rebecca S. Green reports today in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette:An Allen Superior Court judge doesn't deny the allegations of impropriety for the outburst he made in another judge's courtroom but said the commission reviewing his conduct does not have...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Lake County Council "frowns on unchanged budgets from county judges "
Budget time and the annual questions of county budgeting for the judiciary, illustrated by this entry from Aug. 7th headed "Lake County Council frowns on unchanged budgets from county judges." The Indianapolis Star this morning had a story that...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Ind. Courts - LaPorte Circuit judge announces he will reject any future plea agreement to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor
Stan Maddux reports today for The Michigan City News-Dispatch:LA PORTE - In his nearly 20 months on the bench, La Porte Circuit Court Judge Tom Alevizos has often made it clear that he won't tolerate a soft approach toward criminals....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, August 10, 2008
Ind. Courts - Lake Criminal Court drug defendants bargain for lesser sentences
Marisa Kwiatkowski of the NWI Times reports today in a long story that begins:CROWN POINT | More than 96 percent of Lake Criminal Court defendants charged in drug-related crimes have pleaded their way out of heftier prison time in the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, August 10, 2008
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on "Attorney Michael 'Mick' Alexander seeks delay of trial, new judge"
Updaing this entry from yesterday, Douglas Walker reports today in the Muncie Star-Press that begins:MUNCIE -- A Jay County judge on Friday declined to disqualify himself from presiding over ex-Delaware County Prosecutor Michael J. "Mick" Alexander's upcoming conspiracy-to-commit-bribery trial. Advertisement...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 09, 2008
Ind. Courts - Update on: Plea deal pulled in attorney sex-attack case
Updating yesterday's ILB entry, Harold J. Adams reports today in the LCJ:New Albany attorney Anthony Wallingford pleaded guilty yesterday to sexual battery involving a 16-year-old girl and likely faces losing his right to practice law, at least temporarily, in addition...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 09, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Jeffersonville's ban on sex offender in park to be tested again
This ILB posting yesterday quoted a Harold J. Adams report in the Louisville Courier Journal that began:A judge said he will decide today whether to grant a Clarksville man an exemption to an ordinance that bans sex offenders from Jeffersonville...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 09, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on "Stop making judges run for office, Lake County commissioners argue"
Updating this ILB entry from Aug. 5th, Marisa Kwiatkowski of the NWI Times reports:CROWN POINT | The Lake County Bar Association joined the call this week to convert four county courts to a merit-based system. Lake County is one of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 09, 2008
Friday, August 08, 2008
Ind. Courts - Jeffersonville's ban on sex offender in park to be tested again
Harold J. Adams reports today in the Louisville Courier Journal, in a story that begins:A judge said he will decide today whether to grant a Clarksville man an exemption to an ordinance that bans sex offenders from Jeffersonville city parks....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, August 08, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Attorney Michael 'Mick' Alexander seeks delay of trial, new judge"
So reads the headline to this story today by Douglas Walker in the Muncie Star-Press. Some quotes:Former Delaware County Prosecutor Michael J. "Mick" Alexander wants his upcoming trial on a conspiracy-to-commit-bribery charge postponed. He also wants a new judge. In...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, August 08, 2008
Ind. Courts - Judge Dailey on the Delaware County drug forfeiture investigation
Updating this ILB entry from Aug. 7th, the Muncie Star-Press today has an unattributed story headed "Dailey says not his role to determine if crimes occurred":MUNCIE -- Delaware Circuit Court 2 Judge Richard Dailey said Thursday it was not his...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, August 08, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still more on: Plea deal pulled in attorney sex-attack case
Updating earlier ILB entries, Harold J. Adams of the Louisville Courier Journal reported Aug. 7th in a story that begins:In a second deal with prosecutors, New Albany attorney Anthony Wallingford has agreed to plead guilty to sexual battery in connection...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, August 08, 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Ind. Courts - Lake County Council "frowns on unchanged budgets from county judges "
John Byrne reports today in the Gary Post-Tribune:CROWN POINT -- The Lake County Council is ready to put several county judges on notice. Unhappy with initial 2009 budget proposals from three of the four County Division courtrooms, council members said...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 07, 2008
Ind. Courts - More again today on the Delaware County drug forfeiture investigation
The most recent ILB entry on the drug forfeiture investigation in Delaware County was Aug. 6. Today Rick Yencer of the Muncie Star-Press reports in a story that begins:Delaware Circuit Court 2 Judge Richard Dailey on Wednesday concluded his series...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 07, 2008
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on the authority of magistrates and master commissioners
In Invol. Term. of Parent-Child Rel. of A.P., M.P., and S.P., and Mary Palmero v. Marion Co. Dept. of Child Services, and Child Advocates, Inc. (NFP) (12/27/07) and In the Matter of the Involuntary Termination of the ) Parent-Child Relationship...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Ind. Courts - More again today on the Delaware County drug forfeiture investigation
This column by Larry Riley in the Muncie Star Press attempts to give an overview of the issues. This article by Rick Yencer reports that: "An ongoing investigation of drug forfeiture and seizure cases is now turning to federal funds...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Ind. Courts - Change of venue in Kalab Lay murder trial [Updated]
Evansville's Kalab Lay murder trial (see earlier ILB entries here) has been moved to Clark County, about two hours east of Evansville. Today the Evansville Courier & Press has an editorial stating that the venue decision is appropriate. The editorial...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Blood test put judge's alcohol at twice limit"
So reports Rebecca S. Green in this story today in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. Some quotes:With the results of a blood test showing a blood-alcohol content more than twice the legal limit, Allen Circuit Judge Thomas Felts might now...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Stop making judges run for office, Lake County commissioners argue"
John Byrne of the Gary Post-Tribune reports today:No judges in Lake County should run for election in political campaigns, the Lake County commissioners argue in a memo released Monday. The commissioners contend county government could be run more efficiently, and...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Ind. Courts - More again today on the Delaware County drug forfeiture investigation
Two stories today by Rick Yencer of the Muncie Star-Press, updating this ILB entry from Aug. 2nd: "Reed, Winkle spar over DTF testimony," and "Adrian Kirtz case scrutinized in DTF case", available here and here....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Ind. Courts - " 'Dead' woman sues Porter hospital"
James D. Wolf Jr. of the Gary Post-Tribune reports today:VALPARAISO -- The very much alive Jackson Township woman declared dead by Porter hospital in January filed suit last week against the hospital. Diane Wright, 67, and her husband are suing...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Monday, August 04, 2008
Ind. Courts - "It's time to open up our Hoosier courts to cameras: Technology has changed the meaning of having a public trial"
An excellent editorial today in the Fort Wayne News Sentinel:The Indiana Supreme Court should just decide one way or the other whether to allow cameras in the courtroom instead of continuing to tease Hoosiers with the issue. The court approved...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, August 04, 2008
Ind. Courts - Sound Bend Tribune starts new series on sentencing by St. Joe County courts
The South Bend Tribune had a series in the fall of 2006 titled "Judging the Judges." The last story in the series, as quoted in this Sept. 28, 2006 ILB entry, was about problems with inconsistency in sentencing. Sunday the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, August 04, 2008
Ind. Courts - Security will be beefed up at the East Chicago courthouse
Lori Caldwell of the Gary Post-Tribune writes today:Every hearing for a protective order has potential for an emotional, sometimes hostile confrontation. The victims seeking court-ordered solace from an abuser must make their request in public, before a judge, and often,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, August 04, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Jurors tend to be younger in summer"
Rebecca S. Green of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has a lengthy story this morning that begins:Oh, the sights of summer – parades, festivals, picnics, younger people among the pool of potential jurors. What? Younger jurors? Yep. Each summer, for...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, August 04, 2008
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Ind. Courts - Distribution of cases when two judges facing charges
Rebecca S. Green of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has a lengthy story today about the distribution of cases in Allen County courts, where two judges are facing charges. Some quotes:Can a judge who has a pending drunken-driving case preside...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, August 03, 2008
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Officials unveil Vigo County Courthouse renovation"
Crystal Garcia reports today in the Terre Haute Trib-Star:Nearly four years and more than $13 million later, the 19th century Vigo County Courthouse’s 21st century renovation is complete. Past and present county officeholders spread a ribbon in front of the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 02, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Judge orders arrest of no-show juror"
Bill Dolan reports today in the NWI Times in a story that begins:CROWN POINT | A judge ordered the arrest Friday of a former Lake County Criminal Court juror suspected of lying and avoiding jury duty last spring. Court records...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 02, 2008
Ind. Courts - Both Clark County judicial nominees certifed by State Election Board
The ballot dispute in Clark County appeals to be resolved. See the most recent earlier ILB entry here, from Aug. 30th. Dann A. Mann of the Jeffersonville News & Tribune reported last evening:Both candidates for Clark County’s Circuit Court Judge...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 02, 2008
Ind. Courts - More again today on the Delaware County drug forfeiture investigation
The most recent ILB entry on the drug forfeiture investigation in Delaware County was July 30. Today Rick Yencer of the Muncie Star-Press reports in a story that begins:An ongoing investigation into the possible misuse of seized funds by the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 02, 2008
Friday, August 01, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still continuing with "Judicial candidate's registration in question"
Updating this ILB entry from July 29th, on the upcoming Indiana Election Commission hearing Friday in Indianapolis (set for today) to review the nominations for Clark Circuit Court judge, Ben Zion Hershberg reports today in the Louisville Courier Journal:A Democratic...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, August 01, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Ind. Courts - Supreme Court will again allow documentary filmmaker Karen Grau, of Calamari Productions, access to the Lake County juvenile court
From a release today on the Courts siter:The Indiana Supreme Court will again allow documentary filmmaker Karen Grau, of Calamari Productions, access to the Lake County juvenile court, Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard announced today. Filming will begin soon in...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Ind. Courts - Debra McVicker Lynch selected to replace retired Magistrate Judge V. Sue Shields
A release posted today by the Clerk of the USDC in Indianapolis announces:The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana announced today the selection of Debra McVicker Lynch for the position of United States Magistrate Judge. This...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Ind. Courts - Two new stories today on the Delaware County drug forfeiture investigation
The most recent ILB entry on the drug forfeiture investigation in Delaware County was July 24. Today Rick Yencer of the Muncie Star-Press has two new stories. "Oversight over DTF seizure, forfeiture already in place" is the headline to this...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Courthouse Girls" movie to air soon on your local PBS station
So reports Bill Richmond of the Winchester News-Gazette. Some quotes:A documentary on the Courthouse Girls calendar saga will make its network television debut Thursday evening on PBS channel WIPB. Courthouse Girls of Farmland airs July 31 at 9 p.m. on...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Ind. Courts - Attorneys' lounge now available in the Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse (Indianapolis Division)
Here is the announcement....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Both sides claim free speech rights in battle over sex shop"
The ILB has had at least a dozen entries on Spencer County's court battles to restrict an adult business, 231 Adult Plaza. Today Francesca Jarosz of the Indianapolis Star reports on efforts by 24-hour per day protesters in Jackson County,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Ind. Courts - Continuing with "Judicial candidate's registration in question"
The most recent ILB entry on this issue was July 20th, quoting Lesley Stedman Weidenbener of the Louisville Courier Journal, who wrote: A squabble over who should be on the ballot in the race for Clark Circuit Court judge has...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Ind. Courts - "City Judge, Crown Point at odds over health insurance"
Diane Krieger Spivak reports today in the Gary Post Tribune:CROWN POINT -- City Judge Ken Jeffirs wants the city to provide health insurance for him. City Council members aren't quite convinced. Jeffirs, who works part-time handling the city's court cases,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on "Advocates Against Domestic Violence Blame Denial Of Protective Order For Woman's Death"
Today's editorial in the Indianapolis Star is headed "Before tragedy strikes, courts must be tougher." Some quotes:Kerry Hyatt Blomquist, legal director of the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, argues that Marion County judges too frequently rely on what's called a...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 27, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Ind. Courts - Selection of Judges in St. Joe County
The South Bend Tribune has an editorial today on its county's system for selecting judges:There is strong evidence that St. Joseph County's system for selecting and retaining Superior Court judges is a sound one. Beyond a reasonable doubt, this county...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, July 25, 2008
Ind. Courts - Electronic e-filing in criminal cases tested in White County; Lake County to do civil e-filing
A press release Wednesday from Doxpop LLC announces:Doxpop LLC, CSI, and Proslink Inc. in cooperation with Judge Robert Mrzlack, Clerk Bruce Lambert and Prosecutor Robert Guy of White County, Indiana have successfully tested the first phase of a criminal electronic...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Judge orders drug task force to return $25,000"
Continuing his reporting on the drug forfeiture investigation in Delaware County, Rick Yencer of the Muncie Star-Press writes today: The Muncie-Delaware County Drug Task Force was ordered Wednesday to return $25,212 seized without a court order and spent in violation...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on Pan Am Plaza lawsuit
Updating this ILB entry posted yesterday, Bill Ruthhart of the Indianapolis Star reports today in a story that begins:A lawsuit filed Wednesday asserts the Indiana Sports Corp. owes Marion County taxpayers $6 million for selling Pan Am Plaza. The complaint,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ind. Courts - Fort Wayne paper editorial on "Judging the Judges"
With two of its county judges facing unrelated charges, the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has a long and thoughtful editorial today that should be read in full:Two Allen County judges familiar with passing judgment on people who have committed wrongdoings...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on "Judge Felts pleads not guilty"
Updating this ILB entry from yesterday, Niki Kelly of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports today under the headline "Judge accused of thwarting test for DWI." Some quotes:Allen Circuit Court Judge Thomas J. Felts might have intentionally tried to subvert...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Two young attorneys in different parts of the state in court for drug/alcohol related charges
On May 11, 2007 the ILB posted an entry on two young attorneys - Teresa Perry of Evansville, who was charged with "eight counts related to possessing and distributing methamphetamine," and Terry J. Record, who, according to an Indianapolis Star...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: "Activist lawyer works to keep city honest"
Updating this ILB entry from June 29th, quoting from a John Ketzenberger column in the Indianapolis Star about local attorney Paul Ogden, today Ogden has filed a class action complaint on behalf of Clarke Kahoo and Howard Elder against the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Ind. Courts - John Newman, records manager, is retiring July 25th
A press release issued today via the Courts site begins:The Indiana Supreme Court is saying good-bye to the longtime Director of Information Management. John Newman is retiring July 25th, after 22 years with the Indiana Supreme Court, Chief Justice Randall...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Judge Felts pleads not guilty"
Niki Kelly of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette attended the initial hearing in Marion County Superior Court this morning and reports in a story that begins:INDIANAPOLIS – Allen Circuit Judge Thomas Felts will keep his driver’s license after an initial...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still more on: Unsolved Tippecanoe County Courthouse bombing nearly ten years old
Updating this ILB entry from May 29th, Sophia Voravong of the Lafayette Journal Courier reports today in a story that begins:In less than two weeks, the person who drove an explosives-laden pickup truck into the Tippecanoe County Courthouse -- causing...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Advocates Against Domestic Violence Blame Denial Of Protective Order For Woman's Death"
See the Advance Indiana entry here....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Probable cause affidavit gives details of Allen County judge's arrest"
Jeff Wiehe of The Fort Wayne News-Sentinel posted details last evening (7:41 pm) of "a newly released Marion Superior Court probable cause affidavit." in the arrest of Allen Circuit Court Judge Thomas J. Felts in downtown Indianapolis early Friday morning....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Despite protest and possible legalities, Randolph to build courthouse annex"
When last we hear of the Randolph County Courthouse project, it was July 16th and the Muncie Star-Press had thrown up its hands in an editorial titled "It's time for courthouse saga to come to an end." Today the always...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still more on: Allen Circuit Court Judge Thomas J. Felts arrested in Indy
Rebecca S. Green of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports today:Allen Circuit Judge Thomas Felts was at work Monday handling domestic relations cases, days after his arrest in Indianapolis on a drunken-driving charge. But whether he will return to his...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Ind. Courts - Union County receives $7,000 from Public Defender Commission
From a press release on the Indiana Courts site....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 21, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Tax accounting trio unsung heroes in region's public corruption fight"
Andy Grimm of the Gary Post-Tribune has an interesting report today featuring the FBI tax accountants behind the Lake County anti-corruption efforts. The story begins:If you follow Northwest Indiana's colorful, larcenous political history, you know the names: Operation Bar-Tab, Operation...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 21, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Procedure not followed in slander lawsuit, say attorneys"
Sophia Voravong of the Lafayette Journal & Courier reported July 19th in a story that begins:A Tippecanoe County judge will decide whether a Lafayette man can proceed with a defamation lawsuit against the city over remarks a city councilman made...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 21, 2008
Ind. Courts - Trouble in paradise? "Lawsuits flying in Ogden Dunes"
Joe Carlson reports in the NWI Times in a story that begins:OGDEN DUNES | The calls of gulls and the gentle lapping of Lake Michigan waves belies a thorny and expensive legal battle brewing in this shoreline town. The conflict...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 21, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on handling of drug forfeiture cases in Delware County
Another long story today by Rick Yencer in the Muncie Star-Press about the Delaware County drug forfeiture cases. Today's story begins:MUNCIE -- Mark McKinney maintains he has not "done anything wrong" in accepting payment for work on civil forfeiture cases...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 21, 2008
Ind. Courts - "After trials, one Lake County town judge changes practices"
Joe Carlson reports today in the NWI Times in a story that begins:LOWELL | After hearing in recent federal trials about the hijinks involving court-ordered alcohol counseling, Town Court Judge Thomas Vanes decided to stop ordering his defendants to attend...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Ind. Courts - Yet more on "Judicial candidate's registration in question"
Updating this ILB entry from July 9th, Lesley Stedman Weidenbener of the Louisville Courier Journal writes:A squabble over who should be on the ballot in the race for Clark Circuit Court judge has presented a new test for a state...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 20, 2008
Ind. Courts - Hamilton County may need new juror questionnaire envelopes
A reader has sent me the envelope to a mailing from the Hamilton County Administrator of Courts. The envelope states OFFICIAL JURY QUESTIONNAIRE and warns "Your reply is required within ten (10) days by Indiana Law (IC 33-4-11-16)." The problem?...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Allen Circuit Court Judge Thomas J. Felts arrested in Indy
Updating this entry from earlier today, Rebecca S. Green of Fort Wayne's morning paper, the Journal Gazette, now has this story that begins:Allen Circuit Judge Thomas Felts, who handles the lion’s share of Allen County’s alcohol-related criminal cases, was arrested...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, July 19, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Case in jeopardy because of typos"
Kevin Lilly, Logansport Pharos-Tribune news editor, reported Friday:A typographical error might have jeopardized the prosecutor’s case against a man accused of having sex with a Cass County teenager and getting her pregnant. In a hearing in Cass Circuit Court Thursday,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, July 19, 2008
Ind. Courts - Allen Circuit Court Judge Thomas J. Felts arrested in Indy
Jeff Wiehe of The Fort Wayne News-Sentinel reports this morning:An Allen County judge charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and public intoxication allowed his black Lincoln to coast backward into a squad car in downtown Indianapolis early Friday morning,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, July 19, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Judge proposes rules aimed at DTF 'ethical concerns'"
Continuing his reporting on the drug forfeiture investigation in Delaware County, Rick Yencer of the Muncie Star-Press writes today in a story that begins:New rules governing local drug forfeiture cases could end the practice of the Muncie-Delaware County Drug Task...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, July 18, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still more on: "Scheibenberger faces ethics, misconduct charges"
Updating this ILB entry from earlier today, the Supreme Court has now posted a press release on the chages filed against Judge Kenneth R. Scheibenberger.The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications filed formal charges of judicial misconduct against the Honorable Kenneth...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Ind. Courts - Judge to significantly broaden extent of drug forfeiture probe
Updating this ILB entry from July 13th, Rick Yencer of the Muncie Star-Press reports today in a story that begins:Delaware Circuit Court 2 Judge Richard Dailey intends to widen the scope of a drug forfeiture probe after finding 80 more...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still more on: Randolph County Courthouse plans still up in air
The Muncie Star-Press has had enough. In an editorial today headlined "It's time for courthouse saga to come to an end," the paper opines:Message to Randolph County officials: Your inability to move forward on the courthouse renovation project is making...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Ind. Courts - Even more on "Judicial candidate's registration in question"
Updating this ILB entry from July 8th, Ben Hershberg of the Louisville Courier Journal writes today in a story that begins:A court may have to decide whose names go on the Nov. 4 ballot for Clark Circuit Court judge. The...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: "Scheibenberger faces ethics, misconduct charges"
Rebecca S. Green's report in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette yesterday afternoon is expanded in the version published in today's paper. Some quotes from today's story:The first count of the document alleges Scheibenberger failed to uphold the integrity of the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Judge of the Day: Deborah Riga"
Above the Law ("A Legal Tabloid") yesterday featured former Schererville town judge Deborah Riga as its "Judge of the Day," picking up on the ILB's entry from July 11th. Writes Above the Law:A court with an affiliated driving school? Judges...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Scheibenberger faces ethics, misconduct charges"
Rebecca S. Green reports in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette this afternoon in a story that begins:The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications took formal disciplinary proceedings Tuesday against Allen Superior Judge Kenneth R. Scheibenberger. Alleging the judge violated rules of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Suit challenges U.S. Steel power lines along lake"
Joe Carlson of the NWI Times had an interesting story Monday about efforts to rid the Lake Michigan lakeshore of U.S Steel's transmission lines. Some quotes:In efforts to redevelop the region's lakeshore so the public can enjoy it, many officials...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still more on: Three justices and at least one appellate judge up for retention this year
Updating this ILB entry from July 1, all incumbent appellate judges up for retention this year have now filed to seek retention. They include: Three of the five members of the Supreme Court: Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard, Justice Brent...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 14, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Ind. Courts - A second Delaware County judge wants answers re handling of forfeiture cases in Muncie
Updating this ILB entry from Friday, Rick Yencer of the Muncie Star-Press reports today in a story that begins:The Muncie-Delaware County Drug Task Force, through its attorney, county Prosecutor Mark McKinney, disposed of money and property from a high-profile drug...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 13, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Ind. Courts - Updating "Supreme Court issues emergency order re handling of forfeiture cases in Muncie"
Updating these three recent ILB entries, the earliest dated June 21st, Rick Yencer of the Muncie Star-Press reports today:The Indiana Supreme Court on Friday gave Delaware Circuit Court 2 Judge Richard Dailey the green light to proceed and act in...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, July 12, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: "Former Schererville judge to be sentenced today"
Updating this ILB entry from yesterday, Joe Carlson reports today in the NWI Times:Former Schererville Town Judge Deborah Riga was sentenced Thursday to 15 months in prison -- substantially less time than she could have received for sending more than...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, July 11, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Former Schererville judge to be sentenced today"
Joe Carlson reports today in the NWI Times:HAMMOND | Exactly 25 months after Deborah Riga pleaded guilty to using her judicial powers to enrich herself, the former town judge is set to learn her prison sentence today. Riga was the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 10, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Randolph County Courthouse plans still up in air
Updating this ILB entry from July 3rd, Joy Leiker of the Muncie Star-Press reports today:WINCHESTER -- Even with two new options on the table for the Randolph County Courthouse, officials learned Wednesday night that the least-expensive option for expansion is...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Ind. Courts - Supreme Court names former TV journalist as Public Information Officer
Today's press release begins:The Indiana Supreme Court has named a former television journalist to serve as its Public Information Officer, Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard announced today. Kathryn Dolan, former WLFI morning news anchor started in the position June 30th....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still more on "Judicial candidate's registration in question"
The controversy continues. Ben Hershberg reports today in the Louisville Courier Journal:Citing errors in the nomination process, the chairman of the Clark County Democratic Party has asked state election officials to reject the Republican nominee for circuit court judge. In...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: COA will hear oral arguments today in dispute over Terre Haute mayor's office
Arthur E. Foulkes of the Terre Haute Tribune-Star reports today on yesterday's oral arguments before the Court of Appeals in the case of Burke v. Bennett. Some quotes:The Indiana Court of Appeals listened to arguments Tuesday in the case...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Plea deal pulled in attorney sex-attack case
Updating this ILB entry from May 28th, the Louisville Courier Journal reports today:Harrison Superior Court Judge Roger Davis has set an Aug. 19 trial date for Anthony Wallingford, a New Albany lawyer accused of criminal deviate conduct and sexual battery...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on "Judicial candidate's registration in question"
Updating this ILB entry from yesterday, quoting a story from the Louisville Courier Journal that began:Questions have been raised about whether Clark County Democratic Party Chairman Rod Pate properly registered Dan Moore as the party's nominee in November's race for...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Monday, July 07, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Longtime public defenders withdraw in Delph case"
So reports Shawn McGrath of the Anderson Herald Bulletin in a lengthy story that begins:Nearly four years after prosecutors brought murder charges against Rex David Delph, his longtime public defenders have withdrawn from the case, saying the county is unwilling...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 07, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Three justices and at least one appellate judge up for retention this year
This July 1st ILB post reported that:Three of the five members of the Supreme Court: Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard, Justice Brent E. Dickson, and Justice Theodore R. Boehm. must stand for retention in 2008, if they wish to remain...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 07, 2008
Ind. Courts - Monroe County Courthouse nearly razed in the 1980s
"County courthouse at center of celebration" was the headline of a July 2 story ($$) in the Bloomington Herald-Times:The star of the Fourth of July parade in downtown Bloomington Friday will be the building the parade will pass by in...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 07, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Judicial candidate's registration in question"
Ben Hershberg reports today in the Louisville Courier Journal:Questions have been raised about whether Clark County Democratic Party Chairman Rod Pate properly registered Dan Moore as the party's nominee in November's race for Clark Circuit Court judge. Pate said last...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 07, 2008
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Clark County on forefront of juvenile treatment"
Tara Hettinger of the Jeffersonville Evening News & Tribune reports in a story that begins:Clark County Superior Court Judge Vicki Carmichael has seen her share of youth coming through her courtroom. “Over the years, there are so many kids that...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 06, 2008
Ind. Courts - Warrick County Drunk Driving and Drug Court and the Youth Substance Abuse Program
Lydia McCoy of the Evansville Courier & Press reports today:In the 33 years that Warrick County Judge Keith Meier has worked in the criminal justice system, he's seen the correlation between crime and drugs and alcohol. In 2005, he founded...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 06, 2008
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Courts - Still more on: Hamilton Ohio Naked Prosecutor
Updating this ILB entry from Oct. 18, 2006, the Cincinnati Enquirer has a story July 3rd by Janice Morse that reported:HAMILTON -- A former city prosecutor who was fired for taking nude after-hours strolls in a public building has won...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, July 05, 2008
Ind. Courts - Story lauds Tippecanoe County Prosecutor Pat Harrington
"Prosecutor on fast track to fulfill his promises" is the headline to a lengthy story today in the Lafayette Journal Courier, by Sophia Voravang....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, July 05, 2008
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Ind. Courts - Porter County prepares to start juvenile drug court
Vicki Urbanik reports in the Chesterton Tribune in a story that begins:Porter County juvenile court officials are awaiting state approval to begin a new juvenile drug court, which will focus on treatment of offenders with substance abuse problems. With an...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 03, 2008
Ind. Courts - St. Joseph Prosecutor Dvorak claims his attorneys aren't receiving comparable pay to public defenders
Pablo Ros reports today in the South Bend Tribune in a lengthy sstory - some quotes:For most in St. Joseph County's criminal justice system, it has been everything it promised to be. A reimbursement program with the Indiana Public Defender...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 03, 2008
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Division of State Court Administration Seeks Director of Appellate Court Information Technology"
The Courts Site has posted this job notice. A quote:The Indiana Supreme Court Division of State Court Administration is seeking a Director of Appellate Court Technology to provide the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Tax Court, and their agencies...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Haughee's appeals all are denied"
Two new stories today on former Lake County deputy prosecutor Michael B. Haughee (see list of earlier ILB entries). James D. Wolf Jr.'s Gary Post Tribune report begins:VALPARAISO -- A Porter County Judge denied all the motions that a former...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: "United States Senate Confirms William T. Lawrence as District Judge"
Updating this ILB entry from June 27, the USDC for the Southern District of Indiana has posted this press release that begins:The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana is pleased to announce that on Tuesday, July...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Ind. Courts - Three justices and at least one appellate judge up for retention this year
In 2006 one Supreme Court justice, Frank Sullivan Jr., and five Court of Appeals judges, James S. Kirsch, Terry A. Crone, Ezra H. Friedlander, Edward W. Najam Jr., and Patricia A. Riley, were up for retention for new 10-year terms....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on "Accused officers' drugs cases at risk"
This story, first posted by the Indianapolis Star online yesterday morning (see ILB entry here), is now in an expanded version the main front-page story in today's paper. Reported by Vic Ryckaert and Jon Murray, the story begins:The arrests of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Ind. Courts - Indiana Court Times, May/June 2008, is available online
The Indiana Courts website announces today that the 20-page May/June issue of Indiana Court Times is available online....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 30, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Accused officers' drugs cases at risk"
Reported this morning by Vic Ryckaert of the Indianapolis Star, a story that begins:After an Indianapolis police officer appeared in court this morning on charges he knowingly sold a firearm to a convicted burglar, the Marion County prosecutor admitted he’s...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Judge takes on new role as deacon" [Updated]
Here are some quotes from a story today by Laura Lane of the Bloomington Herald Times ($$):Monroe Circuit Judge Marc Kellams may want to consider purchasing a reversible robe. Black on one side for when he is in his role...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, June 28, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still more on: Supreme Court issues emergency order re handling of forfeiture cases in Muncie
Updating previous ILB entries, the most recent being this one from June 24th, Douglas Walker of the Muncie Star-Press has a new report today that begins:MUNCIE -- Judge Richard Dailey wants records reflecting all deposits and withdrawals -- and copies...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Ind. Decisions - One Indiana case today from 7th Circuit
In U.S. v. Daniel Groves, Sr. (ND Ind., Judge Sharp), a 12-page opinion, Judge Rovner writes:In this successive appeal, Daniel Groves challenges the district court’s denial of his Motion to Suppress Evidence, claiming that the ammunition which provided the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 27, 2008
Ind. Courts - "United States Senate Confirms William T. Lawrence as District Judge"
Updating yesterday's ILB on-the-spot entry about the Senate vote, the USDC for the Southern District of Indiana has this morning posted this press release that begins:On Thursday, June 26, the United States Senate voted unanimously to confirm the appointment of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Ind. Courts - Nominee to SD Indiana seat being voted on this afternoon
The nomination of U.S. Magistrate Judge William T. Lawrence to serve as U.S. District Court Judge for Indiana's southern district is being voted on by the full Senate at this moment. You may watch on C-Span 2. [5:00 PM EDT]...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Ind. Courts - Files from Kalab Lay tragedy released by state child welfare chief
Here are earlier ILB entries on the Kahlib Lay death, from reports in the Evansville Courier & Press. Today Libby Keeling reports in the Courier & Press in a lengthy story headed "File details tragedy: Thousands of pages of documents...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Ind. Courts - Johnson County Prosecutor talks about his office's temporary housing
The Indianapolis Star has posted a video interview conducted by Amy Bartner with Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner. See also this ILB entry from Monday....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Supreme Court issues emergency order re handling of forfeiture cases in Muncie
Updating this ILB entry from June 21st, Rick Yencer of the Muncie Star-Press reports today on the Muncie controversy, in a story headed "Prosecutor: Judge exceeded authority in forfeiture probe." It begins:Delaware Circuit Court 2 Judge Richard Dailey declined to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Ind. Courts - Even more on: "New judge's hires stir up controversy"
"Pay raises for court workers rescinded" is the headline to Ben Zion Hershberg's story today in the Louisville Courier Journal. From the report:The Clark County Council voted yesterday to rescind controversial raises for two new Circuit Court employees after Judge...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still more on: Johnson County court cancelled
In a long and interesting story headlined "Prosecutor back in action shortly after flood," Ryan Trares of the Johnson County Daily Journal reports today:Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner has repeatedly been confronted by the same questions. How can you do...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 23, 2008
Ind. Courts - Indy public defender wants clients to pay their fees
Jon Murray of the Indianapolis Star reports today that few defendants in Marion County actually pay the standard public defendant fee of $50 for misdemeanor cases and $100 for felony cases:Public defenders took on more than 29,000 cases last year....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Ind. Courts - "$13.65M courthouse renovation project nearing completion"
Howard Greninger of the Terre Haute Trib-Star has a long story today, complete with a number of photos, on the renovation of the Vigo County Courthouse. Some quotes:An interior renovation project that started at just more than $8 million will...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, June 22, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Conseco legal war drags on"
J.K. Wall reports today in the Indianapolis Business Journal in a long story that begins:Conseco Inc. won another round in court against former Merchants National Bank CEO James D. Massey this month, ringing up a $29 million judgment against him...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, June 21, 2008
Ind. Courts / Ind. Gov't. - More on: Corruption in Lake County
Updating this ILB entry from June 16th, Patrick Guinane of the NWI Times reports today under the headline "What About Bob?" Some quotes:INDIANAPOLIS | Bob Pastrick left the East Chicago mayor's office following defeat in a 2004 special election prompted...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, June 21, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Ind. Courts - "State's voter ID law faces challenge" again
The Indianapolis Star has posted a brief, unsigned story reporting that:A former City-County Council member and former Democratic party attorney will announce this afternoon the filing of a fresh challenge of the law requiring voters to show a photo...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 20, 2008
Ind. Courts - Nominations sought for Judges Association annual awards for “Excellence in Public Information and Education”
A release announces:The Indiana Judges Association is accepting nominations for its annual awards for “Excellence in Public Information and Education,” Marion Superior Court Judge Robert Altice announced today. Judge Altice, who chairs the Community Relations Committee of the Judicial Conference...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 20, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Rumors swirl about possible new federal judge"
Bill Dolan writes today in the NWI Times:HAMMOND | Neither the White House nor U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar, R-Ind., will comment on possible efforts to find a new federal judge for the Northern Indiana district. The Web site for the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 20, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Mayor owes $16,000 in legal costs from recount proceedings"
Some who read the ILB's June 14th entry headed "COA will hear oral arguments July 8 in dispute over Terre Haute mayor's office" may have wondered about the status of the controversy over the Muncie mayor's office. See this entry...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Ind. Courts - Yet more on "New judge's hires stir up controversy"
Updating yesterday's ILB entry, Harold J. Adams reports today in the Louisville Courier Journal:The Clark County Council has scheduled a special meeting next week to reconsider its approval of controversial personnel moves by newly appointed Circuit Judge Abe Navarro. And...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Ind. Courts - "County juvenile court shows off pioneering mental health diversion program"
Vicki Urbanik of the Chesterton Tribune reported yesterday in a long story that begins:Juvenile court officials from throughout Indiana gathered Friday to learn more about a Porter County program aimed at addressing the mental health needs of juvenile offenders instead...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still more on: Special prosecutor named in attorney's fatal DUI case
Updating this entry from Oct. 27, 2007, the Indianapolis Star has a brief report today:A recent ruling by a Marion Superior Court judge likely will result in the dismissal of one of two major charges against a former state attorney...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still more on "New judge's hires stir up controversy"
Updating this entry from yesterday, Grace Schneider of the Louisville Courier Journal reports today under the headline "Clark council may block court hirings: Colleagues assail Clark judge's action." Some quotes:The Clark County Council signaled yesterday that it may reverse its...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Judicial Nominating Commission to consider St. Joseph vacancy
Updating this entry from June 10th, a new press release announces:Any St. Joseph County lawyer who wishes to be considered by the Governor as a candidate for an upcoming judicial vacancy on the St. Joseph Superior Court must act promptly...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 16, 2008
Ind. Courts / Ind. Gov't. - Corruption in Lake County
Both Northwest Indiana newspapers have stories today focusing on corruption in Lake County. Joe Carlson of the NWI Times writes under the headline "Robert Cantrell was 45th conviction in political machine." The story begins:If the public corruption conviction against Robert...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 16, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on "New judge's hires stir up controversy"
Updaitng this ILB entry from June 14th, Harold J. Adams of the Louisville Courier Journal reports today in a lengthy story that begins:A staff shakeup by new Clark Circuit Court Judge Abraham Navarro, a Republican, has prompted an outcry from...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 16, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on Supreme Court's case management system plans
Updating this ILB entry from May 11th on the status of the Supreme Court's case management system, the Court's working committee, JTAC, has posted this slideshow given at the May 1, 2008 Probate Officers Annual Meeting. Particularly interesting to the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, June 15, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on "Media barred from Lay custody trial"
The Evansville Courier & Press has a lengthy editorial today on the Court of Appeals grant of a motion for a temporary stay, filed by Amanda Brooks Lay's attorney, barring the media from attending court proceedings related to the custody...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, June 15, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Ind. Courts - "New judge's hires stir up controversy"
Melissa Moody of the New Albany News&Tribune reports today in a story that begins:New Clark County Circuit Court Judge Abe Navarro this week requested appropriations from the County Council to shift job responsibilities within his office — and the outcome...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, June 14, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Illinois keeps list of lawyers private"
That is the headline to this story by Bruce Rushton in the Springfield Illinois State Journal-Register. Here in Indiana our Courts site maintains the "Roll of Attorneys" where anyone can find whether an attorney is licensed to practice n Indiana,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, June 12, 2008
Ind. Courts - "'Mick's' bribery charge disputed"
A story today in the Muncie Star-Press, reported by Rick Yencer, begins:MUNCIE -- Attorney Michael J. "Mick" Alexander was not present at an October 2005 meeting at which he is accused of conspiring to bribe witnesses, according to an affidavit...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, June 12, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Indiana 6th in nation in juveniles locked up"
Angela Mapes Turner of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports today:Indiana ranks sixth among states with the most juveniles locked up, a grade that should prompt the state to re-examine its youth justice system, a report released today said. The...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Ind. Courts - ACLU sues city in federal court over homeless [Updated]
Jon Murray has this just-posted story in the Indianapols Star. Some quotes:The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed a lawsuit today against the city over what its attorneys see as a too-aggressive crackdown on the homeless in Downtown Indianapolis....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Ind. Courts - "LaGrange Courts to upgrade recording system"
From the Goshen News:LaGrange County Council members approved the purchase of a new digital audio recording system for the county circuit and superior courts during Monday’s meeting. The new system will cost $44,790. Director of Information Technology Bob Murphy said...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Ind. Courts - Steuben County public defender office has problems
WLKI News, Angola, is reporting:The attorney who oversees Steuben County's public defender program told the County Council yesterday that another public defender will be needed next year due to the large number of indigent cases. Hugh Taylor said the program...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Ind. Courts - Even more on "Landowner calls move by pipeline company as intimidation"
Updating this June 8th ILB entry, two stories by Jason Thomas of the Indianapolis Star. "Pipeline builder sues land owners" is the headline to today's story, which begins:Hoosier landowners yet to reach an agreement with the company building a multistate...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Ind. Courts - Judicial Nominating Commission to consider St. Joseph vacancy
From a release today:Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan, Jr., who chairs the St. Joseph Superior Court Judicial Nominating Commission, announced today that the Commission will meet to begin the process of selecting a new superior court judge. Judge William...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Familiar names suspended from practice
It turns out a correction is in order. Yesterday the ILB posted this entry and soon thereafter posted a comment from a reader: "A reader writes: "Just for what it's worth, I noticed that the Jasper County Circuit Judge was...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Media barred from Lay custody trial"
Kate Braser reports today in the Evansville Courier & Press:The news media is being barred from attending court proceedings related to the custody cases of two children of a couple accused of murder in the death of their son, Kalab...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Ind. Courts - "On graduation day, a diploma and a cleared criminal record"
Daniel Human of the Gary Post-Tribune reports today in a story that begins:As Rachel Love walked up to a woman clad in black robes to collect her diploma Monday, the Valparaiso resident received something else beyond the standard graduation fare...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Robert Cantrell found guilty on all charges
Updating this ILB entry from last weekend, stories today on what's next. Joe Carlson's story in the NWI Times is headed "Will political operative 'flip'?" Not like, says the story. In addition, it points up the identity issue Andy Grimm...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Ind. Law - More on: Clark County attorney works for State Department as a contract lawyer
Updating yesterday's story, today Ben Zion Hershberg and Rick Rojas of the Louisville Courier Journal report:After two years of working in Sudan and Afghanistan -- helping to develop the legal systems there for the U.S. State Department -- Jeremy Mull...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Johnson County court cancelled
Updating this entry from Monday morning, the Indianapolis Star reports today, in a story by Brendan O'Shaughnessy and Jason Thomas:A number of Johnson County employees were put on standby as officials searched for a temporary home after the Courthouse Annex...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Monday, June 09, 2008
Ind. Courts - Familiar names suspended from practice
Ed Feigenbaum's Indiana Legislative Insight ($$$) for June 9, 2008, contains these interesting items re attorneys suspended for failure to pay the annual fees and/or keep up with CLE requirements:Fees. Among those suspended from the practice of law by...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 09, 2008
Ind. Courts - Johnson County court cancelled
From :The Indy Channel, 6 News:Cleanup will take months in Franklin. Officials in Johnson County scheduled a meeting Monday to come up with a recovery plan. Numerous city and county offices, along with hundreds of families are affected. The Franklin...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 09, 2008
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Ind. Courts - New Family Resource Center opening Monday in the Indy City-County Building
Jon Murray reports today in the Indianapolis Star in a story that begins:The scenario happens too often: A divorce or paternity case languishes in a Marion County court for months. Animosity builds by the day. A judge feels ill-suited to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, June 08, 2008
Friday, June 06, 2008
Ind. Courts - Morgan County attorneys accept accolades
Aaron Blevins reports today in this story in the Martinsville Reporter-Times. A few quotes:Several local attorneys were awarded for their pro bono work at noon Thursday in a judicial recognition reception in Morgan County Superior Court III. The ceremony was...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 06, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Riga: Cash payments hid Cantrell money trail"
Joe Carlson of the NWI Times reports again today on the Cantrell trial in Lake County federal court in a story that begins:HAMMOND | Disgraced former Judge Deborah Riga said Thursday that Robert Cantrell was not shy about using cash...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 06, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Haughee requests prison transfer"
Updating this ILB entry from May 2nd, the Gary Post-Tribune reports today:A former Lake County prosecutor, Hebron councilman and attorney who was sentenced to a year in Porter County Jail asked that he be transferred to state prison so he...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 06, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Ind. Courts - Yet more on "Intricate political web unravels at Cantrell trial"
Updating the most recent ILB entry, from June 3rd, Joe Carlson of the NWI Times has a story today headed: "Cantrell's trial now focusing on daughter's court." Some quotes:HAMMOND | When Nancy Fromm and colleague George Safana started an addiction...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, June 05, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Search for the front of the Randolph County Courthouse continues"
Updatng this ILB entry from May 28th, Joy Leiker of the Muncie Star-Press reports today:WINCHESTER, Ind. -- The search for the front of the Randolph County Courthouse continues. Advertisement And it looks like the only way officials are going to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Township assessor sues over loss of duty"
Rebecca S. Green of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports today in a lengthy story:The Huntington Township assessor sued a number of Huntington County officials - and some state agencies - Monday, contesting recent legislation that will phase out township...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Ind. Courts - Still more on "Intricate political web unravels at Cantrell trial"
Updating yesterday's ILB entry is this story today in the Gary Post-Tribune, reported by Andy Grimm. Headed "Witnesses tell of Cantrell's political clout." the story begins:HAMMOND -- Witnesses called by federal prosecutors expanded the list of services available in the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Federal courthouse construction starting this summer" in Terre Haute
Howard Greninger of the Terre Haute Tribune-Star reports today:Construction is expected to start in July or August on the new federal courthouse at 921 Ohio St., said David Wilkinson, spokesman for U.S. General Services Administration. Federal offices are scheduled to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Monday, June 02, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Former South Bend lawyer released from federal prison"
An item posted on the South Bend Tribune web site:SOUTH BEND -- A once-prominent Michiana lawyer is out of federal prison after serving a four-year sentence. Paul Kusbach pleaded guilty in 2003 for defrauding a dozen people out of about...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 02, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on "Intricate political web unravels at Cantrell trial"
Supplementing this ILB entry from Saturday, Andy Grimm of the Gary Post-Tribune has a long background story this morning on Robert Cantrell. Just a few quotes:Monday, the trial of Lake County power broker Robert Cantrell enters its second week in...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 02, 2008
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Ind. Courts - Protection orders in Lake and Porter Counties
Marisa Kwiatkowski of the NWI Times has a story today headed "Protection orders rise in Lake, but drop in Porter County" and another headed "Victims lean on protection orders to break cycle of abuse." A quote from the latter story:Crown...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, June 01, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Bloomington Attorney Charged in Securities Scam"
From a press release issued today by the Indiana Secretary of State's office: Bloomington police arrested attorney Phillip Chamberlain overnight on charges of misconduct involving his clients and violations of Indiana's Securities Act. The arrest comes after a joint investigation...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, May 29, 2008
Ind. Courts - More on: Unsolved Tippecanoe County Courthouse bombing nearly ten years old
Updating this May 10th ILB entry, Sophia Voravong of the Lafayette Journal Courier reports today in a story that begins:For nearly 10 years, authorities have been storing the stolen Ford F-250 pickup truck that drove into the Tippecanoe County Courthouse,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, May 29, 2008
Ind. Courts - Who am I? Why am I here?
Joy Leiker of the Muncie Star-Press reports today:WINCHESTER -- Where is the front of the Randolph County Courthouse? The answer to that question could determine when construction of a two-story annex and renovation of the existing 131-year-old courthouse could finally...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, May 29, 2008