Zoo elephant named Happy isn’t a person, court rules
The zoo and its supporters warned that a victory in the closely watched case could open the door to more legal actions on behalf of animals, including pets, farm animals and other species in zoos.
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Courts to begin move to new Community Justice Campus next week
The court said all non-jury, in-person court matters, with the exception of juvenile delinquency cases, will begin taking place Monday at the campus’ new courthouse in the Twin Aire neighborhood, three miles from downtown.
Crawford County judge involved in 2019 Indy shooting ends reelection bid after ‘incident’
Sabrina R. Bell of the Crawford Circuit Court announced Wednesday that she was ending her reelection campaign, just weeks before the May 3 primary election. Bell was first elected in November 2016.
Immigration court coming to Indianapolis in 2023, DOJ says
Currently, immigration cases from Indiana are sent to the Chicago Immigration Court in Illinois. The new court will serve the state of Indiana and have about 40 employees, the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed.
Appeals court allows students’ COVID breach suits vs. IU, Purdue to proceed
Lawsuits filed by students at Indiana and Purdue universities alleging breaches of contract when the schools moved to online learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue, the Court of Appeals of Indiana has ruled.
Marion County courts’ move to Community Justice Campus set to begin in April
The courts had planned to move at the end of 2021 or early 2022, but COVID-related delays changed those plans.
Appeals court rules convicted CEO doomed by evidence, not by attorney’s conflict of interest
Former CEO James Burkhart pleaded guilty in January 2018 to a scheme in which vendors working for American Senior Communities inflated invoices and kicked back profits to Burkhart and other company officials.
Indiana Southern District Court lifts mask, social distancing mandates
Visitors of the federal courthouses in the Southern District of Indiana won’t be required to wear face coverings or socially distance while entering and occupying public spaces beginning next week.
Pandemic forces delay in fraud trial of former Celadon execs
The criminal case against former Celadon executives Eric Meek and Bobby Peavler had been scheduled to begin on Feb. 22, but the judge has rescheduled the trial because local COVID-19 positivity rates are too high.
IRT can’t claim coverage for COVID-related losses, appeals court affirms
Despite the “dire” financial downturn caused by COVID-related business closures, the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre can’t claim loss-of-use coverage under its insurance policy, the Court of Appeals of Indiana ruled.
Federal court rules losses suffered by Patachou restaurant not covered by insurance
The Patachou restaurants in Indianapolis and Carmel will not be able to recoup their financial losses from the COVID-19 shutdown in the spring of 2020 after a federal court found the insurance policy they held only reimbursed for damage to the actual brick and mortar structures.
Problems getting computer chips delay Marion County courts’ move to new justice campus
Dates for the big move are being pushed back due to COVID-related holdups in getting some systems and equipment, such as cameras, network switches, outdoor lights and other items with computer chips.
Federal appeals court temporarily blocks Biden vaccine mandate on businesses
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay of the requirement by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration that workers at certain businesses be vaccinated by Jan. 4 or face mask requirements and weekly tests.
Indianapolis attorney suspended, ordered to refund client’s retainer
Loren Comstock has been suspended from the practice of law for 120 days for failing to provide competent representation and to keep his client reasonably informed about the progress of her federal lawsuit against her former employer and labor union.
Marion County courts, jail get ready for big move
The centerpiece of Indianapolis’ $590 million Community Justice Campus is set to open in December, five years after Mayor Joe Hogsett first unveiled his vision for it.
Indiana governor undecided on appeal of emergency law ruling
Indiana’s governor said Friday he’s waiting to decide on whether to continue his court fight against a new law giving state legislators more power to intervene during public health emergencies.
IBJ Podcast: Will the Prosecutor’s Office move to the new Community Justice Campus?
Host Mason King talks with IBJ reporters Leslie Bonilla Muñiz and Mickey Shuey about why Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears is hesitant about moving to the Twin Aire site and why the mayor wants the office at the campus.
Facemasks mandatory again at City-County Building, local courts
The judges said rising COVID-19 case numbers and a positivity rate that has risen to 10.5% have created a need for the order.
Court rules for Roncalli in lawsuit brought by fired counselor in same-sex marriage
The Indianapolis Catholic high school scored a victory in its legal battle with Lynn Starkey, who served as Roncalli’s co-director of guidance until 2019, when the school did not renew her contract after learning that she was in a civil union with a woman.
Southern, Northern District courts reinstate mask, social distancing mandates
Starting Tuesday, anyone coming in or occupying public areas of the four courthouses of the Southern District of Indiana must wear face coverings and maintain six feet of social distancing in all public spaces, regardless of vaccination status.