Many businesses asking customers, workers to waive legal rights
As businesses reopen across the U.S. after coronavirus shutdowns, many are requiring customers and workers to sign forms saying they won’t sue if they catch COVID-19.
Legal Issues
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City partnership aims to reimagine public safety in Indianapolis with community’s help
The goal of the partnership with the Criminal Justice Lab at the New York University School of Law is to create a new community-driven and community-monitored vision of criminal justice in Indianapolis.
Democrats pledge to transform law enforcement through Justice in Policing Act
The act would ban chokeholds, establish a national database to track police misconduct, prohibit some no-knock warrants and enact other initiatives. The bill contains several provisions that would make it easier to hold officers accountable for misconduct in civil and criminal court.
Special prosecutor appointed in Indianapolis police shooting
A judge on Thursday appointed a special prosecutor to investigate possible criminal charges in the shooting death of 21-year-old Dreasjon “Sean” Reed.
Downtown’s Sugarfire restaurant sues landlord in rent dispute
St. Louis-based Sugarfire Smoke House has closed its downtown Indianapolis restaurant following ongoing issues with the building’s landlord.
Carmel plans lawsuit against city of Minneapolis for security expenses
Mayor Jim Brainard said other cities should should join Carmel’s suit, which has not been filed. “Those in power need to understand the far-reaching consequences of their actions,” he said.
Marion County prosecutor charges 14 with burglary after riots
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced Monday that he has declined to file charges against 41 “non-violent” protesters who were arrested on Friday and Saturday in downtown Indianapolis.
Attorney general: Indianapolis’ limit on religious services is unconstitutional
Hill said places of worship are considered essential businesses, and churches, synagogues and other places of worship must be treated the same as non-religious entities.
Holcomb asks Supreme Court whether AG Hill’s suspension creates vacancy for him to fill
Holcomb’s petition also challenges Curtis Hill’s decision to appoint his chief deputy to serve in his absence.
Hill says he accepts ruling ‘with humility and respect,’ taps chief deputy to fill in
After the Indiana Supreme Court suspended his law license for 30 days, Attorney General Curtis Hill named his chief deputy to take over the office in his absence.
Hearing officer: No discipline necessary for lawyer in Park Tudor sex scandal
The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission had sought the suspension of the Ice Miller LLP attorney Michael Blickman in November 2018, alleging violations of the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct.
Pearl Street Pizzeria, Pure Eatery sue insurer over COVID-19 claim denial
The suit, filed earlier this month, alleges that Wisconsin-based Society Insurance rushed to deny the restaurants’ claims for COVID-19-related business losses without properly investigating the claims.
Judge dismisses women’s lawsuit accusing Curtis Hill of sexual harassment
U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson said that because the women—a state lawmaker and three legislative staffers—didn’t work for Hill, they can’t sue him under federal laws meant to prevent workplace discrimination and retaliation.
Probe casts uncertainty over Gary, Terre Haute casino plans
The casinos’ futures remain up in the air as the Indiana Gaming Commission looks into allegations that a former Indianapolis gambling company and one of its officers were involved in a federal campaign finance scheme.
Questions about ethics aren’t new for gambling-industry veteran Ratcliff
At nearly every turn, Rod Ratcliff or his companies or his associates have run into questions and concerns about the way they interact with the public officials who make the rules associated with the industry.
Celadon alleges North Carolina company is holding its vehicles for ‘ransom’
The trucking firm won a temporary restraining order against the repo company on Thursday.
Indiana House committee advances hands-free driving bill
The committee listened to about two hours of testimony, with many of the speakers telling personal stories. No one spoke against the hands-free driving measure, which is a legislative priority for Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Indiana House backs tougher rules for tobacco retailers
Stores across Indiana would face tougher penalties for selling tobacco products to anyone younger than 21 under a bill endorsed Tuesday by the Indiana House.
Court docs: Fired Franklin president arranged to meet officer posing as 15-year-old
According to a criminal complaint, after exchanging messages with an undercover police officer he thought to be a minor named Tyler, Thomas Minar sent multiple pornographic pictures and other sexual messages through the Grindr app.
Revenue commissioner to seek GOP nomination for attorney general
Adam Krupp—who has served in the gubernatorial administrations of Eric Holcomb, Mike Pence and Mitch Daniels—wants to replace embattled Republican incumbent Curtis Hill.