Cover Stories

One and Done: How INcite is reducing redundant DNA collection

February 24, 2015

One of the responsibilities of probation officers is to collect body fluid samples from clients to test for the presence of drugs or alcohol when that is a condition of their probation. But did you also know that Indiana law requires officers to collect a DNA sample for persons convicted of a felony? The Indiana General Assembly adopted this requirement in 2005. When a court sentences a defendant directly to the Department of Correction (DOC), bypassing any contact with probation, then the DOC collects the DNA sample. In other instances a defendant may be held in or sentenced... [Read the full story]

Features

2015 State of the Judiciary

February 24, 2015

Loretta Rush, as the first female Indiana Chief Justice, delivered an historic address on the condition of the courts to a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly. Highlights of the speech follow, but we invite you to read the entire text and watch the video of the event on the Indiana Courts website at http://courts.in.gov/supreme/2502.htm. Chief Justice Rush reported on the “condition of the courts” by reviewing its constitutional purpose and asking this question: Is our system of justice in Indiana working for the people and businesses it promises to serve? As... [Read the full story]

Family Violence

Technology & Intimate Partner Violence

February 24, 2015

While technology is not inherently violent, people who engage in intimate partner violence often employ technology as a means of obtaining and maintaining coercive control. Various technologies equip offenders with very efficient means to commit the crimes of stalking, intimidation, and harassment, while also enabling them to pinpoint their victims’ physical locations. Although it is challenging to stay one step ahead of the many different ways to abuse technology, it is important for judges and court staff to keep current on the latest issues associated with technology and... [Read the full story]

Sidebar

Hon. Michael G. Gotsch

February 24, 2015

This is the thirty-first of our Court Times articles that highlight up close and personal a member of the Indiana Judiciary. St. Joseph Circuit Court Judge Michael G. Gotsch, Sr. is our judge featured in this issue. He has served in this capacity since his appointment by Governor Joseph E. Kernan in May, 2004. He was elected to a six-year term in 2004, and re-elected in 2010. Before becoming a judge, he served as the Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Chief of Staff in the Office of St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney Michael A. Dvorak (2003-04). He was in private law... [Read the full story]

Spotlight

Leslie Dunn Receives ISBA Taliaferro Award

February 24, 2015

Vi Taliaferro and Leslie Dunn Leslie Dunn, State Director of GAL/CASA at the Indiana Supreme Court’s Division of State Court Administration, was awarded the Honorable Viola J. Taliaferro Award by the Indiana State Bar Association on October 8, 2014 at the Bar’s annual meeting. The award, which was presented to Leslie by the Civil Rights of Children Committee, is given to a person who exemplifies Judge Taliaferro’s courageous, visionary leadership in addressing the unmet legal needs of children. Leslie has been the State Director of GAL/CASA for twelve years and prior... [Read the full story]