One and Done: How INcite is reducing redundant DNA collection
February 24, 2015 by Mary L. DePrez
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? [...]
2015 State of the Judiciary
February 24, 2015 by Editor
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 [...]
Trial by Skype™ in Shelby County
February 24, 2015 by Hon. David N. Riggins
As a self-proclaimed tech-geek, I have embraced technology in the courtroom wholeheartedly. Recently, I had the opportunity to conduct a traffic infraction trial by video (I will refer to it as a traffic video trial or “TV trial”). Inter-active two-way audio visual equipment in the courtroom isn’t new, courts have been conducting hearings via [...]
Judicial Responses to Elder Abuse
February 24, 2015 by Erica Costello
Though many judges have seen elder abuse, not all may fully understand it. Often considered a “hidden” crime, elder abuse includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, abandonment, neglect, and/or self-neglect. It can also be seen in civil, criminal, probate, family, and mental health proceedings, creating a variety of [...]
Hometown Heroes: Eighteenth Annual GAL/CASA Conference Held
February 24, 2015 by Leslie S. Dunn
Honoring “Hometown Heroes” was the theme of the Eighteenth Annual Indiana State GAL/CASA Conference. Sponsored by the Indiana Supreme Court’s office of Guardian Ad Litem/Court Appointed Special Advocate (GAL/CASA) the event was held” on October 11 in Indianapolis.
Six hundred CASA volunteers, directors and program staff participated in the conference. The keynote speaker, Noah benShea, [...]
Allen Superior Court’s Innovative Wayfinding Project
February 24, 2015 by Jeff Leffers
The Allen Superior Court has vastly improved the public’s accessibility and convenience to its Misdemeanor and Traffic Court. The change will reduce visitor/defendant apprehension and anxiety. This is due to Judge Fran Gull’s commitment to employ new technology to improve services and the support of two very generous and timely Indiana Supreme Court [...]
Crossing the Border: How the Unaccompanied Minor Crisis May Impact Indiana Juvenile Courts
February 24, 2015 by Leslie S. Dunn
The number of unaccompanied immigrant children in the United States has increased from 6,775 in 2010 to over 62,000 in 2014 according to the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It has been estimated that as many as 150,000-200,000 unaccompanied minors may attempt to cross the border in 2015. Children 12 and under [...]
Marion County Small Claims Courts: National Experts Recommend Improvements
February 24, 2015 by Editor
Editor’s Note: The Indianapolis Bar Association addressed concerns about the Marion County Small Claims Courts in 1992, and after extensive study made recommendations for improvement in a report issued in 1998. These recommendations were not implemented. On July 18, 2011 the Wall Street Journal published an article, “In Debt Collecting, Location Matters,” which raised questions [...]
2014 ICLEO Fellowship Class
February 24, 2015 by Jasmine Parson , Jasmine Parson , Jasmine Parson , Jasmine Parson
The 18th convening of the Indiana Conference for Legal Education Opportunity (ICLEO) Summer Institute took place at Valparaiso University School of Law, June 19 – July 27, 2014.
Since the establishment of ICLEO in 1997 by then Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard, five hundred students have participated in the Summer Institute which is hosted each summer [...]
All Courts Shall Be Open
October 3, 2014 by Kathryn Dolan
Continued emphasis on fair and impartial justice as Dickson transfers leadership to Rush
On June 11, 2014, Brent E. Dickson announced he would step down as Chief Justice of Indiana before September first and continue serving as an Associate Justice on the five-member Supreme Court. When Dickson informed the Judicial Nominating Commission of his plans, [...]
