“So what does the Community Relations Committee do anyway?” As chair of the Community Relations Committee, I hear this question on a regular basis. And I’m always happy to let judges know of the important, yet quiet work that is done by the Committee. One of the primary goals of the Community Relations Committee is to educate the public about the work done by Indiana’s judiciary. The Committee has worked to achieve … [Read more...] about Community Relations Committee: Stealth Warrior for the Judiciary
The Dropout Problem: Part 1
What is behind it & what judges can do about it A judge presiding over a criminal docket will quickly conclude that family violence cases are different. In an auto theft case, for example, the victim is usually cooperative: she wants to help the police and prosecutor bring the perpetrator to justice for his crime. But in a case involving family violence—especially intimate partner violence—the victim often rec … [Read more...] about The Dropout Problem: Part 1
Spotlight: Awards, report, and new appellate judge
Former Chief Justice Shepard receives ABA Marshall Award The American Bar Association presented the prestigious 2015 John Marshall Award to former Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard. He was the longest-serving chief justice of the Supreme Court of Indiana, and is the recipient of the award named for the longest-serving chief justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. The ABA established the John … [Read more...] about Spotlight: Awards, report, and new appellate judge
Second Chances: Indiana's Evolving Expungement Law
While still a subject of some controversy, expungement, the process by which an Indiana citizen can seal past criminal records, has undergone significant revision since its inception. In 2012, Indiana lawmakers enacted legislation popularly known as the “Second Chance Law.” Under the 2012 procedure, only those convicted of misdemeanors and non-violent class D felonies were eligible, and the remedy resulted in an ord … [Read more...] about Second Chances: Indiana's Evolving Expungement Law
2015 Legislative Review
Editor’s Note: This report is a condensed version of the legislation enacted in the 2015 session of the Indiana General Assembly and only contains highlights of selected bills. The entire text of any law, as well as any other legislative action, is available at: http://www.iga.in.gov. Constitutional Amendments SJR 2 Right to Hunt, Fish and Harvest Wildlife – Passed Twice and Goes to Voters Hunting and fishing are the … [Read more...] about 2015 Legislative Review