By Heather R. Falks, Employment Attorney – ADA Coordinator | Office of General Counsel Mask mandates are not a political issue; they are a liability issue. It makes good sense to instill safety protocols because it minimizes court liability, promotes public safety, and helps avoid court closures. As an employer, courts have a responsibility to their employees to protect them from COVID-19. They also have a duty as a p … [Read more...] about It’s Not Just the Law, It’s Good Sense: Maintaining and Instilling Safety Protocols during COVID-19
Cover Stories
Building Resilience to Prepare for Tomorrow
By Paige Newland, Learning Consultant/Program Coordinator | Office of Court Services An emergency like flood, fire, power outage, mold, active human threat—or, as we all now realize, a pandemic—can adversely impact the court system in ways we may not expect. Employee absence, loss of records, technology failure, or facility damage can greatly diminish the effectiveness of the court system and result in the delayed adm … [Read more...] about Building Resilience to Prepare for Tomorrow
Taking up the Torch: Amy Karozos assumes new role as State Public Defender
By David Sexton, Intern | Office of Communications, Education, and Outreach In Webb v. Baird, 6 Ind.13 (1854), over a century prior to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335 (1963), the Indiana Supreme Court recognized the right to counsel of all persons facing incarceration who could not afford an attorney. Over the next 166 years, Indiana has built a robust system of public defense … [Read more...] about Taking up the Torch: Amy Karozos assumes new role as State Public Defender
Ready for Liftoff
Robert Rath, Chief Innovation Officer | Office of Judicial Administration The Indiana Supreme Court launched a statewide innovation program in November to explore ways to make Indiana’s system of justice more efficient, less expensive, and easier to navigate while continuing to ensure that justice is fairly administered and the rights of all litigants are protected. The Indiana Innovation Initiative brings together p … [Read more...] about Ready for Liftoff
Smart on Crime: Stakeholders attend Pretrial Summit
By Mary Kay Hudson, Executive Director | Office of Court Services David Sexton, Intern | Office of Communication, Education & Outreach Preparing for Criminal Rule 26 In anticipation of January 1, 2020, when Indiana Criminal Rule 26 goes into effect, more than 700 criminal justice stakeholders from nearly every county gathered at the Indiana Pretrial Summit. Summit attendees convened on October 4, 2019 at the … [Read more...] about Smart on Crime: Stakeholders attend Pretrial Summit