Indiana judges, clerks and their staffs don’t need to read statistical reports to know that thousands of cases are flowing through their courts and that the number is constantly increasing. They intuitively know from their daily work and the many litigants that come through their courts’ doors that state courts dispense justice in the United States. But if they wanted to verify this hunch, where is a good source to h … [Read more...] about The National Center for State Courts: An Excellent Resource
Features
Back Home in Indiana
Mortgage Foreclosure Project Update— Indiana’s mortgage foreclosure rate is among the highest in the country, largely due to the decline of the automotive and manufacturing industries. In 2008, the state saw 45,394 foreclosures—a more than 50 percent increase since 2003. In January 2009, Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard addressed this crisis, vowing to train more professionals than any other state on how to deal wit … [Read more...] about Back Home in Indiana
Update on Court Reform Grants
In late summer 2009, the Supreme Court awarded nearly $350,000 to 12 courts across the state for the study and implementation of various programs designed to help courts streamline their operations. Under the Court Reform Grant (CRG) Program, grants of up to $30,000 are available for initial efficiency studies, while grants of up to $40,000 are available to put these study recommendations into action. For the 2010 … [Read more...] about Update on Court Reform Grants
Indiana Public Defender Goes Green
In Effort to Help Environment and Save Indiana Taxpayer Money— The Office of the Public Defender of Indiana has been recognized as a Law Office Climate Challenge Partner by the American Bar Association (ABA). Public Defender of Indiana, Susan Carpenter, explained, “We are pleased to be a part of a program that will help the environment and allow Indiana to see savings from reduced paper consumption and lower prin … [Read more...] about Indiana Public Defender Goes Green
Slowly But Surely
Jefferson County Courthouse Repair and Reconstruction— The reconstruction of the Jefferson County Courthouse is steadily progressing, according to the Jefferson County Commissioners. On May 20, 2009, just a few days after being repainted in anticipation of Madison’s upcoming Bicentennial Celebration, the roof and cupola of the 154-year-old courthouse were completely destroyed by fire. Efforts to stem the fire’s sprea … [Read more...] about Slowly But Surely