By Michael Commons, Staff Attorney | Indiana Office of Court Services History and the lure of something new According to local lore, the original Brown County courthouse was constructed in 1837. The 24-foot by 18-foot log building and log jail were built for the price of $700. The original courthouse was used until 1853, when a brick structure was erected at the same location at a cost of $7,000. The second … [Read more...] about Restoring Justice
Articles
It’s Not Just the Law, It’s Good Sense: Maintaining and Instilling Safety Protocols during COVID-19
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
2020 Forward: A Vision for the Future of Indiana’s Justice System
By Michelle Goodman, Staff Attorney | Indiana Office of Court Services The Judicial Conference of Indiana’s Strategic Planning Committee continues to set a vision for the future of Indiana’s justice system. Since the committee’s inception in 2008, it has continued its efforts through education, implementation, and additional planning to carry out its overall mission, “[t]o improve our system of justice under the rule … [Read more...] about 2020 Forward: A Vision for the Future of Indiana’s Justice System
Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council Meetings
By Jenny Bauer, Staff Attorney | Office of Court Services An important part of Indiana’s criminal code reform was the General Assembly’s creation of the Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council in 2015. The original nine members of the Council included leaders from the executive and judicial branches of government as well as leaders from the community corrections and probation officer professional associations. The Co … [Read more...] about Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council Meetings
GAL/CASA Conference: Do Something Small to Change Something Big
By Leslie Dunn, State Director of GAL/CASA | Office of Court Services The State Office of GAL/CASA held its 24th annual conference (virtually, for the first time ever) on September 26, 2020. Over 1,100 program staff and volunteers attended the event—a record-breaking number! The “Do Something Small to Change Something Big” conference featured four inspiring and educational plenary speakers. Ashley Rhodes-Courter shar … [Read more...] about GAL/CASA Conference: Do Something Small to Change Something Big