With nearly 1.6 million new cases filed in 2013, Indiana’s trial courts must continually look for new ways to increase efficiency while still providing a high quality of service to litigants and other court participants. One of these ways is through Indiana’s Court Reform Grant program, funded through federal reimbursements for previously uncollected expenses associated with Title IV-D enforcement actions. Since 200 … [Read more...] about 2014 Reform Grants
Articles
One and Done: How INcite is reducing redundant DNA collection
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? The Indiana General Assembly adopted this requirement in 2005. When a court sentences a defendant directly to the … [Read more...] about One and Done: How INcite is reducing redundant DNA collection
2015 State of the Judiciary
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 Rush reported on the “condition of the courts” by revi … [Read more...] about 2015 State of the Judiciary
Trial by Skype™ in Shelby County
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 closed circuit television for years. What is new is the ability for anyon … [Read more...] about Trial by Skype™ in Shelby County
Judicial Responses to Elder Abuse
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 issues for the judicial system.“The biggest chall … [Read more...] about Judicial Responses to Elder Abuse