The Constitution of the United States and the Indiana Constitution require that indigent criminal and other defendants be provided adequate legal representation. In Indiana, the fiscal responsibility for this service falls primarily on county governments. In 2012, the total public defense costs in Indiana were in excess of $71 million. Through the state Indiana Public Defense Fund, counties receive partial … [Read more...] about Lawmakers Boost Public Defense Funding
Articles
CASA Rap
Caleb McKinsey earned a standing ovation at CASA Day. While the State House gathering included remarks from lawmakers, volunteers, and other supporters, Caleb’s words caught the most attention. The 18-year-old former CASAYouth stood before the crowded audience and performed a rap. I’ve been evaluated by a bunch of doctors Educated but never been situated Nothin’ but reinstated and medicated Hated by my own kind for a … [Read more...] about CASA Rap
Judge Robert Brown Jackson County Juvenile Home
The name of a former Jackson circuit judge who sometimes opened his home to troubled youth now graces a residential home he helped establish to serve those youth more than 30 years ago. “Dad grew up in challenging circumstances and empathized with kids who do,” Indianapolis attorney Doug Brown said of his father, the late Robert R. Brown. Judge Brown sat on the bench of Jackson Circuit Court for 28 years and was ins … [Read more...] about Judge Robert Brown Jackson County Juvenile Home
Delivering Pro Bono Advice Online
There is a new, statewide method of delivering pro bono advice to the public. The Indiana Bar Foundation and the Indiana Pro Bono Commission have worked with their Tennessee counterparts to bring online a system for providing legal advice to the public. “Think of it as a ‘Talk to a Lawyer’ program in which you can participate from any Internet-enabled computer, smartphone or tablet device,” said Charles R. Dunlap, exe … [Read more...] about Delivering Pro Bono Advice Online
Spartan Sprint: Two Distinguished Indiana Jurists Get Down and Dirty
“Prepare for Glory” … “When I ask you who you are, you will respond in a loud and boisterous manner: I AM A SPARTAN! Look at the Spartan on your right, look at the Spartan on your left, you will draw strength from him or her, you will not let them fail. You will attack each and every obstacle; you will attack each and every difficulty; you will succeed; you will conquer and not be conquered. No retreat. No surrend … [Read more...] about Spartan Sprint: Two Distinguished Indiana Jurists Get Down and Dirty