Just as Jefferson County’s Courthouse fire of 2009 demonstrated the catastrophic impact of unforeseen events, ongoing efforts undertaken by the Allen County Courts are leading the way in preparing for such disruptions that could occur at any time. Agreeing to take the lead in helping to evolve the Indiana Courts Continuity Program in a way that will ultimately benefit all courts, Allen County has partnered with the D … [Read more...] about Allen County Courts Prepare for the Unexpected
Articles
Problem Solving Courts in Indiana
All Indiana judges are familiar with the “revolving door” of the criminal justice system. Individuals are sentenced for relatively minor criminal offenses, only to return months later facing new and frequently more serious charges. While terms of imprisonment seem to curb criminal activity for a period of time, eventually the re-offending individual reverts back to old behaviors leading to new arrests, convictions an … [Read more...] about Problem Solving Courts in Indiana
The National Center for State Courts: An Excellent Resource
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
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