This is the fortieth of our Court Times articles that highlight up close and personal a member of the Indiana Judiciary. Lake Superior Court Judge John R. Pera is our judge featured in this issue. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Indiana University in 1972, and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1975. Before assuming the bench in 2000, he practiced law in Merrillville … [Read more...] about Hon. John R. Pera
Columns
Are you asking the right questions? Intimate Partner Violence and Pet Abuse
In civil protection order cases or criminal family violence cases, judges and court staff naturally focus on determining appropriate remedies and consequences for the humans involved. They are always the named parties, victims, witnesses, or protected persons. However, it is likely that if the family home is violent, and if companion animals live in that home, the humans are not the only victims. Child abuse, elder … [Read more...] about Are you asking the right questions? Intimate Partner Violence and Pet Abuse
Harassment in the Workplace
A significant employee-related development this year was a study of harassment and retaliation in the workplace by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Harassment as a legal issue dates back to 1986 when the US Supreme Court held that the sexual harassment of a female bank executive created a hostile work environment and was a form of gender discrimination actionable under Title VII of the Civil Rights … [Read more...] about Harassment in the Workplace
Are ACEs in your Courtroom?
Adults have one thing in common: we were once children. The quality of one’s childhood may have been tumultuous, nurturing, or a little of both. Certain events from childhood can stay with a person, sometimes long into adulthood. There is a scientifically documented relationship between events occurring in one’s childhood and an adult’s health and well-being. There was an intriguing study done in the 1990s called the … [Read more...] about Are ACEs in your Courtroom?
Changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Increase pay or limit hours is the choice for many employers effective December 1st under a new Department of Labor rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employers are under more stringent standards concerning over-time pay for non-exempt employees. Most court employees are, and will remain, classified as non-exempt but courts should be aware of the changes. Three factors determine the exempt versus … [Read more...] about Changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)