Every Indiana probation officer knows John Augustus. Thanks to a grainy video copy of “Sentence Deferred,” a 1957 episode in The Christophers television series, probation officers learn at their orientation that John Augustus was a Boston boot-maker in the mid-1800’s and is credited as the father of probation. The Probation Officers Advisory Board of the Judicial Conference of Indiana created The Order of Augustus in … [Read more...] about Susan Lightfoot Named to the Order of Augustus
Columns
Jane Seigel Receives Certificate of Graduation from JDAI Applied Leadership Network
Jane A. Seigel, Executive Director of the Indiana Judicial Center, received her certificate of graduation as one of only 10 participants in the Class of 2012-2013 from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s JDAI Applied Leadership Network. The Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) was designed to support the Casey Foundation’s vision that all youth involved in the juvenile justice system have opportunities to dev … [Read more...] about Jane Seigel Receives Certificate of Graduation from JDAI Applied Leadership Network
Cindy Houseman Receives YWCA Woman of Distinction Award
Cindy Houseman, Tippecanoe County Court Services Director, has been selected by the Greater Lafayette YWCA as a “Woman of Distinction” for 2013. She was recognized at an award ceremony held on March 5, 2013 for her selfless commitment to community service and her willingness to meaningfully participate when asked and by showing what community involvement and leadership can accomplish. Cindy is the adult child of two a … [Read more...] about Cindy Houseman Receives YWCA Woman of Distinction Award
Reclaiming Revenue: How Odyssey helps counties collect outstanding fines and court costs
Each year, millions of dollars in fines and courts costs charged to defendants in Indiana’s courts go unpaid, often leaving courts and clerks with little recourse for collecting those debts. Some people simply forget that they got that speeding ticket; others cannot come up with the money to pay that fine on time; and others simply ignore the court’s order. Their lives go on, the fines and costs remain unpaid, the cou … [Read more...] about Reclaiming Revenue: How Odyssey helps counties collect outstanding fines and court costs
Punishing the Profane
Using Criminal Contempt Powers in an Ethical Manner Adefendant spews forth a string of curses during his initial hearing. A cell phone goes off in a busy courtroom, but no one will take responsibility for the disruption. When submitting a check to pay her fine, a litigant writes an expletive (expressing how she feels about the court) in the memo section. Judges often face disrespectful and disruptive behavior in the … [Read more...] about Punishing the Profane