Editor’s Note: Res Gestae magazine has also published Judge Donat’s article in the November 2012 issue under the title “I’m Embarrassed.” The Indiana Constitution provided in Article 1, Section 12: “Justice shall be administered freely, and without purchase; completely, and without denial; speedily, and without delay.” “Without purchase” is an interesting concept. Does it mean that ability to pay will not determine wh … [Read more...] about Is Indiana Ready for Bail Bond Reform?
Sentencing
New INcite Application for Presentence Investigation Goes Live Statewide
The Judicial Conference of Indiana is a statutorily created body consisting of all of the trial, appellate, and senior judges serving in Indiana. A board of directors guides their activities, which are carried out by the Indiana Judicial Center. In Indiana, probation services are housed within the judiciary, and probation officers work for and at the direction of the judges who employ and supervise them. The Indiana … [Read more...] about New INcite Application for Presentence Investigation Goes Live Statewide
New INcite Application: Presentence Investigation Report/Abstract of Judgment
Following on the heels of the INcite Risk Assessment application, JTAC is developing a new INcite application that will incorporate the Presentence Investigation Report (PSI) and the Abstract of Judgment. We are working under the direction of the Records Management Committee, along with a sub-committee of judges, a circuit court clerk, and representatives with the Prosecuting Attorneys Council, the Public Defender … [Read more...] about New INcite Application: Presentence Investigation Report/Abstract of Judgment
Charitable Contributions: When Sentence Conditions Raise Ethical Concerns
Some combinations inherently go together, like chocolate and peanut butter. Others initially sound like a good idea (e.g. chili mixed with jalapeno peppers) but later have regrettable after effects. Requiring a defendant to make a charitable contribution as a sentencing condition is a combination that falls into the latter category. Proponents of this sentencing practice argue that requiring a defendant to make a … [Read more...] about Charitable Contributions: When Sentence Conditions Raise Ethical Concerns

