With nearly 1.6 million new cases filed in 2013, Indiana’s trial courts must continually look for new ways to increase efficiency while still providing a high quality of service to litigants and other court participants. One of these ways is through Indiana’s Court Reform Grant program, funded through federal reimbursements for previously uncollected expenses associated with Title IV-D enforcement actions. Since 200 … [Read more...] about 2014 Reform Grants
Technology
2015 State of the Judiciary
Loretta Rush, as the first female Indiana Chief Justice, delivered an historic address on the condition of the courts to a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly. Highlights of the speech follow, but we invite you to read the entire text and watch the video of the event on the Indiana Courts website at http://courts.in.gov/supreme/2502.htm. Chief Justice Rush reported on the “condition of the courts” by revi … [Read more...] about 2015 State of the Judiciary
Trial by Skype™ in Shelby County
As a self-proclaimed tech-geek, I have embraced technology in the courtroom wholeheartedly. Recently, I had the opportunity to conduct a traffic infraction trial by video (I will refer to it as a traffic video trial or “TV trial”). Inter-active two-way audio visual equipment in the courtroom isn’t new, courts have been conducting hearings via closed circuit television for years. What is new is the ability for anyon … [Read more...] about Trial by Skype™ in Shelby County
Allen Superior Court's Innovative Wayfinding Project
The Allen Superior Court has vastly improved the public’s accessibility and convenience to its Misdemeanor and Traffic Court. The change will reduce visitor/defendant apprehension and anxiety. This is due to Judge Fran Gull’s commitment to employ new technology to improve services and the support of two very generous and timely Indiana Supreme Court Reform grants. Grants totaling nearly $60,000 funded this innovative … [Read more...] about Allen Superior Court's Innovative Wayfinding Project
Technology & Intimate Partner Violence
While technology is not inherently violent, people who engage in intimate partner violence often employ technology as a means of obtaining and maintaining coercive control. Various technologies equip offenders with very efficient means to commit the crimes of stalking, intimidation, and harassment, while also enabling them to pinpoint their victims’ physical locations. Although it is challenging to stay one step a … [Read more...] about Technology & Intimate Partner Violence