Practitioners’ Corner
Free Speech? Albert Snyder Forced to Pay Penalty for Violating Funeral Protestors’ Rights
Westboro Church Prevails in Free Speech Lawsuit, Leaves Unfinished Business for Dead Marine’s Father. There has been yet another international media explosion over the controversial Westboro Church and its outlandish beliefs and actions. It all began with protests of Albert Snyder’s Son’ Funeral, the funeral of deceased Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder. MSNBC, “Dad Sues ‘Thank … Continue reading Free Speech? Albert Snyder Forced to Pay Penalty for Violating Funeral Protestors’ Rights
Read MoreShould Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller Have Joined Suit Against Federal Healthcare Bill?
A week ago, as the Healthcare Reform Bill passed Congress, controversy exploded as 13 states and Virginia individually, filed suit against the U.S. Government to strike down the recently passed bill and enjoin its enforcement. This past Tuesday, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced that he would join in the Florida suit, remarking in Tuesday’s … Continue reading Should Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller Have Joined Suit Against Federal Healthcare Bill?
Read MoreState Diversion Option: New Idea in Indiana for Traffic Offenders?
Joe Mahr and Gerry Smith of the Chicago Tribune wrote yesterday morning that Illinois is now offering a diversion program for traffic tickets. A diversion program is basically a probation program for traffic offenders. If you are cited for speeding or some other traffic infraction, and you have a relatively clean record, you can come … Continue reading State Diversion Option: New Idea in Indiana for Traffic Offenders?
Read MoreFrontal Phlebotomy Anyone? State House Closes Loophole in DUI Law
Lawyers always get a bad rap when it comes to finding loopholes. Sometimes, as a result of our “creativeness” or craftiness, guilty defendants can go free, when perhaps they could be convicted. Well, from early August until today, prosecutors all over the state of Indiana were heaving mad at an Indiana Court of Appeals decision … Continue reading Frontal Phlebotomy Anyone? State House Closes Loophole in DUI Law
Read MoreGovernor Mitch Daniels Signs Major Indiana Gun Legislation into Law
Dan Carden of the NWI Times reported this morning that new legislation prohibiting employers from regulating or limiting the possession of guns outside the workplace was signed into law today. (ILB Entry here.) At the signing, Governor Daniels remarked: Considering the clear language of the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and the even stronger … Continue reading Governor Mitch Daniels Signs Major Indiana Gun Legislation into Law
Read MoreWhere the Sun Doesn’t Shine: Indiana and its Antiquated Sunshine Laws?
Rich Jackson of the Post-Tribune, writes a post this morning about how Indiana’s sunshine laws are behind the times. Maybe that has more to do with Rich’s personal interest than reality. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (“IAPRA”) and the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) both apply to public records. In any given area, … Continue reading Where the Sun Doesn’t Shine: Indiana and its Antiquated Sunshine Laws?
Read MoreHebron Fence Causes Major Legal Battle
According to the Indiana Court of Appeals, the malicious construction of fences is actionable in Indiana. According to David Gertz, et al. v. Douglas Estes, et al., No. 64A03-0909-CV-414, Indiana Code Section 36-26-10, et. seq. makes it actionable for a person who suffers pecuniary damages as a result of the construction of a “spite fence”. … Continue reading Hebron Fence Causes Major Legal Battle
Read MoreChristopher Hedges: Mark Weinberger Pleads Not Guilty
I was going to post about this on Friday, but I couldn’t beat Chris Hedges to the punch. A law school professor of mine, Federal Judge Paul Cherry, is currently presiding over a case in Hammond over a Merrillville criminal defendant Mark Weinberger. He is defended by a local Northwest Indiana attorney Kenneth Allen. Weinberger … Continue reading Christopher Hedges: Mark Weinberger Pleads Not Guilty
Read MoreThe Actual Significance of SEO Marketing for Attorneys
Attorneys aren’t the savviest bunch when it comes to new marketing and web technology. Some are rooted in antiquated ways of doing business and getting their name out there. Perhaps it’s time for these old codgers to take a fresh look at some new, low cost alternatives or get out of the way. The days … Continue reading The Actual Significance of SEO Marketing for Attorneys
Read MoreUPDATE: Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments on Chicago Gun Ban
Yesterday, Tuesday March 2, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in McDonald v. City of Chicago. (see NWI Lawyer article, “U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Second Amendment Oral Arguments Tomorrow: Fate for Chicago Gun Law Uncertain”. Read the 77-page transcript here. On one side of the issue is Larry Keane, Senior VP & General Counsel … Continue reading UPDATE: Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments on Chicago Gun Ban
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