Indianas

Indiana’s Legal Safety Net: The Vital Role of Attorney Surrogates in Protecting Clients and the Legal System

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Indianapolis, Indiana – The law profession, steeped in tradition and governed by stringent ethics, faces myriad pressures, not least of which is ensuring continuity of service despite unforeseen circumstances. Just as actors in theater might unexpectedly need an understudy, attorneys too may find themselves in situations where they can no longer serve their clients. Recognizing the essential need for a fallback plan, Indiana has developed mechanisms like the attorney surrogate rule to handle such contingencies. This rule acts similarly to a last will, outlining processes for transferring responsibility of a client’s case when an attorney … Read more

Indiana’s Abortion Restrictions Compel Mother to Cross State Lines for Critical Care in Illinois

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Under Indiana’s stringent abortion regulations, which include a near-total ban except in the cases of rape, incest, or to save the mother’s life, numerous women are finding themselves crossing state lines to seek medical services. One such case is of a woman from Indiana who, due to the restrictive laws in her home state, traveled to Illinois for an abortion after her pregnancy was deemed a significant threat to her health. This emerging pattern of interstate travel for healthcare highlights the practical consequences of diverging state laws post-Roe v. Wade. Illinois, known for its comparatively … Read more

Federal Court Halts Indiana’s ‘Buffer Law,’ Citing Constitutional Concerns

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Indianapolis, IN — A U.S. District Court has issued a temporary injunction against Indiana’s controversial ‘Buffer Law,’ which was set to impose restrictions on cell phone use within voting booths. The injunction pauses the enforcement of the law pending further review, highlighting ongoing debates over voter privacy and election integrity. The law, initially aimed at enhancing the confidentiality of voter selections, would have made it illegal for voters to use their cell phones for any purpose while within the voting booth. This includes taking photos, making calls, or using any applications. Supporters of the law … Read more

Indiana’s Lawyer Shortage Sparks Urgent Commission Review: Proposals Aim to Revolutionize Legal Access Statewide

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INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s legal landscape faces a significant challenge as it grapples with a conspicuous shortage of lawyers affecting a wide range of its residents, including those unlikely to ever appear in a courtroom. Leading an effort to address these issues, Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Nancy Vaidik and Indiana Supreme Court Chief Administrative Officer Justin Forkner shared insights on Tuesday into the steps being taken to rejuvenate the state’s legal framework and support those in need of legal services. At the heart of their efforts is the Commission on Indiana’s Legal Future, a body … Read more