work product doctrine (Indiana) · Go Syfert
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work product doctrine in Indiana

46 Indiana opinions name it 3 courts 1976–2025 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Indiana courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (22)

CaseFollowedCited
State Ex Rel. Keaton v. Circuit Court of Rush Countygreen
ind · 1985 · cited in 3 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1993–2025
2 sentences

2007Joined by Justice Hunter, Justice DeBruler disagreed with the majority’s application of the work product doctrine to police reports, stating that the “doctrine protects the machinations of lawyers and their legal staffs, not law enforcement officers engaged in their day to day [field] work.” Id. at 1149 (DeBruler, J., dissenting). 7 In other cases, the Indiana Supreme Court has held that verbatim witness statements and general summaries of witnesses’ expected testimony are not protected by the work product privilege from otherwise proper discovery.

2007Joined by Justice Hunter, Justice DeBruler disagreed with the majority’s application of the work product doctrine to police reports, stating that the “doctrine protects the machinations of lawyers and their legal staffs, not law enforcement officers engaged in their day to day [field] work.” Id. at 1149 (DeBruler, J., dissenting). 7 In other cases, the Indiana Supreme Court has held that verbatim witness statements and general summaries of witnesses’ expected testimony are not protected by the work product privilege from otherwise proper discovery.

23
TP Orthodontics, Inc. v. Keslinggreen
ind · 2014 · cited in 2 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2024–2025
2 sentences

2025In this respect, the party asserting the work product privilege “must establish that the materials sought to be protected from disclosure were prepared in anticipation of litigation rather than in the normal course of business.” TP Orthodontics, Inc. v. Kesling, 15 N.E.3d 985, 995 (Ind. 2014); see also T.R. 26(B)(3).

2024TP Orthodontics, Inc. v. Kesling, 15 N.E.3d 985, 995 (Ind. 2014).

22
Hickman v. Taylorgreen
scotus · 1947 · cited in 13 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1976–2018
2 sentences

2018Zurich also contends that the trial court abused its discretion in concluding that the Document designated ZURPRI 218 was discoverable. 4 Hickman is the case that established the work-product doctrine, concluding that "[n]ot even the most liberal of discovery theories can justify unwarranted inquiries into the files and the mental impressions of an attorney." 329 U.S. at 510 , 67 S.Ct. 385 .

2018Zurich also contends that the trial court abused its discretion in concluding that the Document designated ZURPRI 218 was discoverable. 4 Hickman is the case that established the work-product doctrine, concluding that "[n]ot even the most liberal of discovery theories can justify unwarranted inquiries into the files and the mental impressions of an attorney." 329 U.S. at 510 , 67 S.Ct. 385 .

113
Burr v. United Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.green
indctapp · 1990 · cited in 4 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1991–2024
2 sentences

2024Co., 560 N.E.2d 1250, 1254 (Ind. Ct. App. 1990) (“The threshold determination in any case involving an assertion of the work-product privilege is whether the materials sought to be protected from disclosure were in fact prepared in anticipation of litigation.”) It is the party asserting the privilege who must establish that the materials were Court of Appeals of Indiana | Opinion 23A-CT-1896 | February 28, 2024 Page 14 of 16 prepared in anticipation of litigation rather than in the normal course of business.

2004The evaluation letter does not describe or summarize any other document in the claim file and says nothing about the applicability of the work product doctrine or the attorney-client privilege to other documents in the claim file. "[An] in camera disclosure in ... [privilege] matters must be so complete and understandable [that] the trial court need not ... do any further research or review of other papers on the subject." Burr, 560 N.E.2d at 1255 .

14
Hicks v. Stategreen
ind · 1989 · cited in 3 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1990–2007
2 sentences

2007See Hicks v. State, 544 N.E.2d 500, 503-04 (Ind.1989) (verbatim statements); Partlow v. State, 453 N.E.2d 259, 266-67 (Ind.1983) (general summaries), cert, denied (1984).

2007See Hicks v. State, 544 N.E.2d 500, 503-04 (Ind.1989) (verbatim statements); Partlow v. State, 453 N.E.2d 259, 266-67 (Ind.1983) (general summaries), cert, denied (1984).

13
Partlow v. Stategreen
ind · 1983 · cited in 2 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1989–2007
2 sentences

2007See Hicks v. State, 544 N.E.2d 500, 503-04 (Ind.1989) (verbatim statements); Partlow v. State, 453 N.E.2d 259, 266-67 (Ind.1983) (general summaries), cert, denied (1984).

2007See Hicks v. State, 544 N.E.2d 500, 503-04 (Ind.1989) (verbatim statements); Partlow v. State, 453 N.E.2d 259, 266-67 (Ind.1983) (general summaries), cert, denied (1984).

12
Lindsey v. Stategreen
indctapp · 2008 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
1 sentence

2018See Lindsey v. State , 888 N.E.2d 319 , 325 (Ind. Ct. App. 2008), trans. denied . 9 Hinkle seems to suggest that the court's April 8, 2013, finding of congestion was erroneous because the case that prevailed over his was not ultimately tried on that date.

11
Popovich v. Indiana Department of State Revenuegreen
indtc · 2014 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016See Popovich I, 7 N.E.3d at 412-19 . 2 On October 22, 2014, the Court conducted a hearing on Popovich’s request for expenses as required by Indiana Trial Rule 37(A)(4).

11
State v. Hogangreen
indctapp · 1992 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015See State v. Hogan, 588 N.E.2d 560, 562 (Ind.Ct.App.1992), trans. denied.

11
Cigna-INA/Aetna v. Hagerman-Shambaughgreen
indctapp · 1985 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015See CIGNA-INA/Aetna v. Hagerman-Shambaugh, 473 N.E.2d 1033, 1037 (Ind.Ct.App.1985), trans. denied.

11
Lahr v. Stategreen
indctapp · 2000 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
1 sentence

2014See, e.g., Lahr v. State, 731 N.E.2d 479, 483 (Ind.Ct.App.2000) (recognizing crime-fraud exception to attorney-client privilege); Becker, 727 *807 N.E.2d at 740 (recognizing that client may waive privilege by disclosing or consenting to disclosure of privileged matter); Ind. Trial Rule 26(B)(3) (establishing undue hardship exception to work-product doctrine).

11
Madden v. Indiana Department of Transportationgreen
indctapp · 2005 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
1 sentence

2014But assuming for argument’s sake that the attorney was acting as Purdue’s legal counsel, we note that evidentiary privileges created “to shield selected information from discovery ... may not be wielded as swords at the will of a party.” Madden v. Ind. Dep’t of Transp., 832 N.E.2d 1122, 1128 (Ind.Ct.App.2005).

11
Donnelley & Sons Co. v. North Texas Steel Co., Inc.green
indctapp · 2001 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
2 sentences

2010Donnelley & Sons Co. v. N. Tex. Steel Co., Inc., 752 N.E.2d 112, 132 (Ind.Ct.App.2001) (quoting William F. Harvey, Indiana Practice: Rules of Procedure Annotated § 26.14 (3d ed. 2000)).

2010Donnelley & Sons Co. v. N. Tex. Steel Co., Inc., 752 N.E.2d 112, 132 (Ind.Ct.App.2001) (quoting William F. Harvey, Indiana Practice: Rules of Procedure Annotated § 26.14 (3d ed. 2000)).

11
Averhart v. Stategreen
ind · 1993 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
2 sentences

2009Averhart v. State, 614 N.E.2d 924, 927 (Ind.1993) (per curiam) ("Delving into the inner workings of the prosecuting attorney's office at the time of preparation for trial would of course be invading the work-product privilege").

2009Averhart v. State, 614 N.E.2d 924, 927 (Ind.1993) (per curiam) ("Delving into the inner workings of the prosecuting attorney's office at the time of preparation for trial would of course be invading the work-product privilege").

11
Commonwealth v. Paszkogreen
mass · 1984 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007
2 sentences

2007See Commonwealth v. Paszko, 391 Mass. 164 , 461 N.E.2d 222, 236-37 (1984) ("The work product doctrine is a creature of public policy, not constitutional compulsion.”).

2007See Commonwealth v. Paszko, 391 Mass. 164 , 461 N.E.2d 222, 236-37 (1984) ("The work product doctrine is a creature of public policy, not constitutional compulsion.”).

11
Reeves v. Boyd & Sons, Inc.green
indctapp · 1995 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
DeMoss Rexall Drugs v. Dobsongreen
indctapp · 1989 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
11
Brown v. Stategreen
ind · 1983 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
11
ILC Peripherals Leasing Corp. v. International Business Machines Corp.green
cand · 1977 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1987–1987
11
State v. Bowengreen
ariz · 1969 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1979–1979
11
McDermott v. Kansasgreen
scotus · 1969 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1979–1979
11
Hodge v. Atlantic Coast Lumber Corp.green
sc · 1911 · cited in 1 Indiana opinions naming this issue, 1979–1979
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Indiana. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (38)

CaseCitedYears
United States v. Nobles green
scotus · 1975
2 sentences

2007In U.S. v. Nobles, 422 U.S. 225 , 95 S.Ct. 2160 , 45 L.Ed.2d 141 (1975), the Court applied a more expansive version of the doctrine in a criminal case: At its core, the work-product doctrine shelters the mental processes of the attorney, providing a privileged area within which he can analyze and prepare his client’s case.

2007In U.S. v. Nobles, 422 U.S. 225 , 95 S.Ct. 2160 , 45 L.Ed.2d 141 (1975), the Court applied a more expansive version of the doctrine in a criminal case: At its core, the work-product doctrine shelters the mental processes of the attorney, providing a privileged area within which he can analyze and prepare his client’s case.

71979–2007
American Bldgs. Co. v. Kokomo Grain Co., Inc. green
indctapp · 1987
2 sentences

2018In American Buildings Company v. Kokomo Grain Company, Inc. , 506 N.E.2d 56 (Ind. Ct. App. 1987), trans. denied , we noted that [t]he primary purpose of the work product privilege is to assure that an attorney is not inhibited in his representation of his client by the fear that his files will be open to scrutiny upon demand of an opposing party.

2010American object ed to the request, asserting that the documents sought were irrelevant and protected by the work-product doctrine. 506 N.E.2d at 58 .

51989–2018
Goldberg v. United States green
scotus · 1976
2 sentences

1980Goldberg v. United States, (1976) 425 U.S. 94 , 96 S. Ct. 1338 , 47 L.

1980Goldberg v. United States, (1976) 425 U.S. 94 , 96 S. Ct. 1338 , 47 L.

41980–1980
Hayworth v. Schilli Leasing, Inc. green
ind · 1996
2 sentences

2014"The work-product doctrine prohibits a party in litigation from obtaining from another party its 'attorney’s notes and memoranda reflecting the attorney’s theories and mental impressions about the case.’ ” Hayworth v. Schilli Leasing, Inc., 669 N.E.2d 165 , 169 n. 7 (Ind.1996) (citations omitted); see also Ind. Trial Rule 26(B)(3).

1999“The work-product doctrine prohibits a party in litigation from obtaining from another party its ‘attorney’s notes and memoranda reflecting the attorney’s theories and mental impressions about the ease.’” Hayworth v. Schilli Leasing, Inc. (1996) Ind., 669 N.E.2d 165 , 169 n. 7 (quoting Cua v. Morrison (1993) Ind.App., 626 N.E.2d 581, 584 , adopted by (1994) Ind., 636 N.E.2d 1248 ).

31999–2014
In Re Murphy green
ca8 · 1977
2 sentences

2018We concluded that the rationale in Murphy was persuasive and so held that "the work-product doctrine applies to items prepared in anticipation of prior litigation." Id.

1990In In re Murphy (8th Cir.1977), 560 F.2d 326 , 337 the court compared the work product doctrine and the attorney client privilege.

21990–2018
In Re Perrigo Company green
ca6 · 1997
2 sentences

2014Report since it constructively brought the Report into issue.” 128 F.3d at 448 .

2014Report since it constructively brought the Report into issue.” 128 F.3d at 448 .

22014–2014
Petersen v. U.S. Reduction Co. green
indctapp · 1989
2 sentences

2010Id.

1990UFB claims the recent Indiana case of Petersen v. U.S. Reduction Co. (1989), Ind.App., 547 N.E.2d 860 , holds a blanket claim of protection for the work product privilege is adequate.

21990–2010
Crawford v. SUPERIOR COURT OF LAKE CTY. green
ind · 1990
2 sentences

2003Crawford v. Superior Court of Lake County, 549 N.E.2d 374 , 375-76 (Ind.1990) (holding that the work product privilege does not protect substantially verbatim witness statements from pre-trial discovery).

1997Id. at 376 .

21997–2003
Cua v. Morrison green
indctapp · 1993
2 sentences

1999“The work-product doctrine prohibits a party in litigation from obtaining from another party its ‘attorney’s notes and memoranda reflecting the attorney’s theories and mental impressions about the ease.’” Hayworth v. Schilli Leasing, Inc. (1996) Ind., 669 N.E.2d 165 , 169 n. 7 (quoting Cua v. Morrison (1993) Ind.App., 626 N.E.2d 581, 584 , adopted by (1994) Ind., 636 N.E.2d 1248 ).

1996The work-product doctrine prohibits a party in litigation from obtaining from another party its "attorney's notes and memoranda reflecting the attorney's theories and mental impressions about the case." Cua, 626 N.E.2d at 584 (citing Hickman v. Taylor, 329 U.S. 495 , 67 S.Ct. 385 , 91 L.Ed. 451 (1947), and Ind.Trial Rule 26(B)(3)). 8 .

21996–1999
State Ex Rel. Meyers v. Tippecanoe Superior Court green
ind · 1982
2 sentences

1989Meyers v. Tippecanoe Superior Court (1982), Ind., 438 N.E.2d 989 (summaries of expected witness testimony with respect to each essential element of each charged offense held protected from defendant's discovery as work product of State); Partlow v. State (1983), Ind., 453 N.E.2d 259 , cert. denied (1984), 464 U.S. 1072 , 104 S.Ct. 983 , 79 LEd.2d 219 (work product doctrine does not apply to shield defendant's abstract of expected witness testimony); State ex rel.

1985Meyers, supra; Spears, supra. The work product doctrine protects materials prepared by agents for the attorney as well as those prepared by the attorney himself.

21985–1989
Burns v. Indiana green
ind · 1987
2 sentences

1989In cases such as Burns v. State (1987), Ind., 511 N.E.2d 1052 , cited by the majority, we have held that the work-product exception does not preclude discovery of verbatim statements of witnesses once they have testified at trial.

1989In cases such as Burns v. State (1987), Ind., 511 N.E.2d 1052 , cited by the majority, we have held that the work-product exception does not preclude discovery of verbatim statements of witnesses once they have testified at trial.

21987–1989
In Re Grand Jury Investigation. Appeal of United States of America green
ca3 · 1979
2 sentences

1987While these authorities have failed to establish a clear line between those doe-uments which are prepared in anticipation of litigation and those which are not, they have made clear that a case need not actually be filed at the time the document is produced in order for work-product protection to attach. " 'Indisputably, the work-product doctrine extends to material prepared or collected before litigation actually commences.'" CIGNA-INA/Aetna v. Hagerman-Shambaugh, supra, 478 N.E.2d at 1037, quoting In re Grand Jury Investigation (1979) 3d Cir., 599 F.2d 1224, 1229 .

1985Thus the test should be whether, in light of the nature of the document and the factual situation in the particular case, the document can fairly be said to have been prepared or obtained because of the prospect of litigation.' 8 Wright & Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure: Civil Section 2024, at 198 (1970) (emphasis added; footnote omitted)." f 599 F.2d at 1229 .

21985–1987
Tackett v. State Farm Fire & Casualty green
delsuperct · 1988
1 sentence

2018Id. at 1103-05 .

12018–2018
Beckham v. State green
ind · 1988
2 sentences

2007Beckham does state, “[I]f the reports are used by the witness on the stand, the ‘work product’ privilege is waived.” 531 N.E.2d at 477 .

2007Beckham does state, "[I]f the reports are used by the witness on the stand, the `work product' privilege is waived." 531 N.E.2d at 477 .

12007–2007
Davis v. State green
indctapp · 2003
2 sentences

2007Id.

2007Id.

12007–2007
Cua v. Morrison green
ind · 1994
11999–1999
Snead v. American Export-Isbrandtsen Lines, Inc. green
paed · 1973
11996–1996
Upjohn Co. v. United States green
scotus · 1981
11992–1992
Colman v. Heidenreich green
ind · 1978
11992–1992
Newton v. Yates green
indctapp · 1976
11992–1992
La Salle National Bank v. Triumvera Homeowners Ass'n green
illappct · 1985
11990–1990
Kent (Donald G.) v. State of Illinois, Department of Transportation green
ca7 · 1988
11990–1990
Taroli v. General Electric Co. green
innd · 1987
11990–1990
Walker v. State green
ind · 1980
11989–1989
Malumphy v. Arizona Board of Pardons green
scotus · 1984
11989–1989
Yu v. California green
scotus · 1984
11989–1989
Dixon v. Missouri green
scotus · 1984
11989–1989
Spears v. State green
ind · 1980
11989–1989
In re Rehearing green
ind · 1980
11989–1989
ANTROBUS v. State green
ind · 1970
11987–1987
Quadrini v. Sikorsky Aircraft Division green
ctd · 1977
11987–1987
APL Corp. v. Aetna Casualty & Surety Co. green
mdd · 1980
11985–1985
The Duplan Corporation v. Moulinage Et Retorderie De Chavanoz, Deering Milliken, Inc. green
ca4 · 1973
11985–1985
In Re Terkeltoub green
nysd · 1966
11979–1979
Peel v. State green
fladistctapp · 1963
11979–1979
In the Matter of Grand Jury Proceedings. Frank J. Duffy v. United States green
ca8 · 1973
11979–1979
Alltmont v. United States green
ca3 · 1950
11976–1976
cluster 255931 green
ca3 · 1962
11976–1976

Statutes the citing opinions construe

IN § Ind. Code § 34-46-3-1 (7) IN § Ind. Code § 5-14-3-4 (4)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 160 (1962–2026) TX 159 (1984–2026) FL 155 (1961–2026) OH 131 (1978–2026) PA 109 (1973–2026) IL 76 (1980–2025) WA 72 (1975–2025) MA 54 (1980–2025) NJ 52 (1950–2026) IN 46 (1976–2025) MO 43 (1977–2025) NC 40 (1990–2024) NY 40 (1964–2024) VA 37 (1970–2018) CT 34 (1969–2021) MI 34 (1975–2025) AL 26 (1987–2014) CO 26 (1981–2025) WV 25 (1984–2025) AZ 25 (1970–2025) TN 24 (1968–2024) MD 23 (1977–2025) IA 21 (1993–2024) MT 20 (1981–2018) RI 19 (1978–2025) DE 18 (1967–2025) GA 18 (1970–2021) KY 17 (1985–2024) NV 16 (1997–2019) LA 16 (1983–2025) OK 14 (1983–2026) DC 13 (1977–2023) MS 13 (1992–2023) NH 13 (1967–2021) NM 13 (1966–2025) ME 13 (2007–2019) WI 10 (1975–2003) UT 8 (1990–2023) HI 7 (1982–2023) AK 7 (1978–2018) KS 6 (1999–2019) ND 5 (1978–2022) MN 5 (1979–2024) OR 4 (1998–2023) AR 4 (1996–2009) SC 4 (1997–2019) VT 3 (1990–2023) SD 3 (1989–1999)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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