Indiana court sidesteps ruling on suspended attorney general

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana Supreme Court sidestepped giving its opinion Monday on whether the state attorney general can remain in office even while serving a 30-day law license suspension for groping a state legislator and three other women.

The lack of court action leaves in legal limbo the question of whether Republican Attorney General Curtis Hill can remain in his elected position as state government's top lawyer under the suspension that took effect Monday.

State law requires the attorney general to be 'œduly licensed to practice law in Indiana,'ť but it doesn't specify whether the person can continue serving under a temporary suspension.

The Supreme Court, however, refused to consider Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb's request last week for a ruling that would settle that question. The court said Holcomb's request was outside the scope of the disciplinary case against Hill.

'œMoreover, courts generally should not issue advisory opinions ... or decide issues if there is no case or controversy before them,'ť the order said.

Hill has rebuffed calls from Holcomb and other state Republican leaders for his resignation and he's seeking reelection this year.

Holcomb would appoint a new attorney general if Hill were to be ruled ineligible to remain in office.

Holcomb's spokeswoman and the attorney general's office didn't immediately reply to messages seeking comment Monday.

Hill has denied doing anything wrong at a March 2018 party where the groping occurred, but a unanimous Supreme Court decision last week said the state's attorney disciplinary commission 'œproved by clear and convincing evidence that (Hill) committed the criminal act of battery.'ť