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Court rejects appeal of gay jury selection case
Law Firm Press Release |
2014/06/25 09:26
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A federal appeals court on Tuesday refused to reconsider its ruling granting heightened legal protections to gays and lesbians, prompting three dissenting judges to warn of far-reaching implications in same-sex marriage cases in the Western United States.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in January banned the exclusion of potential jurors because of their sexual orientation, saying such action was akin to striking someone from the jury pool because of their race or gender.
An undisclosed majority of the full 29-judge court voted against rehearing the case over the objections of three judges.
The dissenters, led by Judge Diarmuid O'Scannlain argued that the ruling "bears significant implications for the same-sex marriage debate and for other laws that may give rise to distinctions based on sexual orientation."
O'Scannlain argues giving gays and lesbians the same protections as minorities and women prematurely decides the same-sex marriage issue without the U.S. Supreme Court's input. O'Scannlain pointed out that officials in Nevada and Oregon have cited the 9th Circuit opinion to drop official opposition to same-sex marriage.
A week after the Jan. 21 ruling, for instance, Carson City District Attorney Neil Rombardo withdrew opposition to a lawsuit challenging Nevada's gay marriage ban, citing the 9th Circuit juror ruling that he called a "game changer."
O'Scannlain was joined by Judges Jay Bybee and Carlos Bea. All three judges were appointed by Republican presidents.
The ruling is binding in the nine Western states covered by the 9th Circuit, including the four states with pending same-sex marriage cases: Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon and Nevada. |
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Iowa high court reinstates major pollution lawsuit
Top Court Watch |
2014/06/17 11:08
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| In a major environmental case, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled Friday that residents can bring a nuisance lawsuit against a Muscatine manufacturer accused of routinely blanketing their properties with soot and chemicals. The court reinstated the class-action lawsuit against Grain Processing Corp., which operates a plant that turns corn kernels into products ranging from corn syrup to ethyl alcohol. The plaintiffs' claims of nuisance, negligence and trespass are not barred by the federal Clean Air Act or state rules governing air emissions, Justice Brent Appel wrote in a 6-0 decision that was applauded by environmentalists but criticized by business interests. A regional economic force, the company buys $400 million in corn from farmers annually and is one of the area's largest employers. But Muscatine residents have complained for years that it spews harmful chemicals into the environment that get blown onto their homes, yards and cars. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of up to 17,000 residents who live within a 3-mile radius of the plant, contends the pollution undermines their ability to enjoy their property and causes metals in everything from swing sets to air conditioning systems to corrode. |
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Davis Law Group, PLLC - Detroit Area DUI/DWI Attorney
Law Firm Press Release |
2014/06/17 11:08
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DUI convictions are serious and should not be taken lightly. Don't make matters worse by representing yourself. A DUI charge does not have to affect the rest of your life. Take matters into your own hands and contact the professionals at The Davis Law Group, PLLC.We are highly skilled in the art of DUI defence, and out DUI defense attorneys know what to do to lessen your criminal punishments. A DUI conviction in Michigan can slap you with the following punishments:
* Time in jail or prison
* Driver's license suspension
* Loss of driving privileges
* Increased rates on auto insurance
* Alcohol and drug educational classes
* Conviction on your criminal record
* Points on your driver’s license
* Employment consequences
These are only several of the consequences you may face in addition to the expensive fees you may need to pay.
Our attorneys have a successful track record of winning DUI cases and have extensive experience in litigation felony and misdemeanor DUI Cases. We will represent you in the best light possible and support you every step of the way. If you're charged with DUI in the Detroit area, call the DUI Defense Attorneys at the Davis Law Group, PLLC for a free consultation. |
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Coast Guard cadet won't be court-martialed
Law & Court News |
2014/06/13 12:43
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A U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadet accused of entering a classmate's room and touching her leg will not face a court martial, the academy said Thursday.
Its superintendent agreed with the recommendations of an investigating officer that reasonable grounds did not exist to support the charge of abusive sexual contact against cadet Alexander Stevens. The superintendent, Rear Adm. Sandra Stosz, also agreed with a recommendation to impose nonjudicial punishment on Stevens for unlawfully entering a cadet barracks room while drunk and touching another cadet on the leg, Coast Guard officials said.
The academy did not disclose details of the punishment, citing Stevens' privacy rights. Nonjudicial punishment may include a reprimand, arrest in quarters for up to 30 days, pay forfeiture or expulsion from the academy.
"The academy has remained committed to providing all needed support to the victim, ensuring a full and fair proceeding in compliance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice and holding those who commit misconduct accountable for their actions," said Capt. James McCauley, the commandant of cadets.
In September, Stevens said, he went into the fellow cadet's room by mistake, believing it was his girlfriend's room, an investigator testified.
He was drunk at the time and made a mental mistake, Lt. John Cole, who represented Stevens, said during a pretrial investigation at the academy in April.
The classmate testified that a man entered her room in the middle of the night, touched her on her thigh and moved his hand up her leg before she screamed and kicked him. The cadet said she found it hard to sleep and concentrate after the encounter, and her grades suffered. |
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Law Offices of Robert W. Jackson - Cardiff & Fallbrook Personal Injury Lawyers
Law Firm Press Release |
2014/06/13 12:41
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Located in Cardiff and Fallbrook, California, the Law Offices of Robert W. Jackson, APC, will help you if you or a loved one has been injured due to another's negligence. Personal injury due to negligence should not determine your future. You deserve to have justice served on your behalf and our experienced attorneys can help. We will answer all concerns and questions regarding your specific case to determine whether you are qualified to file for a personal injury lawsuit. We are dedicated to our clients and we welcome any challenges to your case. Our aim is to resolve claims and fight for compensation rights. We handle all types of personal injury cases:
Car Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Truck Accidents
Defective Products
Bicycle/Pedestrian Accidents
Wrongful Death
Slip & Fall Injuries
Premises Liability
Traumatic Brain Injury
Dog Bites
Personal Injury
Spinal Cord Injuries / Paralysis
Products Liability
Insurance Bad Faith
Mass Tort / Actos® Litigation
At the Law Offices of Robert W. Jackson, we are advocates of justice and we fill fight for you. If you're in need of a Cardiff Personal Injury Lawyer, contact us today. |
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