publiclawlibrary.org

Judge Slams ‘Shameful’ Withdrawal of Charges Against Newark Mayor, Sparking Controversy

by

NEWARK, N.J. — A recent court ruling has drawn sharp criticism from a judge, who described the decision to drop charges against Newark’s mayor as an “embarrassing retraction.” The case, which had captured the attention of many, highlighted the complexities surrounding high-profile political figures and the legal system’s response to their alleged misconduct. Mayor Ras Baraka faced charges related to accusations of corruption and bribery. The retraction of these charges has sparked outrage among critics who feel it undermines public trust. The judge, addressing the court, expressed disappointment over what was perceived as a lack … Read more

Utah Woman Files Lawsuit Against BYU Quarterback Jake Retzlaff Over Allegations of Sexual Assault

by

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A lawsuit has been filed against Brigham Young University football player Jake Retzlaff by a woman alleging sexual assault that occurred in November 2023, according to reports. The woman, who is identified in legal documents as Jane Doe A.G., claims she reported the incident to law enforcement. The lawsuit alleges battery, assault, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, with the accuser seeking punitive damages. The allegations arise from an initial contact made between Retzlaff and the woman through social media. As of now, Retzlaff has not been charged with any … Read more

Louisiana GOP Blocks Bill Aimed at Ending Jim Crow-Era Split Jury Verdicts

by

BATON ROUGE, La. — A proposal aimed at eliminating split jury verdicts in Louisiana faced rejection from state Republicans, marking a setback for efforts to address a legal practice dating back to the Jim Crow era. The proposed legislation sought to require unanimous verdicts in felony cases, a shift that advocates argue is essential for ensuring fairer trials and better justice. The measure was brought forward by a bipartisan coalition hoping to reform a system that has long been criticized for its roots in racial discrimination. In Louisiana, non-unanimous jury verdicts have allowed convictions based … Read more

Bangladesh’s Interim Government Faces Backlash Over Anti-Democratic Measures Against Awami League Supporters

by

New York, U.S. – In a troubling turn of events, Bangladesh’s interim government has come under fire for enacting measures that threaten basic freedoms, according to Human Rights Watch. The administration, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, appears to be straying from its commitment to reform the criminal justice system and ensure accountability for grave human rights abuses, opting instead to restrict the rights of supporters of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party. On May 12, the interim government imposed what it termed a “temporary” ban on the Awami … Read more