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Jury Convicts Inmate in Deadly 2018 Gang-Related Prison Riot, Hands Down Additional Life Sentences

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BISHOPVILLE, S.C. — After just one hour of deliberation, a Lee County jury convicted inmate Stephen Green of murder and other charges stemming from a brutal 2018 prison riot that left seven dead and more than 20 injured. The jury found Green guilty on Thursday, making him the only person thus far convicted of murder for the violent episode, despite the large number of inmates involved. The trial, which began Monday, highlights the severe consequences of one of the nation’s most devastating prison riots and marks Green as the second to face trial out of … Read more

Wall Street’s New Bet: Private Equity Dollars Fueling Multibillion-Dollar Toxic Tort Legal Battles

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NEW YORK — Private equity funds are quietly powering some of the most headline-grabbing legal battles in the U.S., trading the familiar turf of Wall Street for risky but potentially lucrative courtroom confrontations. Amid increasingly complex and drawn-out lawsuits involving toxic torts, these investment firms are stepping in to fund costly litigation, betting on huge settlements and court awards. Toxic tort cases, covering damages from substances like asbestos and controversial drugs, can span decades and accrue millions in expenses. Plaintiffs’ attorneys traditionally bear these upfront costs, not receiving payment until a case concludes successfully. This … Read more

North Carolina Supreme Court Debates Tribunal’s Power in Philip Morris Tax Deduction Case

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Raleigh, North Carolina — In a recent session of the North Carolina Supreme Court, justices expressed skepticism regarding the authority of the state’s executive branch tribunal, specifically whether it could adjudicate constitutional challenges against statutory decisions. This case has caught significant attention due to its potential implications on state power dynamics and tax law interpretations. The controversy centers on Philip Morris USA Inc., a major tobacco company, which is disputing the state’s denial of its tax deduction claims related to loans made to an affiliate. The denial was based on current statutes, but the company … Read more

Toy Company Ordered to Pay $71.5 Million for Infringing on Pop Group OMG Girlz’s Identity in Doll Line Dispute

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NEW YORK — In a significant legal victory for the teen pop group OMG Girlz, MGA Entertainment has been ordered to pay $71.5 million for infringing on the group’s name and likeness with its line of dolls. The verdict, reaching a climax in a protracted legal battle, was delivered by a federal jury, determining that MGA’s “L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G.” dolls bore too close a resemblance to the all-girl music group. The intellectual property dispute emphasizes the importance of protecting artists’ rights in an increasingly commercialized environment. Members of OMG Girlz, as well as their high-profile … Read more