publiclawlibrary.org

Court Rules Against Louisiana’s Law Allowing Ten Commandments Displays in Public Spaces

by

A federal appellate court has struck down Louisiana’s law permitting the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools, ruling that it violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The decision arrives amid ongoing national scrutiny over church-state separations, particularly in educational settings. The case originated when a Louisiana-based public school district attempted to implement the law allowing Ten Commandments displays in classrooms. Opponents of the measure argued that it infringed upon students’ religious freedoms and could alienate those from different belief systems. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit determined that … Read more

Atlanta Jury Awards $2.25 Million to Parents After Horrifying Case of Infants’ Death and Invasion of Privacy

by

ATLANTA — An Atlanta jury awarded a couple $2 million in compensation and an additional $250,000 in punitive damages in a case involving the tragic death of their newborn son. The jury concluded that the doctor, known as Dr. Gates, did not intend to inflict harm, a finding emphasized by his legal representative, Ira Livnat. Gates’ legal team expressed disappointment at the verdict, noting that while the couple sought $30 million in damages, the jury’s determination of non-malicious intent was a crucial takeaway. Livnat stated that he was retained just hours before the trial’s commencement … Read more

R. Kelly’s Furlough Bid Denied Amid Health Concerns and Alleged Threats to His Life

by

Chicago, Ill. — R. Kelly will continue to serve his prison sentence after a judge denied his request for a temporary furlough. The ruling came amid concerns over the singer’s health and safety, prompting his attorney to prepare for further legal action. Kelly’s attorney, Beau B. Brindley, announced plans to file a new motion for the singer’s release following Judge Martha Pacold’s dismissal of the initial furlough request due to jurisdiction issues. The request was made in the Northern District of Illinois, where Kelly was convicted, but the motion was based on events occurring in … Read more

Federal Judge Orders Release of Former Columbia Student Detained Amid Controversy Over Pro-Palestinian Protests

by

NEW YORK — A federal judge has ordered the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student at Columbia University, from immigration detention. Khalil had been held since early March as the Trump administration sought to deport him following his involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz issued the order during a hearing conducted over the phone from New Jersey. He described it as “highly unusual” for the government to continue detaining a lawful permanent resident who posed no flight risk and had not been accused of any violent behavior. “He is not … Read more