Alaska Lawmakers Urged to Safeguard Grand Juries’ Constitutional Right to Fight Government Corruption

The ability of citizen grand juries to investigate government actions has long been a crucial aspect of American society. Dating back to the 17th century, grand juries have played a vital role in keeping government officials accountable. However, in Alaska, there are growing concerns that this important constitutional right is being undermined and suppressed. Alaska’s founders were staunch supporters of the investigative and reporting powers of the grand jury. In fact, they enshrined the broad powers of the grand jury into the state’s Constitution in 1956. The Anti-Suspension Clause in Article I, Section 8 of … Read more

Judge Abbe Fletman Takes on New Role Leading Philadelphia’s Commerce Court, Returning to Her Legal Roots

Philadelphia, PA – Judge Abbe Fletman has been appointed as the supervising judge of the commerce section in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. This move comes after Judge Nina Wright Padilla was elected as the president judge of the First Judicial District. Fletman, who has a background in practicing law in Philadelphia’s commerce court, expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating that it feels like going back to her roots. The commerce section of the court handles commercial and business-to-business disputes, as well as class actions and motions related to confessed judgments. Fletman has been … Read more

California Governor Proposes Tougher Penalties for Retail Theft Amidst Rise in Organized Crime Activities

LOS ANGELES, California – California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed new legislation aimed at strengthening criminal penalties for theft and property crimes, particularly retail theft. The governor’s call for expanded penalties has garnered praise from retail lobby groups, who see it as a crucial step in addressing the issue. In a statement, Governor Newsom emphasized the need to take action against those profiting from retail theft and auto burglaries. He believes that implementing stricter laws will enhance public safety and provide law enforcement and prosecutors with the necessary tools to hold professional criminals accountable. Rachel … Read more

Missouri Jury Awards Massive $1.56 Billion Verdict in Roundup Cancer Case Against Bayer

COLUMBIA, Missouri — A Missouri jury has ordered pharmaceutical company Bayer to pay a total of $1.56 billion in damages to three individuals who alleged that their cancer was caused by the weed killer Roundup. The plaintiffs, Daniel Anderson of California, Jimmy Draeger of Missouri, and Valorie Gunther of New York, all used Roundup to combat weeds on their properties and later developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which they claimed was a result of their use of the herbicide. The jury’s decision included $500 million in punitive damages and between $5.6 million and $38 million in compensatory … Read more