Accountability

Historic $1.68 Billion Verdict Against Hollywood Director James Toback Sends Strong Message on Sexual Abuse Accountability

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A jury in New York awarded $1.68 billion in damages on Wednesday to 40 women who accused writer and director James Toback of sexual abuse over 35 years, according to attorneys representing the plaintiffs. This landmark decision follows a lawsuit initiated in Manhattan in 2022, coinciding with New York state’s introduction of a one-year window for individuals to file lawsuits concerning historical sexual assault claims. The verdict stands as one of the most significant jury awards in New York’s history and among the largest since the #MeToo movement gained traction, attorney Brad Beckworth from Nix … Read more

Federal Jury Awards $4 Million to Family After Inmate’s Tragic Death in Saguache County Jail: A Call for Accountability

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SAGUACHE, Colo. — A federal jury has awarded $4 million to the mother of a man who died by suicide while in custody at the Saguache County jail more than five years ago. The trial highlighted serious allegations against the sheriff’s office and its procedures regarding mental health crises. Jackson Maes, 27, took his life in his jail cell despite previously expressing suicidal thoughts. His mother, Sarah Lieberenz, contended in her lawsuit that deputies ignored warning signs and failed to monitor her son adequately. She claimed no deputy checked on him for over eight hours … Read more

Justice Department Lawyers Under Fire: Judges Demand Accountability Amid Concerns Over ‘Shoddy Work’

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Lawyers from the Justice Department are facing scrutiny from judges who have expressed frustration over what they describe as inadequate legal work. This criticism comes amid a range of cases in which the department’s arguments have been viewed as poorly constructed and lacking clarity. The judges, during recent hearings, raised concerns about the quality of briefs submitted by government attorneys. They pointed out issues such as unclear legal reasoning and a perceived neglect of established legal standards. This skepticism reflects a deeper worry regarding the effectiveness of the Justice Department’s court presentations, particularly in cases … Read more

Ninth Circuit Affirms Jury Ruling in Police Restraint Case, Upholding Accountability Despite Lack of Excessive Force Claims

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Los Angeles, California — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently upheld a jury’s decision in a case involving the death of a man during a police restraint incident, ruling that negligence could be established even in the absence of excessive force claims. The case revolved around the events of a 2016 arrest when officers used physical means to subdue the individual, who subsequently died. Evidence presented during the trial suggested that the officers had acted within the standards for use of force but still failed to provide necessary medical assistance, which … Read more