Proposed Alaska Grand Jury Amendments Spark Controversy and Concern

Homer, Alaska – State legislator Sarah Vance’s recent opinion piece on House Bill 67 has attracted attention and raised concerns. In her 630-word statement, Vance’s true intentions behind the proposed amendments to “strengthen grand juries” were veiled by vague language and obfuscation, a tactic she is known for. It is important to delve into the hidden meaning she conveyed in her call for a “vision of a citizen-driven mechanism.” At the heart of Vance’s support for changing the way grand juries operate lies the prospect of allowing citizen-initiated grand juries. This concept is currently under … Read more

New Mexico Cannabis Regulation Act Faces Intense Debate and Proposed Amendments in Senate Session

SANTA FE, N.M. – A bill aimed at addressing the unintentional consequences of New Mexico’s Cannabis Regulation Act faced a series of proposed amendments and hours of debate on the Senate floor. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Katy Duhigg, sought to fill gaps in the state’s marijuana industry regulations and sparked discussions about conflicts of interest among lawmakers. The Senate voted 25-15 to approve the bill, known as Senate Bill 6, and it will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration with just nine days remaining in the session. Among the provisions of … Read more

Future Implications of Key Legal Developments in 2023 Shaping Various Industries: From Rejecting Overly Ambitious PFAS Class Actions to Amendments of Federal Rule 702 on Expert Witness Testimony

Harriss Beach Attorneys Abbie Eliasberg Fuchs, Daniel R. Strecker, and Alessandra G. Ash have analyzed key judicial holdings and legal developments in federal court and tort hotspots across the country that have impacted the industry in 2023 and may shape the years ahead. They have shared potential implications for future cases in regards to these topics: – The Sixth Circuit has rejected an overly ambitious PFAS class action. – The Hair Relaxer MDL is proceeding. – Illinois now permits punitive damages in wrongful death cases and has increased the availability of expedited trials. – California … Read more

China’s Recent Amendments to Civil Procedure Law Signal Commitment to International Rule of Law Standards

London, United Kingdom – Recent amendments to China’s law on civil procedure signal a positive step towards the country’s commitment to the rule of law, particularly in matters related to foreign affairs. As of January 1, changes to the Civil Procedure Law of the People’s Republic of China have come into effect, reflecting China’s proactive approach to improving its legal system and establishing a more credible international judiciary. These amendments highlight China’s dedication to aligning with global private international law standards, marking a significant milestone in the development of a comprehensive foreign-related rule of law … Read more