Appeal

Judge Overturns $127K Award for New Bedford Officer in Retaliation Case, Sparks Appeal and Controversy

by

A Bristol County Superior Court judge has recently nullified a jury’s verdict that required New Bedford to pay $127,000 to former police officer Macaila Saunders, who claimed she faced retaliation after reporting allegations of gender discrimination. The city challenged the jury’s decision, citing issues with procedure and insufficient evidence. Saunders, a former homicide detective in New Bedford who now serves as a school resource officer in Swansea, filed her lawsuit in 2021. Initially, she accused the city of both gender discrimination and retaliation. However, the gender discrimination charge was later dropped, leaving only the retaliation … Read more

Edwin Scales III Takes the Helm: New Chief Judge Elected for Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal

by

MIAMI, Fla. — Judge Edwin Scales III has been appointed as the chief judge of Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal, beginning July 1. His election marks a significant moment, as Scales is the first resident of Monroe County to hold this position. Appointed to the court by former Governor Rick Scott in December 2013, Scales has made a notable impact in the legal community. Prior to his judicial appointment, he operated as a sole practitioner in Key West, focusing on appellate and commercial litigation, land use law, and mediation. In addition to his work … Read more

17 States Unite to Support Florida’s Immigration Law Appeal Amid Legal Turmoil

by

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Republican leaders from 17 states have expressed their unified support for Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in his bid to enforce a law aimed at undocumented immigrants. This legal alliance comes as Uthmeier seeks intervention from the U.S. Supreme Court after a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against the law. Last week, Uthmeier appealed to the Supreme Court to allow the state to implement the law while ongoing legal challenges unfold. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled in April that the law is likely preempted by federal immigration authority, effectively … Read more

Jason Carter’s Legal Battles Continue as Appeal Over Investigation Rights is Denied

by

Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Jason Carter has faced a setback in his legal battles following the murder charge in connection with the death of his mother, Shirley Carter. A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld a district court’s decision regarding his claims against investigators, affirming that he was not wronged prior to his 2015 arrest. While Carter was acquitted of the murder charges after a complex legal process, he was later found liable for his mother’s death in a civil case initiated by his father and brother. This lawsuit sought $10 million … Read more