Appeals

Senate Democrats Opt to Withdraw Four Appeals Court Nominees to Secure Confirmation of a Dozen Judges

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In an effort to accelerate the confirmation of a dozen judicial nominees, Senate Democrats have made the decision to forego pushing forward four nominations to the federal appeals courts. The move reflects a practical approach to judicial appointments, focusing on where they can most efficiently confirm candidates in a tightly contested Senate. The strategy underscores the complexities of manoeuvring within the Senate where Democrats hold a slim majority. By prioritizing 12 district court judges who are seen as having smoother paths to confirmation, the party aims to fortify the judiciary with competent judges while contending … Read more

Judicial Hopefuls Address Case Backlog in Quest for South Carolina Court of Appeals Seat

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Amidst deliberations to fill a significant judicial position, three candidates vying for a spot on South Carolina’s Court of Appeals faced a legislative panel on Monday. This nomination process is part of a broader movement to address the state’s substantial backlog of court cases. The applicants include Circuit Court Judges Kristi Curtis and Courtney Clyburn Pope, and Jason Luther, the chief legal officer at the state’s Department of Revenue. These judicial hopefuls were scrutinized in a session that underscores a unique aspect of South Carolina’s judiciary—its judges are predominantly elected by the … Read more

Georgia Court of Appeals Overturns $1.7 Billion Verdict Against Ford, Orders New Trial in Fatal Truck Rollover Case

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Atlanta, GA — A staggering $1.7 billion verdict against Ford Motor Co. has been overturned by the Georgia Court of Appeals, prompting a new trial in the tragic case involving a fatal rollover of a “Super Duty” truck that killed a Georgia couple. This decision nullifies what had been the largest jury award in the state’s history. The appellate judges found that a Gwinnett County judge had inappropriately sanctioned Ford during the initial trial, thereby crippling Ford’s ability to defend itself in a subsequent 2022 trial. This earlier trial had concluded with a jury blaming … Read more

Georgia Court of Appeals Orders Retrial in Ford Case, Overturns Record $1.7 Billion Verdict Over Vehicle Safety Dispute

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Atlanta, GA — The Georgia Court of Appeals overturned a record $1.7 billion jury verdict against automobile giant Ford, previously awarded in a wrongful death case involving a rollover accident that killed Melvin and Voncile Hill. The court has ordered a new trial, citing procedural errors and excessive sanctions which limited Ford’s defense during the initial proceedings. The decision, announced on November 1, was met with mixed reactions. Ford representatives welcomed the decision, expressing confidence in the integrity of their Super Duty trucks and indicating their readiness to contest the allegations in a forthcoming retrial. … Read more