Appellate

Longtime North Carolina Judge Announces Transition to Senior Status at Federal Appellate Court, Opening Vacancy

by

RALEIGH, N.C. – Circuit Judge Jim Wynn of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has announced his decision to transition to senior status, reducing his role on the federal appellate court. Having served on the court since 2010, Wynn’s move to senior status will create a vacancy on the 15-member appeals court. Details regarding the specific date of this transition have not yet been disclosed. When judges choose senior status, they can opt for a reduced caseload while still receiving their salary as an annuity. Wynn, a native of Martin County, North Carolina, is … Read more

Justice Served: Appellate Court Rules in Favor of $3 Million Jury Award, Chicago Police Failed in Duty to Protect Domestic Violence Victim

by

Chicago, IL – The appellate court has upheld a $3 million jury award and ruled that the Chicago police should have taken additional measures to protect a domestic violence victim who was ultimately slain. The decision brings attention to the issue of police accountability and their role in preventing such tragic incidents. The case involves a woman named Mary Jones, who was a victim of domestic violence. Despite seeking help from the Chicago police multiple times and obtaining an order of protection against her ex-boyfriend, she was tragically murdered by him. The lawsuit filed by … Read more

Appellate Court Upholds Record $3 Million Verdict against Chicago Police Officers for Failure to Protect Domestic Violence Victim

by

Chicago, Illinois – An Illinois appellate court has upheld a record-breaking $3 million jury award in a case involving the negligence of two Chicago police officers in responding to a domestic violence call. The court found sufficient evidence that the officers prioritized their own convenience over protecting the victim, who was subsequently killed by her alleged abuser. The incident occurred on June 28th, 2015, when the police responded to a call at Vanessa Taylor’s West Side apartment. Upon arrival, the officers discovered Taylor’s boyfriend, James Thomas, wielding a Samurai sword and acting erratically. Instead of … Read more

Appellate Court Recap: Biogas Company’s $6 Million Verdict Revisited, $868,000 Damages Upheld

by

Denver, CO – The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals has provided further clarification on a previous ruling regarding a breach of contract case involving a biogas company. In their decision, the court allowed for almost $900,000 in damages to stand, despite vacating a $6 million jury award. The ruling came as a partial granting of a petition for rehearing from Lambland Inc., an organic recycling service. The court acknowledged and upheld the jury’s verdict of $868,000 in diversion damages. Lambland had filed a lawsuit against Heartland Biogas LLC, alleging a breach of their 2015 agreement. … Read more