Award

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

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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

Jury Verdict Leads to $2.5M Award for Accident Victim, Prompting Defense to Settle for Even More

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CHICAGO — A jury recently awarded $2.5 million to a man who sustained severe injuries in an accident, a decision that reflects the ongoing challenges faced by victims seeking justice in personal injury cases. This jury verdict came after a trial that highlighted the circumstances and impacts of the incident. The case revolved around a collision that left the victim with significant long-term health complications. Testimony presented in court illustrated the profound effect the injuries had not only on the man’s daily life but also his ability to maintain employment and engage in family activities. … Read more

Trailblazers in Justice: Chief Judge Altonaga and Judge de la O Honored with Hoeveler Professionalism Award

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Boca Raton, Fla. — Chief Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida and Judge Miguel de la O of the 11th Judicial Circuit have been named co-recipients of the 2025 William M. Hoeveler Judicial Professionalism Award. The honor was presented during the recent Annual Florida Bar Convention. The William M. Hoeveler Judicial Professionalism Award is given annually to judges who demonstrate outstanding character, service, and competence in their roles as jurists and public servants. According to the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism and the Standing Committee on … Read more

Iranian Documentary ‘The Last of the Whale Shark’ Snags Special Jury Award at Inaugural SCO Film Festival

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TEHRAN, Iran — The inaugural Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival recently honored Iranian filmmaker Ramtin Balef with the Special Jury Award for his documentary “The Last of the Whale Shark.” The festival took place from July 3 to 7 in the Yongchuan district of Chongqing, China, coinciding with the BRICS Summit and the first Asian Countries Meeting. Balef’s documentary explores the poignant journey of a whale shark as it seeks its soul mate within the vastness of the ocean. It stands as a notable entry in a festival that showcased a diverse array of … Read more