Book

UGA Law Professor Unveils Groundbreaking Database and Book Exposing Flaws in Multidistrict Litigation Justice

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Athens, Georgia – Elizabeth Chamblee Burch, a professor at the University of Georgia School of Law, has released her latest book, Mass Tort Deals: Backroom Bargaining in Multidistrict Litigation. This comprehensive work draws on extensive empirical research and data related to multidistrict litigation, revealing a concerning trend: the judicial system’s lack of checks and balances often favors everyone except the plaintiffs involved. To complement the book’s publication, Burch has collaborated with the university’s technology department to create a publicly accessible database that enables users to delve deeper into the realm of multidistrict litigation. This database, … Read more

Iowa Judge Once Again Blocks Enforcement of State’s Controversial School Book Ban Law

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DES MOINES, Iowa — A federal judge in Iowa has once again placed a temporary hold on a controversial state law that restricts the availability of certain books in school libraries, marking a significant pause in the ongoing debate over educational content. This latest ruling, issued on March 25, halts the enforcement of sections of the law targeting books with depictions of sexual acts, as the court revisits the statute’s constitutionality. The legislation, championed by Iowa’s Republican-majority Legislature and Governor Kim Reynolds and enacted in 2023, came under scrutiny when significant portions were initially blocked … Read more

New Book Highlights Crucial Collaboration Between Educators and Law Enforcement to Enhance School Safety

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In a recent publication, school safety experts have called for a stronger partnership between educators and law enforcement to enhance safety measures in schools. The book, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts, outlines practical strategies and concrete steps that schools can adopt to ensure a safer environment for students. School safety has become an issue of paramount importance, given the rise in school violence incidents over the past decades. The book emphasizes the need for proactive measures, rather than reactive responses, stressing that preparation and prevention are key to safeguarding students and staff. The authors, … Read more

Lawsuit Challenges Huntington Beach’s Library Book Censorship Policy Over Restricted Sexual Content Books

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Huntington Beach, Calif. — A legal battle is brewing in Huntington Beach over the city’s decision to censor and alter the availability of books deemed to contain sexual content in public libraries. The ACLU, along with Orange County’s first transgender-led nonprofit organization, filed a lawsuit challenging the city’s actions, alleging a violation of constitutional rights and the California Freedom to Read Act. The controversy began last year after the city council instructed local librarians to move certain books to less accessible areas of the library. These books, which included titles on the human body, puberty, … Read more