Circuit

Judge Robert Chasteen Retires After 20 Years of Exceptional Service to the Cordele Judicial Circuit

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Cordele, Georgia – After serving as the Cordele Judicial Circuit Chief Superior Court Judge for a distinguished 20-year tenure, Robert W. Chasteen has announced his retirement from full-time duty effective at the end of this year. The State Bar of Georgia extends their congratulations and thanks to Judge Chasteen for his dedication and contributions to the justice system in Ben Hill, Crisp, Dooly, and Wilcox counties. Judge Chasteen, a member of the Georgia Bar since 1969, was first elected as a Superior Court judge in 2004. Prior to his appointment, he had an extensive background … Read more

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Overturns $366 Million Verdict in FedEx Employee’s Retaliation Lawsuit

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HOUSTON, Texas – A recent ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has significant implications for employers regarding race discrimination and retaliation claims. The court overturned a jury verdict that had awarded a Houston-based FedEx employee $366 million in damages. Jennifer Harris, a district sales manager in Texas, filed a race discrimination complaint against her supervisor within the company. In response, Harris was placed on a performance improvement plan. She was later placed on a second plan and ultimately recommended for termination, leading her to believe her supervisor’s actions were pretextual. Harris presented evidence … Read more

9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to Weigh Challenge to California’s Mail-In Voting System

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is set to hear oral arguments today in a lawsuit challenging California’s mail-in voting system. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the Election Integrity Project California (EIPCa), a fringe right-wing group, claims that California’s voting laws and regulations surrounding universal mail-in voting, online voter registration, community ballot collection, and increased voting access are unconstitutional. The plaintiffs argue that several California Assembly and Senate bills, along with sections of the California Code of Regulations, violate the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the 14th Amendment. … Read more

Lauderdale County Circuit Court Judge Indicted on 16 Counts of Misusing Office for Personal Gain and Perjury Charges, Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison

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FLORENCE, Ala. — Lauderdale County Circuit Court Judge Gil Self has been indicted on multiple charges related to using his position for personal gain, according to Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office. Self, who has served as a judge since 2009, allegedly used more than $50,000 of public funds to employ his son and made personal purchases such as a sofa, alcoholic beverages, and eyeglasses. He is also accused of reimbursing himself for various vacations, including a skiing trip and a cycling trip. The charges against Self include 16 counts of using his office for personal … Read more