Citing

Payton Gendron’s Lawyers Challenge Jury Selection in Hate Crime Case, Citing Lack of Diversity

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Buffalo, New York — Lawyers for Payton Gendron are seeking to have federal charges against him dismissed, claiming systemic bias in jury composition. The defense contends that insufficient representation of Black and other minority jurors during his previous trial violates Gendron’s constitutional rights. During a hearing on August 14, U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo expressed skepticism about the defense’s arguments, noting the irony in their claim, given that Gendron faces accusations related to a racially motivated hate crime. Gendron was previously convicted in 2022 and is currently serving eight consecutive life sentences. If convicted on … Read more

Judge Slashes Baltimore’s $266 Million Verdict Against Drug Giants, Citing Excessive Damages in Opioid Case

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BALTIMORE — A judge has determined that jurors significantly overstepped in their financial award to the city in a major drug-related case against two pharmaceutical giants. Following a verdict last November that held McKesson and AmerisourceBergen accountable for exacerbating Baltimore’s opioid crisis, the presiding judge suggested modifying the initial damages awarded from $266 million to just $52 million. Baltimore City Circuit Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill ruled that the jurors’ decision was “grossly excessive” and prompted concern, stating that the initial verdict was “shocking” given the presented evidence. The case centered around claims that the companies had … Read more

Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Law Mandating Ten Commandments in Classrooms, Citing Constitutional Violations

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Fayetteville, Arkansas – A federal district court has temporarily halted an Arkansas law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, determining that the law likely contravenes the U.S. Constitution and echoes a prior Supreme Court decision from 1980. The legislation, known as Act 573, was approved by Arkansas lawmakers in April and mirrors similar initiatives enacted in Louisiana and Texas. Each measure necessitates the display of a version of the Ten Commandments derived from the King James Bible in all public school classrooms. In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks noted … Read more

Survivor of Tragic Assisted Living Fire Sues Facility for Negligence, Citing Safety Violations

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FALL RIVER, Mass. — A survivor of a devastating fire at an assisted living facility has initiated legal action against the establishment, its owner, and a fire alarm service provider. The tragic incident, which occurred on July 13 at the Gabriel House Assisted Living facility, resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals and left at least 30 others injured, with many residents trapped during the blaze. The lawsuit, brought forth by the Keches Law Group on behalf of Alvaro Vieira, implicates not only the facility and its owner, Dennis Etzkorn, but also Fire Systems Inc., … Read more