Connecticut

Murder Exoneree Fights for Justice: Appeals Court Ruling Bolsters $5.7 Million Verdict Against Connecticut Town

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Bridgeport, Conn. — A man wrongfully imprisoned for 30 years has urged a federal judge to reject a Connecticut town’s attempt to overturn a substantial verdict awarded for evidence fabrication. Ralph “Ricky” Birch’s plea comes in response to New Milford’s motion for judgment as a matter of law, where he argues that both the evidence and a previous court ruling support his case. In legal documents submitted to U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden, Birch cited Rule 50(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, explaining that the criteria for overturning a jury’s decision are … Read more

Connecticut Lawyers to Rally Against Trump’s Executive Orders: Advocating for Justice and Dignity on Law Day

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Connecticut lawyers plan to stage protests against President Donald Trump’s executive orders during Law Day rallies this week, emphasizing their commitment to justice and the legal profession. The lawyers’ rallying cry is a refusal to work “on your knees,” signaling their opposition to policies they believe undermine both individual rights and judicial integrity. The demonstrations are set to take place across several cities, with attorneys advocating for the rule of law and the preservation of civil liberties. Organizers stated that these events will bring attention to executive actions that they claim overreach presidential authority. The … Read more

Connecticut Grapples with Declining Vehicle Valuations and Enforcement Challenges Amid New Tax Laws

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Vernon, Conn. – A recent change in Connecticut’s vehicle taxation laws has led to a notable decline in municipal grand lists’ values, leaving authorities grappling with enforcement challenges. Under the new statute, vehicles are now assessed differently, which some argue diminishes the tax base essential for local funding. Local discussions and frustrations have surfaced concerning lax enforcement against those who register their vehicles out of state to sidestep Connecticut’s higher registration fees and taxes. This practice, although illegal, appears to be overlooked by enforcement agencies, according to recent complaints. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles … Read more

Jury Awards $5.7 Million to Man Wrongfully Imprisoned for 30 Years in Connecticut

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New Milford, CT — Ricky Birch, who was wrongfully imprisoned for nearly three decades for a murder he did not commit, has been awarded $5.7 million by a jury consisting of eight men. The award concludes a lengthy legal battle against the town of New Milford and two former police detectives, where significant questions about police conduct were raised. The civil trial scrutinized the roles of former detectives David Shortt and Steven Jordan in the 1985 investigation of Everett Carr’s murder. Although Jordan and Shortt were not found to have violated Birch’s fair trial rights, … Read more