Connecticuts

Revamping Jury Pay: A Push to Bridge the Racial Gap in Connecticut’s Jury Pools

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Hartford, CT — Recent discussions around jury summoning reforms in Connecticut have refocused attention on systemic issues within the state’s legal apparatus, particularly regarding disparities in jury pools. Despite past recommendations from a specialized task force aimed at addressing these issues, legislative inertia has persisted, particularly around the vital topic of juror compensation. The task force, previously led by former Chief Justice Robinson, engaged deeply with the process of summoning jurors—a critical step that has proved resistant to improvement. Insights from Harry Weller, a retired senior assistant state’s attorney who co-chaired the committee on this … Read more

Social Security Fairness Act Set to Become Law, Ending Penalties for Thousands of Connecticut’s Public Workers

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate passed a significant piece of legislation, the Social Security Fairness Act, in the final hours of the session, which now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature. The bill seeks to amend long-standing grievances regarding the deductions from Social Security benefits for numerous public service workers, including educators and first responders in Connecticut. For years, advocates for public service workers have pushed to overturn the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which they argue disproportionately impact those who receive pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security. The … Read more

Connecticut’s Strict Gun Laws: A 2024 Election Battleground?

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Hartford, Connecticut — Connecticut, known for its stringent gun regulations, could see these laws challenged as the 2024 elections approach. With one of the toughest gun control regimes in the country, the state has long been a battleground for Second Amendment rights and remains a focal point for ongoing national debates over gun legislation. Following the devastating 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Connecticut enacted one of the nation’s strictest gun law overhauls. This comprehensive legislative package significantly expanded the list of banned assault weapons, introduced limits on ammunition magazines, and created mandatory background checks … Read more

Connecticut’s Climate Lawsuit Advances: Judge Greenlights Case Against ExxonMobil

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Hartford, CT – A Connecticut judge has given the green light for the state’s climate change lawsuit against oil giant ExxonMobil to proceed, marking a significant step in what is poised to be a deeply fought legal battle. The suit accuses the company of misleading the public about the environmental damage caused by its products and operations. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, alleging that ExxonMobil has long known about the harmful impacts of fossil fuels on the environment, spearheaded the legal challenge. The state claims that despite its knowledge, ExxonMobil engaged in a systematic campaign … Read more