Court

Buffalo Court Battle: Acting Mayor and Comptroller Face Off Over Bond Authority in $110 Million Budget Dispute

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Buffalo, N.Y. — A court hearing on Monday brought to light a contentious legal battle between Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon and Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams over fiscal authority within the city. The lawsuit, spearheaded by Scanlon and Common Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski, challenges Miller-Williams’ refusal to issue bond anticipation notes tied to a significant $110 million capital budget. No ruling was immediately forthcoming from Judge Emilio Colaiacovo, who indicated that he would provide a written decision by the end of the week. This ongoing dispute centers around claims that the comptroller lacks the jurisdiction to block the … Read more

Johnson & Johnson Faces Setback in Talc Controversy as Bankruptcy Court Rejects Tort Claims

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Johnson & Johnson faced a significant setback as a bankruptcy court ruled against its strategy to limit liabilities resulting from claims related to its talcum powder products. This ruling comes as the pharmaceutical and consumer goods giant grapples with a growing number of lawsuits alleging that its talc-based products contain cancer-causing asbestos. Recent legal maneuvers by Johnson & Johnson had aimed to manage its exposure to these lawsuits—claims that have intensified in recent years. The company had proposed a controversial plan to transfer its talc liabilities to a subsidiary that would then file for bankruptcy. … Read more

Massachusetts Court Examines the Boundaries of Privacy: Implications of Search and Seizure in Curtilage Cases

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BOSTON — Legal boundaries in search and seizure law were clarified following a recent decision regarding the concept of curtilage, which relates to the area surrounding a home where privacy expectations are significant. The ruling underscores the importance of understanding these boundaries as they pertain to the Fourth Amendment rights of citizens. Curtilage is defined as the land immediately surrounding a dwelling, which is considered part of the home for legal purposes. This area typically includes gardens, driveways, and other locations closely associated with family life. Recently, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court deliberated on a … Read more

Johnson & Johnson Faces Legal Setback as Talc Bankruptcy Plan Thwarted in Court

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Joe’s Creek, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson is facing a significant setback as a federal judge’s decision to dismiss its bankruptcy filing to manage thousands of talc-related lawsuits puts the company back in the spotlight. This ruling has raised questions about the legitimacy of legal strategies employed by major corporations facing widespread claims. The judge’s rejection of Johnson & Johnson’s bankruptcy petition comes in the wake of the company attempting to shield itself from liability related to talc products linked to cancer allegations. The court noted that J&J’s approach to offloading its liabilities through bankruptcy … Read more