Court

Appeals Court Reinstates California Law Mandating Background Checks for Ammo Purchases, Overturning Previous Ruling

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San Diego, California – An appeals court has overturned a federal judge’s ruling that struck down a state law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to allow the California Attorney General’s Office to suspend the judgment. The decision follows U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez’s injunction last week, which deemed the background check requirement for most ammunition purchases as unconstitutional. In a brief ruling, Judges Richard Clifton and Holly Thomas granted the suspension, while Judge Consuelo Callahan dissented. Callahan stated that she did not believe the appellant … Read more

Loveland Lawyer Publicly Censured by Colorado Supreme Court for Professional Misconduct in Personal Injury Case

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LOVELAND, Colo. (AP) – Loveland lawyer Sarah Schielke has received a public censure from the Colorado Supreme Court presiding disciplinary judge as a result of an incident that occurred two years ago. The ruling, which was approved on January 26 by Presiding Disciplinary Judge Bryan Large, came after Schielke’s close friend and client allegedly suffered injuries and emotional trauma. A public censure is a published reprimand that acknowledges a lawyer’s actions as grounds for disciplinary action, but does not prevent them from continuing to practice law, according to the terminology of the Colorado Supreme Court. … 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

Landmark Disability Case: Ontario Court of Appeal Confirms Record $1.5 Million Punitive Damages Award Against Blue Cross Life Insurance

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Toronto, Ontario – In a landmark case against a disability insurer, the Ontario Court of Appeal has upheld the largest punitive damages award in Canadian history, amounting to $1.5 million. The decision in Sara Baker v. Blue Cross Life Insurance Company of Canada sheds light on the reasoning behind this substantial sum. Previously, the jury’s rationale for the award had remained unknown as they are not required to provide written reasons for their verdicts. The case revolves around Baker, who had suffered a stroke and brain bleed, rendering her unable to continue her job as … Read more