Court

San Diego Superior Court Judge Withdraws Nomination for Federal Judgeship

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SAN DIEGO, California – San Diego Superior Court Judge Marian Gaston has withdrawn her nomination for a federal judgeship, just as she was nearing confirmation. The news comes after she had been nominated by President Joe Biden in December 2022 for the position. Gaston’s decision was communicated to California Sen. Alex Padilla’s office, which revealed that she requested the administration not to resubmit her nomination. Gaston had been slated to fill the vacancy of U.S. District Judge William Hayes, who had assumed senior status in 2021. The White House, however, announced the nomination of another … Read more

Drowsy Defense: Massachusetts Court Grants New Trial for Murder Defendant as Lawyer Caught Sleeping in Courtroom

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BOSTON – In a startling turn of events, a murder defendant in Massachusetts is now looking at a new trial after his defense lawyer was found asleep during crucial parts of the proceedings. The state’s top court made the ruling on Monday, stating that the lawyer’s behavior constituted a violation of the defendant’s constitutional right to counsel. The defendant, who was convicted of first-degree murder, appealed his conviction, arguing that his lawyer’s inadequate representation had deprived him of a fair trial. The lawyer, who has not been named publicly, was observed sleeping multiple times during … Read more

Texas Attorney General Appeals Court Decision, Seeks to Enforce Law Restricting Drag Performances

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Austin, Texas – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has appealed to a federal appeals court to reverse a judge’s decision and allow the state to enforce a law that would restrict and potentially criminalize drag performances. Paxton filed a 50-page briefing on Tuesday, urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans to review the permanent injunction that was issued against Senate Bill 12 last year. The law was blocked from taking effect in September after five plaintiffs, including drag performer Brigitte Bandit and local drag production company Extragrams, sued Paxton … Read more

Longtime North Carolina Judge Announces Transition to Senior Status at Federal Appellate Court, Opening Vacancy

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RALEIGH, N.C. – Circuit Judge Jim Wynn of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has announced his decision to transition to senior status, reducing his role on the federal appellate court. Having served on the court since 2010, Wynn’s move to senior status will create a vacancy on the 15-member appeals court. Details regarding the specific date of this transition have not yet been disclosed. When judges choose senior status, they can opt for a reduced caseload while still receiving their salary as an annuity. Wynn, a native of Martin County, North Carolina, is … Read more