Curb

Maryland Legislators Propose National Gun Licensing Bill, Aiming to Curb Firearm Homicides

by

BALTIMORE — In an effort to strengthen gun control measures, Maryland legislators have reintroduced a proposal aimed at encouraging state and local governments nationwide to adopt stricter gun licensing laws. Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Jamie Raskin, both Maryland Democrats, are spearheading the Handgun Permit to Purchase Act, which mandates that individuals obtain a license before purchasing a handgun. This legislative initiative, originally launched by Van Hollen in 2015, has gained additional traction following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to maintain Maryland’s stringent gun licensing regulations. These regulations, which emerged from the state’s 2013 … Read more

Supreme Court Upholds Maryland’s Rigorous Handgun Licensing Law Amidst Ongoing Efforts to Curb Gun Violence

by

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court recently decided not to review a stringent Maryland gun licensing statute, effectively upholding a law that requires detailed safety measures for handgun purchasers. The law mandates safety training, fingerprint submission, and a comprehensive background check prior to a handgun purchase, which state officials argue are necessary precautions to reduce gun-related incidents. The legal scrutiny of Maryland’s firearms regulations intensified following the 2012 tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, prompting the enactment of these tougher measures in an effort to curb gun violence. The statute faced legal challenges, … Read more

Maryland’s Retail Dog Sale Ban Upheld by Fourth Circuit Court, Aims to Curb Puppy Mills

by

RICHMOND, Va. — A recent ruling from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that Maryland’s law banning the sale of dogs in retail pet stores does not infringe on interstate commerce nor is it overridden by the federal Animal Welfare Act. The decision reinforces Maryland’s ongoing legislative efforts to address and mitigate the inhumane conditions often found in large-scale breeding facilities, commonly referred to as “puppy mills.” The law under scrutiny was enacted in 2021 and is a continuation of Maryland’s broader strategy over the past decade to enhance the welfare of animals. Such … Read more

Revamped Federal Rule Sharpens Scrutiny on Expert Testimony in U.S. Courts, Aiming to Curb ‘Junk Science’ in Legal Battles

by

WASHINGTON — In the intricate dance of courtroom litigation, expert witnesses often play a pivotal role, swaying jury opinions with their specialized knowledge. However, despite their advanced degrees and confident demeanor, these experts’ assertions are not always rooted in sound scientific practice. This potentially leads to unjust outcomes and multimillion-dollar verdicts, particularly in toxic tort lawsuits that hinge significantly on dueling expert testimonies. To address these concerns, the Federal Rules of Evidence, specifically Rule 702, dictate the admittance of expert testimony in federal courts. Traditionally, this rule allowed for a liberal acceptance of expert testimony, … Read more