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Chicago Alderman Convicted of Racketeering and Bribery Escapes Discipline Due to Powerful Connections

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Chicago, IL – Former attorney and Alderman Ed Burke, who was convicted of racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion, is avoiding suspension despite his charges. The Illinois Supreme Court has yet to act on a petition for an interim suspension, as a majority of the court’s justices have recused themselves from the case. This has brought attention to the influence and power that the Burke family has had in the Illinois judiciary. Burke’s crimes involved a city hall shakedown scheme to benefit his law firm, Klafter & Burke. He allegedly blocked permits for companies that did … Read more

Former Loudoun County Schools Chief’s Guilty Verdict Overturned Due to Jury Instruction Error

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LEESBURG, Va. (AP) — A judge in Loudoun County set aside the guilty verdict against former schools chief Scott Ziegler, who was convicted of retaliating against a teacher who accused officials of withholding protection from a student who inappropriately touched her. Chief Circuit Court Judge Douglas L. Fleming Jr. granted a new trial, citing incorrect jury instructions in the misdemeanor case. While setting aside the verdict, Judge Fleming acknowledged that there was enough evidence to sustain a conviction against Ziegler, who was fired in 2022 for mishandling sexual assault cases. The incident drew national attention … Read more

Federal Judge Orders New Trial as Samsung’s $67.5 Million Patent Infringement Award Overturned Due to Possible Jury Confusion

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Marshall, Texas – A federal judge has ordered a new damages trial in the patent infringement case between Samsung Electronics Co. and G+ Communications LLC. The $67.5 million award previously granted to G+ Communications was wiped out due to possible jury confusion during deliberations, according to Judge Rodney Gilstrap. The January verdict, which found Samsung guilty of infringing on 5G smartphone technology, has been deemed unreliable. The companies involved failed to properly educate the jury on the distinction between running and lump sum royalties, leading to potential misunderstanding. This ruling has significant implications for both … Read more

Fracking Worker Injured in Colorado Explosion Wins $30 Million Lawsuit, But Only Receives Half Due to State Caps – Advocates Call for Removal of Limitations on Jury Awards

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Greeley, Colorado – A man who suffered severe injuries while working at a fracking site in northern Colorado has been awarded $30 million in a federal court case. However, due to state laws that place limits on jury awards, the man will only receive about half of that amount. This case has brought attention to the issue of caps on damages in Colorado, with a group called Coloradans for Accountability advocating for the elimination of these limits through a measure on the ballot this November. Steve Straughen, the injured worker, is just one of many … Read more