Native-led Guidebook Empowers Tribal Nations to Embrace Rights of Nature Laws for Environmental Protection

In recent years, countries such as Ecuador, New Zealand, and India have passed laws recognizing the rights of nature. This growing movement aims to protect the environment by legally acknowledging its inherent right to exist and thrive independently of human use. Now, tribal nations in the United States are taking the lead in incorporating the rights of nature into their governance structures. A newly published guidebook, titled “Guide to Rights of Nature in Indian Country,” offers strategies and resources for Indigenous communities interested in enacting laws that grant legal rights and personhood to ecosystems, landscapes, … Read more

Mass Torts Settlements Embrace Digital Payments, PayPal Preferred by Class Members

Charleston, South Carolina – In a dramatic shift, an increasing number of class members and plaintiffs involved in class action and mass tort settlements are opting for digital payments instead of traditional check payments. According to a recent report titled “Digital Payments in Class Actions and Mass Torts,” 170 settlements in 2022 utilized digital payment methods, compared to only two settlements in 2019. The report analyzed 267 settlements from 2019 to 2022, which were distributed by Digital Disbursements, a subsidiary of Western Alliance Bank. Jeff Richardson, the co-founder and CEO of Digital Disbursements, highlighted the … Read more