Federal

Federal Judge Denounces ‘Awful, Pervasive Racism’ at Tesla Factory in Landmark Decision

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FREMONT, Calif. – A federal court judge has denied Tesla’s request to reduce a $3 million punitive damages award to a Black former worker, citing pervasive racism at the company’s electric car factory in Fremont. Judge William Orrick described the actions of Tesla as “grievously reprehensible” and emphasized the pervasiveness of racist conduct by coworkers, subordinates, and supervisors. Tesla had sought to cut the damages award to $1,575,000, arguing that the initial amount approved by Orrick was too high. However, the judge maintained that the $3 million punitive damages award was appropriate given the endemic … Read more

Federal Appeals Court Overturns Multi-Million Dollar Damages Award in Breach of Contract Case Due to Erroneously Admitted Expert Witness

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Denver, Colorado – A multi-million dollar damages award in a breach of contract case may be in jeopardy after a federal appeals court ruled that an expert witness was improperly classified and admitted as a lay witness. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit found that the damages verdict for recycling company A-1 Organics, in its lawsuit against Heartland, relied on testimony from A-1’s chief financial officer (CFO) that should have been classified as expert testimony instead. According to the court, the CFO’s testimony involved more than basic math and required complicated assumptions … Read more

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SAN DIEGO, California – San Diego Superior Court Judge Marian Gaston has withdrawn her nomination for a federal judgeship, just as she was nearing confirmation.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

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