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Maryland’s New Juvenile Justice Laws to Lower Age for Serious Charges, Increase Transparency and Accountability

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Baltimore, Maryland – A sweeping set of changes to Maryland’s juvenile justice laws came into effect on Friday, marking a significant shift in how the state handles young offenders. The new law, part of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act signed earlier this year by Governor Wes Moore, includes provisions that allow for younger children, ages 10 to 12, to be charged with certain serious offenses including illegal gun possession, auto theft, animal cruelty, and third-degree sexual offense. Previously, the minimum age to charge children with these crimes was 13. The legislation aims to tackle the … Read more

Pharmaceutical Giants Challenge Delaware Court Over Expert Testimony in Zantac Case, Fear Increase in Mass Tort Filings

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Dover, Delaware — Leading pharmaceutical giants are urging Delaware’s highest court to reconsider a lower court’s decision that greenlit expert testimony in ongoing Zantac litigation, claiming the ruling misaligns with established federal standards. Companies like GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Boehringer Ingelheim, which are part of the lawsuit focused on the heartburn medication Zantac, fear it could transform Delaware into a hotbed for mass tort litigation. Represented by distinguished law firms including Dechert, Williams & Connolly, DLA Piper, and King & Spalding, these pharmaceutical heavyweights find the Superior Court’s decision unsettling. The ruling by Superior Court … Read more

Illinois Welcomes New Laws in July: Higher Minimum Wage, Paid Leave Expansion, and Gas Tax Increase

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Springfield, Ill. — Illinois residents can expect several key changes beginning July 1 as new state laws take effect, impacting everything from gasoline prices to workers’ pay and rights. These changes are set to make life a little different for many across the state, affecting motorists, employees, freelancers, and even child social media influencers. One of the standout adjustments will be at the gas pump. The state’s gasoline tax will see a slight increase from the current 45.4 cents per gallon to 47 cents, marking an uptick of over 3.5%. Diesel fuel taxes will also … Read more

Ford Motor Co. Fights Against Tech Company’s Bid to Increase Unfair Competition Award in Michigan Federal Court

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Detroit, Michigan – Ford Motor Co., one of the world’s largest automakers, is challenging a tech company’s appeal to increase an unfair competition award against Ford. The tech company is seeking to raise the amount awarded to them from less than half a million dollars. In a petition filed in a Michigan federal court on Wednesday, Ford argued against the motion to boost the award. The company emphasized that the tech company’s request should be denied. The exact details surrounding this unfair competition award remain undisclosed. However, Ford’s opposition suggests that they believe the initial … Read more