Dispute Erupts in Court as Parties Debate Jury Instruction in Landmark $976M Seatbelt Verdict

Philadelphia, PA – A jury instruction regarding a $976 million defective seatbelt verdict is causing a clash between parties involved in the case. The instruction, which focuses on the importance of individual jurors following their own judgment and not being influenced by the opinions of others, has become a point of contention in the ongoing hearing. The case revolves around allegations that a defective seatbelt caused severe injuries to a passenger involved in a car accident. The jury had previously delivered a verdict in favor of the injured party, awarding them $976 million in damages. … Read more

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

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

Critical Analysis Reveals States’ Insufficient Efforts to Improve Teacher Preparation for Evidence-Based Reading Instruction

Denver, Colorado – As states across the country pass new laws to reform reading instruction, there are concerns about whether these changes will actually lead to improved student outcomes. According to a recent analysis by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), many states are not doing enough to prepare and train teachers in evidence-based methods, which could hinder their ability to effectively teach literacy to students. The NCTQ report argues that more than half of the states have not provided specific enough guidance for teacher-preparation programs, nor have they adequately evaluated these programs or … Read more