Judge

Bridging Cultures: Judge David Avraham Voluck Harmonizes Indigenous Justice with Environmental Law in Alaskan Tribal Courts

by

Sitka, Alaska – David Avraham Voluck, a distinguished member of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, serves as Chief Judge of the Sitka Tribal Court, where he facilitates dispute resolution among the Tlingit and Haida nations. His reputation for wisdom and fairness has led him to be invited as a judge for various other tribes, including the Unangan Aleuts of St. Paul Island and the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council. Voluck’s commitment to the cultural integrity of Alaskan Natives is evident in his work. With a background in environmental law, he often finds himself in a unique position … Read more

Breaking Ground for Clean Water: Judge Directs Chemours to Slash Pollution Levels for Ohio River Health

by

Charleston, W.Va. — A recent ruling by a state judge has mandated that Chemours Co. must take immediate action to reduce pollution emissions. This decision marks a significant turning point for public health advocates and residents along the Ohio River, who have long raised concerns about environmental safety. The ruling addresses the company’s discharge of chemicals that have sparked worries over public health, particularly regarding water quality in the region. The Ohio River has been a vital waterway for communities, and the court’s decision is seen as a critical win for those advocating for cleaner … Read more

Hawaiian Judge Reinstates Ocean Protections, Halting Commercial Fishing in Pacific Marine Monument

by

HONOLULU, Hawaii — A federal judge has ordered a halt to commercial fishing in a significant area of the Pacific Ocean, siding with environmentalists who argued against a rollback of federal protections implemented during the Trump administration. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Micah W. J. Smith, reinstates protections for the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, home to diverse marine life including turtles, seabirds, and mammals. Environmental advocates assert that longline fishing, which involves baited hooks on lines measuring 60 miles or longer, poses a significant threat to these species. The Trump administration’s … Read more

Hawaii Judge Restores Ocean Protections, Halting Commercial Fishing in Pacific National Monument After Environmentalists’ Challenge

by

HONOLULU — A federal judge in Hawaii has supported environmental advocates by ordering a halt to commercial fishing in a vast area of the Pacific Ocean, a move that challenges an earlier decision made under the Trump administration to roll back ocean protections. The ruling affects the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, a designated area that shelters various marine species such as turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. Environmental organizations argue that longline fishing, which uses baited hooks on lines stretching up to 60 miles, poses a significant threat to these vulnerable species. In 2017, … Read more