Judge

Clark County Judge Attacked in Las Vegas Courtroom; Updates on Injured Victims Provided

by

LAS VEGAS – A district court judge in Las Vegas is recovering after being attacked by a defendant during a courtroom proceeding. Judge Mary Kay Holthus was injured but has since been released from medical assistance, according to Clark County Chief Judge Jerry Wiese. The attack occurred as the judge was preparing to sentence Deobra Redden, a three-time felon, for attempted battery with substantial bodily harm. Redden lunged over the bench and attacked Judge Holthus. Shane Brandon, a court marshal who was present during the attack, sustained a head injury and was taken to the … Read more

Beloved Mississippi Circuit Judge “Buddy” McDonald Passes Away at 75

by

PICAYUNE, Miss. – Claiborne “Buddy” McDonald IV, a respected judge and long-serving prosecutor in south-central Mississippi, has passed away at the age of 75. McDonald, who sat on a circuit court and was known for his fairness and adherence to the law, died on Monday at Forrest General Hospital after battling an undisclosed illness. McDonald, commonly referred to as “Buddy,” had been described by his colleague, Judge Prentiss Harrell, as a compassionate and fair judge who upheld the law firmly. His dedication and commitment to justice will be sorely missed, according to Harrell. McDonald was … Read more

Indiana Democrat Abandons Reelection Campaign to Pursue County Judge Position

by

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Indiana state Representative Ryan Hatfield, a Democrat from Evansville, has announced that he will not seek re-election this fall. Instead, Hatfield will be running for a county judge position in Vanderburgh County. Hatfield has represented House District 77 in southern Indiana since 2016. In a statement, Hatfield expressed his motivation to run for the judge position, saying, “Serving as Circuit Court Judge provides a unique opportunity to directly contribute to the fair and just resolution of legal matters that impact the lives of individuals and families in our community.” As the ranking … Read more

Oregon Judge Denies DOJ Request to Dismiss Lawsuit Alleging Government’s Support for Fossil Fuel Industry Despite Knowing Climate Risks

by

EUGENE, Ore. – The U.S. Department of Justice’s request to dismiss a 2015 lawsuit brought by young people in Oregon has been rejected by a judge. The lawsuit alleges that the federal government was aware of the dangers posed by carbon pollution but continued to support the fossil fuel industry through policies and subsidies. U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken stated that the climate crisis poses a threat to our survival and requires urgent action. The lawsuit, brought by young plaintiffs and represented by the group Our Children’s Trust, argues that the government’s actions have … Read more