Judge

Federal Judge Orders Release of Former Columbia Student Detained Amid Controversy Over Pro-Palestinian Protests

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NEW YORK — A federal judge has ordered the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student at Columbia University, from immigration detention. Khalil had been held since early March as the Trump administration sought to deport him following his involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz issued the order during a hearing conducted over the phone from New Jersey. He described it as “highly unusual” for the government to continue detaining a lawful permanent resident who posed no flight risk and had not been accused of any violent behavior. “He is not … Read more

Judge Strikes Down Controversial ‘Duffy Directive’ Linking Transportation Grants to Immigration Enforcement

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A federal judge in Pennsylvania has ruled against a directive that sought to link Department of Transportation grants to local governments’ compliance with immigration enforcement. This decision comes as a significant setback for the Trump administration, which had aimed to use federal funding as a tool to encourage cities and states to support immigration policies. The case centered around a directive known as the “Duffy Directive,” named after former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao’s chief of staff, who introduced the policy. The rule indicated that municipalities receiving federal transportation funds must demonstrate their cooperation with federal … Read more

Judge Rules in Favor of SA Water Polo, Dismissing Swimming SA’s Cease-and-Desist Lawsuit

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CAPE TOWN, South Africa — A judge has ruled against Swimming South Africa (Swimming SA) in its lawsuit seeking to dissolve South Africa Water Polo (SA Water Polo), a relatively new organization formed to enhance the governance of water polo in the country. The dismissal came after Judge Judith Cloete stated that Swimming SA did not meet the legal requirements needed for a final interdictory relief. Established in March, SA Water Polo aims to revitalize the sport, asserting its existence without intending to replace Swimming SA. During the proceedings, Judge Cloete clarified that South African … Read more

Ryan P. Phillips Announces Bid for Circuit Judge in Arkansas, Aiming to Uphold Judicial Legacy

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Magnolia, Arkansas — Judge Ryan P. Phillips has declared his candidacy for the position of Circuit Judge for the 5th Division of the 13th Judicial District of Arkansas. His announcement follows his recent appointment by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders as Circuit Court Judge for Division 3, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, succeeding the retiring Judge Edwin Keaton. Before his current role, Phillips served as the District Court Judge for the 39th Judicial District. He boasts a comprehensive legal background, having been a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the 13th Judicial District from 2007 … Read more