Jury

Global Cinema Leaders Assemble: Debra Granik to Chair Diverse Jury for Prestigious Orizzonti Awards at Venice Film Festival

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Venice, Italy — The renowned Venice Film Festival has once again brought together an eclectic mix of cinema’s most innovative minds to form the international jury for its prestigious Orizzonti section. This year, the jury is chaired by the acclaimed American director and screenwriter, Debra Granik, known for her powerful narratives and compelling character studies in films like “Winter’s Bone” and “Leave No Trace.” The jury, which includes directors, actors, and screenwriters from across the globe, underscores the section’s commitment to diversity and innovation in filmmaking. Among them is Ali Asgari, an Iranian filmmaker celebrated … Read more

Multnomah County DA Implements New Jury Selection Rule to Combat Racial Bias in Misdemeanor Trials

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PORTLAND, Ore. — In a significant shift in courtroom policy, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt has announced plans to eliminate the use of peremptory challenges by prosecutors in misdemeanor trials. Citing concerns over racial and ethnic exclusion in jury selection, Schmidt expressed that this change aims to foster a more equitable legal process. Peremptory challenges allow both prosecutors and defense attorneys to dismiss potential jurors without stating a cause, often used to remove jurors deemed as having implicit biases. Historically, this practice has been critiqued for allowing subjective dismissals that could contribute to racial … Read more

Miami Jury Awards $1.3 Million to Driver Injured by Wrong-Way Collision, Verdict Surpasses Insurer’s Offer by Fourteen-Fold

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Miami, Fla. — In a striking court decision, a Miami jury awarded $1.3 million to a motorist who was severely injured after being hit by a car traveling the wrong way on a one-way street. The compensation amount vastly exceeded the initial offer proposed by the at-fault driver’s insurance company, which was less than one-tenth of the final award. The legal representation for the injured party, Meri Moskowitz, included attorneys Igor Hernandez, John Sullivan, and Ira Combs from Cornish Hernandez Gonzalez, a law firm based in Miami. The attorneys successfully argued the case which stemmed … Read more

Former Ballerina Faces Jury in Manatee as Trial Commences Over Estranged Husband’s Death

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Bradenton, FL — Jury selection commenced Monday in Manatee County for the trial of Claire Emerson, a former professional ballerina, who stands accused of the premeditated murder of her estranged husband, Edward Emerson. The proceedings mark the beginning of a complex legal battle that has captivated the community and raised questions about domestic strains that preceded the tragic event. Edward Emerson, 58, was discovered deceased in the couple’s upscale Bradenton home in early June of last year, leading to Claire Emerson’s arrest shortly thereafter. The 52-year-old former dancer has vehemently denied the charges, with her … Read more