Sullivan County Grand Jury Recommends Sweeping Changes to Child Protective Services Following Tragic Death of 16-Month-Old

MONTICELLO, N.Y. – The tragic death of 16-month-old Akasha Luvert from a fentanyl overdose has not only shocked the small Sullivan County community of Liberty but has also ignited a dispute between former Acting District Attorney Brian Conaty and former County Attorney Michael McGuire. The disagreement centers around whether county officials could have done more to prevent the child’s death. Luvert’s parents, 26-year-old Lisa Keitt and 41-year-old Jimmy Luvert, were charged with manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child following her death. The family was under the supervision of the county’s Child Protective Services … Read more

The Lionel Gelber Prize Announces Expert International Jury for 2024 Award in International Affairs Literature

Toronto, Washington, London, and Rome – The jury for the 34th edition of the esteemed Lionel Gelber Prize has been announced by The Lionel Gelber Prize Board. Led by Professor Janice Gross Stein, the jury consists of returning jurors Francis J. Gavin and Rosa Brooks from Washington, as well as new jurors Iain Martin from London and Eric Reguly from Rome. Chair of the Lionel Gelber Prize Board, Judith Gelber, expressed pride in the diversity and experience of the jury, stating that their expertise in exploring complex international affairs issues would contribute to fostering public … Read more

Mastering the Art of Jury Instructions: Key Strategies for Clear and Concise Legal Guidance

St. Louis, Missouri – Jurors play a vital role in the legal system, but as non-lawyers, they often require clear guidance when deliberating a case. This is where jury instructions come into play. Serving as a roadmap for jurors, these instructions ensure that they make their decision within the proper legal parameters. In a recent episode of the “Heels in the Courtroom” podcast, trial attorneys discussed the importance of clear and concise jury instructions, as well as potential pitfalls and resources for creating effective instructions. The podcast hosts, Amy Gunn, Liz Lenivy, Megan Crowe, and … Read more

Grand Jury to Review Case of Baker City Officers’ Shooting: Charges Await Suspect’s Fate

BAKER CITY, Ore. (AP) — A grand jury will review the case of a suspect who was shot by officers from the Baker City Police Department. The shooting occurred in Baker City, Oregon. State law enforcement officials referred the case to the jury after investigating the officer-involved shooting incident. The suspect, whose name has not been released to the public, was shot on a Sunday afternoon during an encounter with Baker City police officers. The officers responded to a call about a disturbance at a residential address. Details about the nature of the disturbance have … Read more