Justice

Dakota County Bids Farewell to Judge ‘The Hammer’ McManus After 27 Years of Tough but Fair Justice

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Hastings, MN — After dedicating 27 years to the bench, Dakota County Judge Timothy McManus, known colloquially as “The Hammer” for his stringent approach to repeat offenders, is retiring. As he steps down on his 66th birthday this Thursday, McManus leaves behind a legacy marked by a balance of toughness and fairness, an approach he described not as mean but as a necessary firmness in the face of continued criminal activity. McManus first became aware of his nickname, which implies a no-nonsense attitude in the courtroom, over two decades ago, thanks to discussions among inmates … Read more

Barrow County Judge Steps Down from High School Shooting Case, Cites Need for ‘Efficient Justice’

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BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — A significant development emerged in the trial of Colt Gray, the teenager charged with the fatal shooting at Apalachee High School, as the presiding judge announced his withdrawal from the case. Citing reasons related to judicial efficiency, Judge Currie M. Mingledorff II decided to step down. Mingledorff’s impending retirement and the appointment of his successor, an assistant district attorney within the same judicial circuit, prompted his recusal. The case has been subsequently reassigned to Judge Sarah Griffie. This judicial shift occurs amidst proceedings involving a distressing event that unfolded inside the … Read more

U.S. Justice Department to Oversee Voting Rights in Remote Alaska for November Elections

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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to supervise Alaska’s adherence to federal voting regulations in select rural regions during the upcoming November 5 elections. This decision spotlights the ongoing efforts to ensure fair voting access across remote areas of the state, particularly areas predominantly inhabited by Alaska Natives. Voting rights and accessibility have been pressing issues in Alaska, where vast, roadless territories can complicate electoral processes. The DOJ’s attention will center on five key regions: the Bethel, Dillingham, and Kusilvak Census Areas, along with the North Slope and Northwest Arctic Boroughs. This nearly … Read more

Justice Champion Kathleen Zellner Secures $38 Million Verdict for Wrongfully Convicted Ryan Ferguson in Landmark Legal Battle

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DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — Kathleen Zellner, a renowned civil rights attorney from DuPage County, has recently clinched another significant victory in her ongoing efforts to overturn wrongful convictions. This victory came on behalf of Ryan Ferguson, a man previously wrongfully convicted, with a Missouri court awarding a judgment of $37.9 million against Travelers Indemnity Company. The substantial award issued on Friday includes $2.9 million for compensatory damages and a further $35 million in punitive damages. The case was heard in Cole County, Missouri, under Judge Cotton Walker, drawing local and national attention during the four-day … Read more