Justice Served: Arkansas Woman Sentenced to 36 Years for Attempted Murder and Child Endangerment

Jonesboro, Arkansas—A Craighead County jury has convicted 30-year-old Christin Leeann Helms of attempting to commit murder and endangering a minor, according to Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood. The verdict was reached on July 8, with Circuit Judge Chris Thyer overseeing the proceedings. Helms received a 30-year sentence for the attempted murder charge, alongside a six-year term for child endangerment. Both sentences will be served consecutively, bringing her total prison time to 36 years at the Arkansas Department of Corrections. The prosecution, led by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Charlene Davidson and Katherine Calaway, highlighted extensive investigations conducted … Read more

Why Jury Trials Remain a Crucial Pillar of Justice Amid Flaws and Failures

LONDON — The concept of trial by jury, while not without its flaws, remains a cornerstone of the legal system cherished in many democracies. Advocates argue that it is a preferable method of ensuring justice when compared to other judicial practices. Jury trials serve not only as a means of adjudicating disputes but also as a vital component of public involvement in the legal process. They provide a mechanism for ordinary citizens to participate in governance and to hold the judicial system accountable, reinforcing the principle that justice should be administered fairly and transparently. Critics, … Read more

Trailblazers in Justice: Chief Judge Altonaga and Judge de la O Honored with Hoeveler Professionalism Award

Boca Raton, Fla. — Chief Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida and Judge Miguel de la O of the 11th Judicial Circuit have been named co-recipients of the 2025 William M. Hoeveler Judicial Professionalism Award. The honor was presented during the recent Annual Florida Bar Convention. The William M. Hoeveler Judicial Professionalism Award is given annually to judges who demonstrate outstanding character, service, and competence in their roles as jurists and public servants. According to the Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism and the Standing Committee on … Read more

Family Seeks Justice After Tragic Death of Mentally Ill Man in Arizona Heat, Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against County and Care Facilities

PHOENIX — The family of a 58-year-old man, who died from exposure to extreme heat in Phoenix last summer, is pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit against several parties, including Maricopa County. The case emerged one year after Lafayette Palmes was found dead on a day when temperatures soared to 116 degrees. Palmes, who struggled with mental health challenges, was under the guardianship of Maricopa County at the time of his death. According to family members, the circumstances surrounding his passing prompted them to seek accountability. “We are his voice. He didn’t have a voice,” said … Read more