Legal

Former Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Mortgage Fraud Trial Adjourned After Unusual Legal Argument Leads to Judge’s Decision

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GREENBELT, Maryland – The mortgage fraud trial of Marilyn Mosby, the former state’s attorney of Baltimore, was adjourned early by federal judge Lydia Kay Griggsby on Wednesday. The defense had just begun presenting evidence when the judge ordered the jurors to return the next day for the trial to resume. The reason for the abrupt adjournment was not provided, but it followed a private discussion between the judge and the attorneys during the lunch break. Mosby’s defense team had made an unusual argument, stating that the prosecution failed to prove the alleged crimes occurred in … Read more

Future Implications of Key Legal Developments in 2023 Shaping Various Industries: From Rejecting Overly Ambitious PFAS Class Actions to Amendments of Federal Rule 702 on Expert Witness Testimony

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Harriss Beach Attorneys Abbie Eliasberg Fuchs, Daniel R. Strecker, and Alessandra G. Ash have analyzed key judicial holdings and legal developments in federal court and tort hotspots across the country that have impacted the industry in 2023 and may shape the years ahead. They have shared potential implications for future cases in regards to these topics: – The Sixth Circuit has rejected an overly ambitious PFAS class action. – The Hair Relaxer MDL is proceeding. – Illinois now permits punitive damages in wrongful death cases and has increased the availability of expedited trials. – California … Read more

Oregon Jury Awards $85 Million to Wildfire Victims in Landmark Legal Battle Against Utility Giant

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PORTLAND, Ore. – Nine victims of the devastating wildfires that swept through Oregon in 2020 have been awarded $85 million by an Oregon jury. This verdict is the latest in a series of legal proceedings that are expected to hold utility company PacifiCorp responsible for billions of dollars in damages caused by the fires. The plaintiffs’ attorneys expressed their pride in their clients’ strength and resilience, along with gratitude for the jury holding PacifiCorp accountable. “We are so proud of the strength and resilience of our clients, and thankful to the jury for holding PacifiCorp … Read more

Education Revolution: School Board Takes a Stand and Appoints New Legal Advocate

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Franklin, Mississippi – The Franklin County School Board has made a pivotal decision to replace their current lawyer. The board, responsible for overseeing the education system in Franklin County, has opted for a fresh legal perspective. This move could potentially have far-reaching implications for the county’s school-related affairs. The decision to replace the lawyer was announced after a closed-door board meeting held last week. While the exact motivations behind this decision remain undisclosed, it appears that the board intends to pursue a different legal strategy moving forward. With this lawyer replacement, the school board aims … Read more