Ohio

Jury Deliberations Continue in Case of Ohio Mother Accused of Son’s 2016 Death

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Akron, Ohio – Deliberations commenced on Friday in the trial of an Akron woman, Amanda Bunner, charged with the 2016 murder of her three-year-old son, Jaxon. The court adjourned with plans to resume on Monday, marking a pivotal phase in a case that has slowly unfolded over the years. The trial, which opened on February 27 at the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, scrutinizes the events leading to the tragic death of Jaxon seven years ago. Authorities arrested Bunner in May 2023 at a rest stop in Lorain County, following years of investigation into … Read more

Striving for Change: Ohio Continues to Push Against Outdated HIV Criminalization Laws Amid Advocates’ Rising Calls for Justice

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Columbus, Ohio — In Ohio, a movement is underway to challenge state laws that criminalize HIV, spotlighting their negative long-term impacts and the urgent need for legislative change. Advocacy groups, including Equality Ohio Education Fund and Ohio Health Modernization Movement (OHMM), have recently updated their comprehensive report detailing the enforcement of these laws from 2014 to 2020, a project initiated to reignite discussions about the need for modernization based on current scientific understanding and humanitarian concerns. The report exposes stark statistics: Over a six-year period, there were at least 214 HIV-related prosecutions in Ohio. Notably, … Read more

New Litigation Spotlights Norfolk Southern in Ohio Derailment Case as FAA and Wyndham Hotels Also Face Legal Challenges

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Columbus, Ohio – More than 700 East Palestine, Ohio, residents have filed a lawsuit, targeting Norfolk Southern and several government bodies over a 2020 train derailment that unleashed a toxic chemical release. This action comes shortly after a federal judge in Ohio approved a $600 million class action settlement with Norfolk concerning the incident, which involved a defective wheel bearing and a subsequent controlled burn of vinyl chloride from rail cars. The plaintiffs in the recent lawsuit, filed in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, include numerous parties that had previously opted out of the … Read more

Ohio Supreme Court to Review Case of Judge Who Incarcerated Youngsters for Declining Father’s Visits

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Columbus, Ohio — In a case that is now before the Ohio Supreme Court, a local judge’s decision to incarcerate two young boys for refusing to visit their father has sparked a major debate over judicial conduct and ethics. Professor Jonathan Entin, the David L. Brennan Professor Emeritus of Law, noted the complexities and often slow-moving nature of judicial disciplinary proceedings. This case, involving Judge Tim Grendell, highlights the tension between judicial authority and ethical boundaries. The dispute centers on Judge Grendell’s actions, which some critics argue overstepped the bounds of judicial discretion. The case … Read more