Orders

Judge Orders Sexual Assault Convict to Pay $150,000 in Restitution, Victim Passes Away Months Later

by

Appleton, Wisconsin – In March of last year, Outagamie County Judge Vincent Biskupic ordered a man convicted of sexually assaulting a minor to pay $150,000 in restitution to the county for mental health services. Surprisingly, the county did not want to request any money, as they believed seeking it would “revictimize the victim.” Unfortunately, eight months after the sentencing, the victim unexpectedly passed away at the age of 18. The case raises questions about the complexities and consequences of seeking restitution in cases of sexual assault. While the intention behind requiring offenders to pay restitution … Read more

Landmark Ruling Orders Removal of Wind Turbines from Osage Reservation After Decade-Long Lawsuit

by

Pawhuska, Oklahoma – The U.S. Court of International Trade has ruled that all wind turbines on the Osage Reservation must be removed due to trespassing. Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves ordered the removal after finding that the companies responsible for constructing the Osage Wind farm did so without a permit in 2013. The Osage Minerals Council had initially sued the companies in 2011 upon learning of their construction plans. Despite the lawsuit and lack of proper permissions or permits, the energy company proceeded with the construction of its wind turbines. The Osage Minerals Council accused the companies … Read more

Judge Orders Release of DNA Records in Bryan Kohberger Murder Case, Impacting Defense Strategy

by

MOSCOW, Idaho – A judge has ruled that prosecutors must hand over certain DNA records to Bryan Kohberger’s defense team. Kohberger, a 29-year-old man, is accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022. The victims, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, were found fatally stabbed in an off-campus rental home in Moscow. Kohberger has been charged with four counts of murder and one count of burglary and could face the death penalty if convicted. Last year, the judge entered not guilty pleas on Kohberger’s behalf. Latah County Prosecutor Bill … Read more

Judge Rules Nelson County Board of Education Violated Open Meetings Act and Orders Funding for District Facilities Plan

by

BARDSTOWN, KY – In a recent lawsuit between NC Forward and the Nelson County Board of Education, Judge Mark A. Thurmond ruled that the board violated the Open Meetings Act. Acting as the special judge in the case, Thurmond also issued a temporary order to proceed with funding the current District Facilities Plan. The lawsuit, filed by NC Forward, highlights several new developments. Former board member Damon Jackey and former board attorney Eric Farris have resigned, and board member Tracy Bowling made a public statement about business conducted outside of public meetings. Matthew Hite, the … Read more