Protections

Model Carré Otis Wins Significant Appeal in Historic Abuse Case, Advocates for New Protections in Fashion Industry

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NEW YORK — Model Carré Otis, also known as Carré Sutton, recently announced a significant legal success in her sex abuse lawsuit against former executives of Elite Model Management. Otis shared the development on social media, stating that the United States Court of Appeals had reinstated her case, initially dismissed, under the provisions of the New York State Child Victims Act. The appeal court’s decision underscores the potential broader jurisdiction of the New York State Child Victims Act, even in cases where the alleged abuse occurred outside of New York. Otis expressed her gratitude, emphasizing … Read more

Record $25 Million Verdict in Long Island School Abuse Case Highlights Need for Greater Student Protections

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Riverhead, NY — In a landmark decision, a Suffolk County jury has awarded $25 million in damages to a former student of the Bay Shore Union Free School District, concluding he was sexually abused by his third-grade teacher. This verdict, stemming from a trial presided over by Suffolk Supreme Court Justice Christopher Modelewski, marks the highest compensation awarded under New York’s Child Victims Act for a Long Island student. The plaintiff, anonymously identified as P.L., recounted during the trial the extensive emotional and psychological damage he suffered since the abuse occurred during the 1990-91 school … Read more

Maryland Ushers in Sweeping Reforms: New Laws Bolster Public Health, Environmental Protections, and Justice System Improvements Starting October

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland welcomed a slew of new statutes this October, reflecting broad legislative ambitions from public health reforms to environmental protection. Notable among these is a significant alteration to juvenile justice laws and enhancements to public benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). One of the more impactful legislations, named after Pava Marie LaPere, a young entrepreneur tragically killed in 2023, seeks to tighten penalties for sexual offenders. This law prohibits offenders convicted of first-degree sexual assault from reducing their sentences through credits for good behavior. It responds directly to the circumstances … Read more

Yahushua’s Legacy: California Enacts New Protections for Students in Extreme Heat Following Tragic Loss

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Sacramento, CA – A gripping tragedy led to a legislative intervention in California following the death of 12-year-old Yahushua Robinson, who succumbed to heat-related complications during a school physical education class. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill that mandates uniform safety protocols for physical activities in public schools under extreme weather conditions. Dubbed Yahushua’s Law, this new legislation, propelled by Senate Bill 1248, will bolster protections for students across California, ensuring that the devastating loss of Yahushua becomes a catalyst for enhanced safety standards in schools. The bill’s introduction and subsequent passing … Read more