Restrictions

Karen Read’s High-Profile Retrial Progresses Amid Legal Challenges on Protest Restrictions

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DEDHAM, Mass. — The retrial of Karen Read, facing charges from a 2022 incident, continued Thursday as jury selection entered its third day with seven jurors already chosen. The process at Norfolk Superior Court, overseen by Judge Beverly Cannone, has involved rigorous vetting, with nearly 200 prospective jurors interviewed since Tuesday. The jury roster so far includes four men and three women selected over the concerted two-day effort, with considerations underway to fill a total of 12 seats, including four alternate jurors. Cannone advised the prospective jurors of a significant commitment, predicting the trial may … Read more

Free Speech Showdown: Massachusetts Residents Challenge Courthouse Protest Restrictions Amid High-Profile Murder Retrial

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Dedham, MA – Amid the high-stakes retrial of Karen Read, charged with the murder of her former boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, a group of local protesters is challenging court-imposed restrictions they claim unjustly limit their freedom of speech outside the courthouse. In a recent lawsuit, they argue that these measures infringe on their constitutional rights and single out dissent against the judicial process, specifically targeting the presiding judge. Last year, during Read’s initial trial which concluded with a hung jury, a 200-foot buffer zone was established around the Norfolk Superior Court. However, for … Read more

New Haven Imposes Sweeping Changes on Tobacco and Vape Sales: New Restrictions to Shape the Future of Local Retailers

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New Haven, Connecticut — New restrictions aiming to halt the proliferation of tobacco and vape shops in New Haven were enacted this week as city officials take steps to address public health concerns. The Board of Alders approved the regulations, which were subsequently signed into law by Mayor Justin Elicker, targeting the establishment and visibility of nicotine-selling businesses. In a move to protect youth and reduce the visibility of tobacco products, the new laws create zonal restrictions that prevent new tobacco shops from being established near schools, houses of worship, parks, and other smoke shops. … Read more

Montana Judge Blocks Series of 2023 Abortion Restrictions in Landmark Rulings

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HELENA, Mont. — A series of legislative actions aimed at restricting abortion access in Montana have been blocked by a district court judge, ring-fencing the state’s reproductive rights under the constitution. These rulings, delivered in rapid succession over the past week, struck down both 2023 state laws and health department rules that sought to limit abortion procedures and funding. The first of these decisions, issued by Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike Menahan, invalidated laws that would have largely prohibited the use of dilation and evacuation, a method commonly employed after the 15th … Read more