Rules

Legal Victory for Renewable Energy: Wind Farm Towers Exempt from Property Tax, Rules Viseu Court

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Viseu, Portugal – A significant legal victory was recorded in Viseu for the renewable energy sector as a court ruled that wind turbine towers constitute energy production equipment and should not be classified as buildings or structures for taxation purposes. The ruling was confirmed by the Administrative and Tax Court of Viseu, overturning a previous property tax valuation that could have imposed higher costs on energy producers. The court declared that including wind turbine towers as taxable buildings contradicts both the Municipal Property Tax (IMI) code and fundamental constitutional principles regarding property taxes. The decision … Read more

Legal Uncertainty Surrounds Wauwatosa Curfew Citations After Judge Rules Order Unlawful

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Wauwatosa, WI — The legal outcome of dozens of curfew citations issued during a 2020 emergency order in Wauwatosa remains uncertain, weeks after a judge ruled the curfew illegal. In early July, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Glenn Yamahiro found the curfew, instated by Mayor Dennis McBride amid protests against a local police officer, violated state laws regarding emergency declarations. The curfew was initially decreed on Sept. 30, 2020, following protests over the actions of former Wauwatosa police officer Joseph Mensah. The mayor issued the order unilaterally, without the approval or consultation of Wauwatosa’s Common Council, … Read more

Georgia Election Board Sued for Secretive Meeting and Controversial Rules Changes

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ATLANTA – A legal battle is underway as a watchdog organization accuses the State Election Board of Georgia of bypassing legal protocols during a hastily called meeting which allegedly lacked appropriate public notification and a crucial quorum. The American Oversight, a nonprofit and nonpartisan group, initiated the lawsuit in Fulton County Superior Court on Friday, citing violations of the Georgia’s Open Meetings Act. The controversy stems from a session held last week by the election board during which three Republican members preliminarily agreed to implement two significant rules changes. These alterations require local electoral officials … Read more

U.N.’s Highest Court Rules Israel’s Actions in Palestinian Territories Breach International Law

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The Hague, Netherlands – The United Nations’ highest judicial body has declared that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories breaches international laws and longstanding norms of human rights. After thorough deliberation, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rendered its advisory opinion on the established practices of Israeli infrastructure and settlements in the region, referring to them as violations of international humanitarian law. This unprecedented ruling accentuates ongoing tensions in an area marked by decades of conflict and scattered peace efforts. The ICJ’s decisions, while not enforceable, provide guidance that can influence international relations and shape future … Read more