Shadows

Probing the Shadows of Justice: Investigation Uncovers Widespread Failure to Disclose Conflicts in Judicial Ranks

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In a recent investigation, it was unveiled that in numerous instances across the United States, judges have presided over lawsuits without disclosing potential financial interests held by their immediate family members, raising concerns over judicial impartiality and transparency. This investigation, conducted by ProPublica in collaboration with journalism students from the College of Communication at Boston University, examined the backgrounds of judges at both the federal and state levels. The probe identified several cases where judges appear to have overlooked necessary recusals despite apparent financial ties between their family members and the disputes at hand. One … Read more

From Dark Shadows to Redemption: Lawyer Morohashi Yoshitomo and Judicial Scrivener Kōmura Ryūichi Open Up About Their Yakuza Histories and Journey to Reform

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TOKYO (AP) — Two individuals intimately acquainted with the dark world of the Japanese criminal organization known as the Yakuza recently shed light on their past involvement. Lawyer Morohashi Yoshitomo and judicial scrivener Kōmura Ryūichi, both from Tokyo, recounted their experiences in candid interviews. Yoshitomo, who now practices law, revealed that he used to work for a Yakuza-affiliated law firm in the early 2000s. He admitted to aiding the organization in money laundering activities and providing legal advice on illicit matters. However, after witnessing the harm caused by the Yakuza’s influence, Yoshitomo decided to sever … Read more