Trials

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer Announces Retirement after 15-Year Tenure in Santa Fe, Reflects on a Career of Public Service and High-Profile Trials

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Santa Fe, N.M. – District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer announced she will retire at the end of May after dedicating 15 years to the First Judicial District Court. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in New Mexico’s judicial history, punctuated by her leadership through challenging times including the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on her career, Marlowe Sommer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, emphasizing the importance of delivering fair and timely justice within the legal system. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of New Mexico,” she stated, … Read more

Landmark Study Seeks to Understand and Mitigate Trauma Experienced by Jurors in Child Abuse Trials

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Southampton, England – The psychological toll on jurors in child sexual abuse cases is coming under new scrutiny as a doctoral study at the University of Southampton seeks to explore the traumatic impact of their courtroom experiences. Jurors are frequently exposed to distressing testimony and evidence, which previous studies have indicated can lead to symptoms such as nightmares and intrusive thoughts. Stephen Hanvey, who is pursuing his PhD and has prior experience in court victim support services, is spearheading this initiative. His goal is to gather detailed insights from jurors to develop methods that minimize … Read more

Breaking Barriers and Facing Trials: The Riveting Saga of Ohio’s Pioneering Black Woman Lawyer, Daisy – Part 2

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Columbus, Ohio – The life and professional career of Ohio’s first Black woman lawyer, Daisy Elliott, portrays a narrative rich with triumph and hardship, underscoring the intersection of resilience and racial challenges in early 20th-century America. Elliott’s historic ascent within the legal realm offers a window into the broader societal structures and personal determination that shaped her path. In the late 1800s, Elliott embarked on what would become a pioneering journey after completing her law studies, a rarity for African American women at the time. Her determination saw her admitted to the Ohio State Bar, … Read more

NY Architect Accused in Gilgo Beach Killings Seeks Separate Trials for Each Victim

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New York-based architect embroiled in the notorious Gilgo Beach serial killings has advocated for separate trials for the seven murders he is charged with. His attorney argues that the cases are markedly distinct and should not be consolidated in court proceedings. Rex Heuermann, who resides in Massapequa, is accused of ending the lives of three women, whose remains were discovered along a remote stretch of coastline on Long Island. The area came to be known as a dumping ground for a serial killer after 10 bodies were found near Gilgo Beach over a decade ago. … Read more