Upholds

Guam Supreme Court Upholds Grand Jury Subpoena Powers in Landmark Rulings

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HAGATNA, Guam — The Supreme Court of Guam recently affirmed the authority of grand juries to issue subpoenas, a key tool in ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure transparency within government dealings. This decision comes from the highest court’s ruling on two separate cases where challenges were made against the subpoenas issued by the Superior Court of Guam. The rulings, which delve into the substantial reach of grand jury powers in the U.S. territory, highlight the legal standards applicable when officials or entities are asked to provide documentation relevant to investigations. The specifics of … Read more

California Appeals Court Upholds $46.5M Verdict in Jiu-Jitsu Sparring Injury Case

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On January 2, 2025, a California state appeals court upheld a $46.5 million jury verdict against a Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor, accused of causing severe injuries to a student during a sparring session. The court confirmed that the trial court had properly instructed the jury on the assumption of risk involved in the martial art. The decision followed intense legal debates around the responsibilities and liabilities of sports instructors. The plaintiff suffered catastrophic injuries which the lawsuit alleged were a result of the instructor’s actions. The court’s scrutiny centered on whether the student had adequately assumed … Read more

New Jersey Judge Upholds Implementation of Groundbreaking Affordable Housing Law Amid Municipal Pushback

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TRENTON, N.J. — A Mercer County Superior Court Judge issued a decision on Tuesday that supports the continuation of New Jersey’s rigorous new affordable housing legislation, striking down a request to halt the law’s implementation. The motion to pause, brought forward by two dozen municipalities known for their resistance to inclusive housing policies, was decisively rejected by Judge Robert T. Lougy. In September, these municipalities had jointly filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s affordable housing framework. The legislation mandates every city allows a quota of affordable housing to accommodate its population’s needs. A hearing to … Read more

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Verdict Against Donald Trump in E. Jean Carroll Sexual Abuse Case

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NEW YORK — A federal appeals court upheld a jury verdict against former President Donald Trump, dismissing his attempt to overturn the decision finding him liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s. The court stated that Trump failed to demonstrate reversible error in the district court’s decisions, and hence, did not qualify for a new trial under the substantial rights requirement. In May 2023, the jury found Trump responsible for sexually assaulting Carroll in a dressing room of the Bergdorf Goodman department store. Following her public allegations, Trump was also found … Read more