Upholds

Judge Dismisses Defamation Lawsuit, Upholds Free Speech Rights in Landmark Ruling

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SOUTH BEND, Indiana – The controversial lawsuit filed by Tamara Kay against The Irish Rover, a student newspaper at the University of Notre Dame, has been dismissed by Judge Steven David. The suit had accused the paper of defamation, but the judge ruled that the claims made by Kay failed to meet the legal requirements for defamation. The Irish Rover had responded to the lawsuit by filing an anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) motion. This motion is designed to protect individuals from being intimidated or silenced through litigation when exercising their First Amendment rights. … Read more

Iowa Court Upholds Farm Trespassing Laws, Sparking Debate Over Free Speech Rights and Protecting Agricultural Industry

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DES MOINES, Iowa – A federal appeals court has upheld enhanced penalties in Iowa for trespassing on farms. The court ruling affirms two state laws that aim to deter trespassing on farmland and livestock confinements. These laws criminalize lying on a job application to gain access to an agricultural facility and prohibit the recording of video or audio while trespassing on farming properties. Critics argue that these laws impede the free speech rights of individuals concerned about environmental hazards and animal abuse. The decision comes amidst a debate between supporters who see the laws as … Read more

Appellate Court Upholds Record $3 Million Verdict against Chicago Police Officers for Failure to Protect Domestic Violence Victim

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Chicago, Illinois – An Illinois appellate court has upheld a record-breaking $3 million jury award in a case involving the negligence of two Chicago police officers in responding to a domestic violence call. The court found sufficient evidence that the officers prioritized their own convenience over protecting the victim, who was subsequently killed by her alleged abuser. The incident occurred on June 28th, 2015, when the police responded to a call at Vanessa Taylor’s West Side apartment. Upon arrival, the officers discovered Taylor’s boyfriend, James Thomas, wielding a Samurai sword and acting erratically. Instead of … Read more

Colorado Supreme Court Upholds $940,000 Verdict for Good Samaritan Injured in Taxi Theft Assault

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DENVER, COLORADO – The Colorado Supreme Court has upheld a jury’s decision that a taxicab operator must pay $940,000 to a man who was run over by a taxi after intervening in an assault on a driver. The court disagreed with the previous ruling, which stated that stealing a taxi and running over a good Samaritan was not a foreseeable consequence of the cab company’s failure to protect its drivers. The incident occurred in 2014 when the assailant, Curt Glinton, assaulted a taxi driver after refusing to pay his fare. Jose Garcia, a passerby, intervened … Read more