Denver Judge Violated State Law by Dismissing Deaf Juror, Court Rules

Denver, Colorado – A Denver County Court judge has been found to have violated state law by dismissing a hearing-impaired man from serving as a juror due to his disability, according to a ruling by a Denver District Court judge. The decision came in a lawsuit brought by Spencer Kontnik, an attorney specializing in disability law, against the Denver District Court. Despite the violation, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed on the grounds that the court cannot be held liable for the judge’s decision and that the judge is protected by judicial immunity. Judge Judith Smith … Read more

Judge Rules Nelson County Board of Education Violated Open Meetings Act and Orders Funding for District Facilities Plan

BARDSTOWN, KY – In a recent lawsuit between NC Forward and the Nelson County Board of Education, Judge Mark A. Thurmond ruled that the board violated the Open Meetings Act. Acting as the special judge in the case, Thurmond also issued a temporary order to proceed with funding the current District Facilities Plan. The lawsuit, filed by NC Forward, highlights several new developments. Former board member Damon Jackey and former board attorney Eric Farris have resigned, and board member Tracy Bowling made a public statement about business conducted outside of public meetings. Matthew Hite, the … Read more

Residents of St. Pete Beach File Lawsuit, Claim City Violated Democratic Process in Response to Commissioner Resignations

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. – A group of St. Pete Beach residents has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that its response to the resignation of four city commissioners was an illegal attempt to bypass the democratic process. The lawsuit claims that the city’s decision to appoint replacements instead of holding a special election was inconsistent and biased. This legal action follows a series of events in December when four of the five city commissioners announced their resignation in order to avoid filing an extensive financial disclosure form required by a new state law. … Read more