News from February 2007
Tobacco giant picks up second big win as USSC boots suit
United States Supreme Court building WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Philip Morris finally appears to have cleared the tobacco-lawsuit decks.
AG election loss primes Bibb for U.S. Attorney's race
Jim Bibb The losing GOP candidate in last year's New Mexico attorney general race is now in the running for another top legal post.
AG Hood proposes legislation to keep State Farm
Hood JACKSON, Miss. - A day after State Farm Insurance Co. announced it will no longer offer policies to new Mississippi consumers, Attorney General Jim Hood announced he will introduce legislation designed to keep the company modeled after recently passed measures in Florida.
Uninsured employers aren't self-insured for WC: Iowa SC
Chief Justice Marsha Ternus DES MOINES -- Employers without any form of worker-compensation (WC) insurance aren't liable for failing to pay awarded WC benefits to an injured employee, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled today.
Maryland's High Court disallows Baltimore's property-seizing attempt
Cathell ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Maryland's Court of Appeals, the state's highest court, recently decided unanimously that the City of Baltimore's recent attempt to seize a businessman's property first and answer questions later was not constitutional.
Cruise company not responsible for doctor's malpractice
Quince TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday overturned a lower court's ruling that a cruise company is responsible for the actions of the doctor on board.
Myers wins one, loses one in SC political-funds ruling appeal
Hardy Myers SALEM -- Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers scored a mixed result in today's Supreme Court ruling in a contentious ballot initiative case with some unusual twists.
State Farm puts brakes on business in Miss., cites "untenable" legal environment
Hood JACKSON, Miss. - State Farm Insurance announced Wednesday that it will not write any new commercial or homeowner policies in Mississippi starting Friday, and state Attorney General Jim Hood said he was disappointed but not surprised with the decision.
Fla. AG issues price-gouging alert
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - In the wake of a series of deadly tornadoes that hit Florida earlier this month, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum is warning consumers of contractors who will engage in the practice of "price gouging."
AG, governor calm state workers over amendment fears
John Suthers DENVER -- A controversial ballot proposal passed overwhelmingly last year is causing serious concern among Colorado's state employees.
Insurance attorney: Former AG sending consumers in circles, gambling with insurance future
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida taxpayers are achieving lower insurance premiums by paying the difference in their taxes, an Oregon insurance attorney said Tuesday.
U.S. doesn't hold federal rangeland water rights: Idaho SC
Idaho Supreme Court (front) BOISE -- Private ranchers who have been grazing livestock on federal rangeland prior to the passage of a U.S. grazing act hold instream water rights, the Idaho Supreme Court recently ruled.
AG Blumenthal helps win casino case
Blumenthal WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court on Friday sided with a hotel and restaurant workers union that received help from Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, declaring that Indian nations are subject to federal labor laws.
Miller chooses Illinois' Obama over ex-boss Vilsack
Tom Miller DES MOINES -- Iowa's long-time Democratic Attorney General Tom Miller clearly doesn't owe his former boss too many electoral favors.
Republican lawsuit fails to oust Brown from AG's office
Jerry Brown SACRAMENTO -- Jerry Brown has survived his first challenge after barely a month in office.
AG Crank says no to gambling, legislature says yes
Patrick J. Crank CHEYENNE -- Wyoming Attorney General Patrick J. Crank looks to be on a collision course with the state's legislature over his opposition to a popular form of gambling.
Blumenthal against opening of new business
Blumenthal BERLIN, Conn. - Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal told the citizens of Berlin Thursday night that he will support them in their fight to keep a sex-themed store from opening.
Senter sets settlement meeting date
Hood GULFPORT, Miss. - The terms of a settlement rejected by a federal judge will be discussed during a Feb. 28 meeting with attorneys from both State Farm Insurance Co. and policyholders who allege State Farm is responsible for covering damages caused by Hurricane Katrina to their homes.
Tobacco verdict decimated, companies plan another appeal
NEW ORLEANS - Tobacco companies are planning an appeal even though a Louisiana appeals court on Wednesday cut a huge percentage out of a class action jury award.
AG Cuomo sues Exxon
Cuomo NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has decided to sue Exxon Mobil and four other companies over a 17-million-gallon oil spill.