News from October 2007
Ariz. can boot companies for hiring illegals, AG argues
Terry Goddard PHOENIX -- The state government has the power to suspend business licenses for hiring undocumented workers, Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard argued in a filing Friday.
High Court won't hear charges of RICO-misuse in suits
Robin Conrad WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Supreme Court yesterday turned down an opportunity to address the alleged overuse of federal anti-mafia statutes in civil suits against large corporations.
Conn. company won't receive $1.2 million settlement
HARTFORD, Conn. - The State of Connecticut reached a settlement with a Norwich construction company but does not have to pay it, the state's Supreme Court unanimously decided Monday.
Foti's Katrina suits coming back to haunt him
Foti BATON ROUGE, La. - Louisiana Attorney General Charles Foti is not only facing a challenge to his office from Republican Royal Alexander, but his spot on the Democratic ballot from the hard-charging James "Buddy" Caldwell.
Feds: Scruggs, AG Hood worked closely on whistleblower controversy
Hood BIRMINGHAM - Federal prosecutors say trial lawyer Richard Scruggs, currently the target of criminal contempt charges, was offered advice by Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood before violating a judge's order.
Ill. AG unfairly grabs lawsuit funds, state EPA claims
Lisa Madigan SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has sparked a financial dispute with a state agency better known for teaming-up with her on state pollution lawsuits.
Sorrell settles lead lawsuit with landlords
MONTPELIER, Vt. - Instead of a lawsuit against paint companies, Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell decided to hold a pair of landlords responsible for the lead paint that remains on their buildings.
Cuomo looking into student loan marketing
Cuomo NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is widening his investigation into the student loan industry to include the direct marketing practices of certain companies and lenders.
Dann pulls plug on contributor's contract
Dann COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann recently terminated the contract his office gave to a Sandusky law firm because one of its partners contributed too much money to Dann's campaign.
Del. SC gives med-mal loser another trial
Chief Justice Myron Steele DOVER, Del. - A witness apparently brought too much evidence with him to a medical malpractice trial, and the plaintiff will now get a second chance.
Asbestos defendants will get appeal, Ohio SC says
O'Donnell COLUMBUS, Ohio - An appellate court was wrong not to hear the case of asbestos defendants who want the cases against them tossed out of a special asbestos court, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.
AG hopeful would take 'hard look' at Stumbo's signature suits
Lee LEXINGTON, Ky. - With the general election a month away, Kentucky's Attorney General candidates talked business regulation at a debate Monday.
Circuit judge appointed to Va. High Court
Kaine, left, and Goodwyn RICHMOND - Having found itself without its longest serving member, the Virginia Supreme Court can now welcome its newest.
McGraw finds, sues home improvement business
McGraw CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Changing its name didn't stop one Kanawha County business from being sued by West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw.
Stumbo, trial lawyer suing OxyContin maker
Stumbo PIKEVILLE, Ky. - The Commonwealth of Kentucky became the latest to jump on prescription drug manufacturer Purdue Pharma, filing a lawsuit Friday over the company's controversial painkiller OxyContin.
Power provider settles with states, feds
Coakley BOSTON - In a settlement considered the largest over allegations of violations of the federal New Source Review Program brought against a major power producer, American Electric Power resolved claims that it illegally refurbished its power plants.
Report: Dann replaced counsel with Democratic contributors
Dann COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann's decision to change the lead counsel on a fraud lawsuit against Fannie Mae was the subject of a report in Monday's Wall Street Journal.
Reinsurance broker sued by Blumenthal
Blumenthal HARTFORD, Conn. - One of the world's largest reinsurance brokers has been violating antitrust laws by fixing prices and manipulating markets for nearly 50 years, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is alleging.
Missouri AG won't campaign on state dime - UPDATE
Jay Nixon JEFFERSON CITY -- Missouri Attorney General and 2008 gubernatorial candidate Jay Nixon has backtracked on his use of state-funded cars and security detail to attend his own campaign rallies.
Justice Starcher has nothing to add in recusal controversy
Starcher CHARLESTON, W. Va. - West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Larry Starcher has again refused to step down from a pending case Friday, filing his second response to motions submitted by an airline company.