Legal News Line News
Idaho Prevails Against Biden-Harris Administration in Federal Stockwater Case
Attorney General Raúl Labrador secured a significant victory for Idaho water rights against federal claims of unconstitutionality in the United States v. Idaho.
Attorney General Bird Announces Cold Case Unit Prosecutor
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced that Scott Brown, the current chief of the Iowa Attorney General’s office’s Statewide Prosecutions Section, will serve as the prosecutor for the office’s new cold case unit, in addition to prosecuting cases for the office’s criminal division.
Bipartisan group urges Congress to mandate warnings on social media platforms
Attorney General Tim Griffin has joined 41 other attorneys general in a bipartisan effort urging Congress to mandate U.S. Surgeon General warning labels on algorithm-driven social media platforms. The coalition aims to address the addictive nature of these algorithms and their detrimental effects on young users.
Michigan lawmakers introduce bills targeting price gouging during emergencies
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, state Senators Jeremy Moss and Mary Cavanaugh, and state Representatives Jason Hoskins and Laurie Pohutsky participated in a roundtable to highlight Senate Bills 954-956 and House Bills 5895-5897. The legislative package aims to strengthen protections against price gouging during an emergency declaration or a market disruption.
Justice court judge vacancy announced for South Salt Lake
Applications are now being accepted for a justice court judge position in South Salt Lake, Utah. This vacancy arises due to the impending resignation of Judge Ryan Richards, who will step down on or before December 31, 2024.
Attorney General James’ office releases report on Michael Nieves' death
New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has released its report on the death of Michael Nieves, who died on August 30, 2022, following an incident on August 25, 2022, while incarcerated at the Anna M. Kross Center (AMKC) on Rikers Island. The investigation included a review of security camera footage, body-worn camera footage, shift logbooks, staffing schedules, witness interviews, and legal analysis. OSI concluded that criminal charges would not be pursued against the correction officers involved.
Michigan Supreme Court marks Patriot Week with focus on founding principles
LANSING, MI, September 10, 2024 – The Michigan Supreme Court (MSC) has issued a resolution marking September 11-17 as Michigan Patriot Week. Co-founded in 2009 by Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren and his daughter, Leah, Patriot Week takes place within the anchor dates of September 11 (anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks) and September 17 (Constitution Day).
Massachusetts man sentenced to prison for child molestation
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that a Massachusetts man has been sentenced in Kent County Superior Court to serve 19 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) for sexually assaulting a male victim under the age of 14.
Bipartisan coalition urges Congress for surgeon general warnings on social media
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside a bipartisan coalition of 42 attorneys general, has called on Congress to require a surgeon general’s warning on social media platforms. This move aligns with the United States Surgeon General's recent recommendation and aims to address the mental health crisis affecting young people.
Attorney General warns Louisiana residents about price gouging ahead of storm Francine
Attorney General Liz Murrill has issued a warning to Louisiana residents regarding potential price gouging in the wake of the impending storm, Francine. Price gouging, defined as charging prices for goods or services that exceed those ordinarily charged in the same market area before a state of emergency, is illegal under Louisiana law.
Attorney General Ellison secures relief for immigrants misled by legal firm
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a settlement securing refunds for dozens of clients, primarily Somali and Ethiopian, who retained immigration legal services from Daniel Patrick Brown and DPB Legal, PLLC. Between 2021 and 2023, DPB Legal accepted 100 clients seeking asylum in the U.S. but provided incorrect information regarding their eligibility for work authorization permits.
Attorney General Bonta supports CFPB's new rules on pre-foreclosure mortgage servicing
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with 19 other attorneys general, has submitted a comment letter supporting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) proposed rules on pre-foreclosure mortgage servicing requirements. The proposed regulations aim to provide new foreclosure safeguards for homeowners struggling with mortgage payments and ensure critical information is available in languages borrowers understand.
Justice Department marks quarter-century milestone for Professional Responsibility Advisory Office
The mission of the Justice Department is to uphold the rule of law, keep the country safe, and protect civil rights. For 25 years, the Professional Responsibility Advisory Office (PRAO) has assisted department attorneys in carrying out this mission with high standards of professionalism.
Judges in Richfield to determine need for grand jury
Richfield, Utah — The next regularly scheduled meeting of Utah’s grand jury panel of judges will be on Thursday, October 2024, at the Richfield 6th District Courthouse, located at 845 East 300 North, Richfield UT, 84701.
Wisconsin announces major interstate unclaimed property litigation settlement
The Wisconsin Department of Justice and Department of Revenue, along with a bipartisan coalition of 30 states, have announced a settlement that concludes the outstanding damages phase of an unclaimed property dispute before the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2023, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of Arkansas and its coalition partners, determining that unclaimed official checks issued by MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc. are governed by the Federal Disposition Act.
North Carolina auto parts seller fined $10M over emissions defeat device scheme
North Carolina automotive parts manufacturer and seller, Rudy’s Performance Parts Inc. (Rudy’s), and its owner, Aaron Rudolf, have agreed to pay a total of $10 million in criminal fines and civil penalties for manufacturing, selling, and installing devices known as “defeat devices” used to remove or disable required emissions controls in motor vehicles.
OIP hosts workshop on FOIA backlog reduction best practices
On July 31, 2024, the Office of Information Policy (OIP) hosted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Best Practices Workshop for agency FOIA professionals focused on creating and implementing backlog reduction plans. A summary of the best practices discussed is now available on OIP’s Best Practices Workshop Series page.
Minnesota Supreme Court engages with students through traveling oral arguments
The Minnesota Supreme Court is set to conduct oral arguments at Rock Ridge High School.
California DOJ releases findings on Guillermo De Jesus Medina shooting
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), released a report on Guillermo De Jesus Medina’s death from an officer-involved shooting in Culver City, California, on December 18, 2022. The incident involved officers from the Culver City Police Department (CCPD). The report is part of the California Department of Justice's (DOJ) ongoing efforts to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides a detailed analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ's findings. After a thorough investigation, DOJ...
Attorneys general urge Congress for surgeon general warnings on social media
In a letter to Congress, Attorney General Gentner Drummond and 41 other attorneys general have urged lawmakers to pass legislation requiring a U.S. surgeon general warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. The call comes amid increasing scrutiny of social media companies for their impact on young people's mental health.