LEGAL NEWSLINE

McCollum TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Bill McCollum, who challenged his opponent's background as a trial lawyer during his campaign, was sworn in Tuesday as Florida's new Attorney General.

Cupp COLUMBUS, Ohio - When Robert Cupp is sworn in today as Ohio's 151st Supreme Court Justice, the state's Chamber of Commerce will view it as a victory for business.

Incoming New Mexico attorney general Gary King Incoming New Mexico Attorney General Gary King, a Democrat, has wasted no time jumping onto his first populist issue.

Lockyer SALINAS, Calif. -- It's a courtroom asbestos case with an unusual twist.

Hood JACKSON, Miss. - After having his lawsuit against five insurance companies remanded to state court, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood recently asked for regular citizens to put the heat on the companies.

J. Houston Gordon NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In agreeing with Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen's challenge of a list of candidates for the vacant fifth spot on the state's Supreme Court, Davidson County Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle has forced the Judicial Selection Committee to reconvene for the purpose of selecting a new candidate.

Hawaii Attorney General Mark Bennett HONOLULU -- The office of Hawaii Attorney General Mark Bennett is investigating claims that Hawaiian Health Department officials received "improper payments" from a major company recently fined for environmental violations, according to a report in the Honolulu Advertiser.