News from January 2008
R.I. SC receives lead paint arguments
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Each of the parties in the landmark appeal of a public nuisance lawsuit brought over lead-based paint submitted their arguments to the Rhode Island Supreme Court Thursday.
Coghlan again ordered to sidelines of Scruggs trial
Scruggs OXFORD, Miss. - Voluntary waivers of any conflict of interest weren't enough for a federal judge who on Wednesday again denied the attempts of indicted trial lawyer Richard "Dickie" Scruggs to add an attorney to his defense team.
Former AG Bill Clinton railed against utility rates
Former Arkansas Attorney General Bill Clinton Long before his presidential ambitions, and now his wife's, Bill Clinton served two eventful years as Arkansas Attorney General from 1977 to 1979 before becoming governor of Arkansas.
State Farm wants to hear Scruggs' silence in person
Hood HATTIESBURG, Miss. - State Farm Insurance Cos. is not on board with Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood's reluctance to let indicted trial lawyer Richard "Dickie" Scruggs personally plead the fifth in a deposition.
Maynard recuses again, provides vacation documentation
Maynard CHARLESTON, W.Va. - While recusing himself from another case involving Massey Energy, state Supreme Court Chief Justice Spike Maynard also has provided documentation showing he paid for his trip to France in 2006.
$160K and 'the meter still is running'
Starcher CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has spent more than $160,000 on a federal court case Massey Energy brought against it over the way justices recuse themselves from cases.
Justices aren't on Nationwide's side this time
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company fumbled three times at the state Supreme Court of Appeals in a futile bid to rewrite an order of Kanawha Circuit Judge Tod Kaufman.
Government says it has more evidence to use in Scruggs trial
Scruggs OXFORD, Miss. - As expected, the federal government is planning on introducing evidence it apparently gathered from the guilty plea of attorney Joey Langston in the judicial bribery trial of prominent trial lawyer Richard "Dickie" Scruggs.
Iowa AG's mortgage bills add $5 to mortgage bills
Tom Miller DES MOINES -- Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller has broken first in 2008 on the subprime mortgage issue with laws aimed at protecting homebuyers from fraud.
Admitted felons still battling over attorneys fees
Langston NEW YORK - Two attorneys who have pleaded guilty to judicial bribery charges continue to fight to preserve millions in attorneys fees they earned while representing the State of Mississippi.
Scruggs continues Coghlan quest
Scruggs OXFORD, Miss. - Indicted trial lawyer Richard "Dickie" Scruggs is still trying to convince a federal judge to approve of Kenneth Coghlan as his new attorney.
MI lawyers ask if top judge can cut it on poll results
Chief Justice Clifford W. Taylor LANSING -- The re-electoral stocks of Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Clifford Taylor took a hit last week with the release of a lawyers' poll showing him failing some legal grades.
Departing Larson will help pick new Iowa SC justice
Justice Jerry L. Larson DES MOINES -- The Iowa Supreme Court has begun its search for a new justice now that its longest-serving member has reached the mandatory retirement age.
Charleston attorney announces run at AG's office
CHARLESTON, W. Va. - After constant urging, Charleston attorney Dan Greear has decided not to run for a circuit judge seat and attempt instead to become the West Virginia's top lawyer.
Hood, Scruggs will have to talk
Hood HATTIESBURG, Miss. - State Farm Insurance Cos. says it will get a chance to depose Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood and indicted trial lawyer Richard "Dickie" Scruggs as a result of a federal court order entered Thursday.
Court will rehear Massey case
Starcher CHARLESTON, W. Va. - In a unanimous vote Thursday, the Justices of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals decided to reconsider their ruling in a controversial case.
High Court hopeful tells justices to step away from controversial case
Bastress CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Bob Bastress, a professor at West Virginia University's law school, says the current justices at the state's Supreme Court of Appeals need to learn to stay out of the limelight.
Business owner was anti-Benjamin from the start
Benjamin CHARLESTON, W. Va. - This isn't the first time Hugh Caperton has wanted to prevent Brent Benjamin from taking a seat on the bench at the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
Starcher on other side of recusal issues
Starcher CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Justice Larry Starcher of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals could offer a little advice to two of his colleagues about how to successfully navigate through a recusal controversy.
LoJack may have to ratchet up damages
LOS ANGELES -- A California auto supply business is fighting a class action suit that could cost it more than $8 million.