News from April 2009
Ohio SC: State can't keep interest on unclaimed assets
Paul Pfeifer COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline)-Ohio could owe unclaimed property owners millions in interest payments because of a Supreme Court decision that said the state cannot make money off unclaimed assets that are later claimed.
Oregon AG gains power over debt collectors
John Kroger (D) SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline)- The Oregon attorney general's authority over debt collectors in the Beaver State will grow significantly under a bill Gov. Ted Kulongoski has signed that allows the AG to sue unscrupulous collection agencies.
Corbett files charges against Fumo's Citizens Alliance
Tom Corbett (R) PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) - Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett has brought charges against a non-profit organization that disgraced former state Sen. Vincent Fumo started in 1991.
Attorney general sues maker of Caylee Anthony doll, Michael Vick chew toys
The Inspirational Caylee Sunshine Doll TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline)-The makers of a doll in the likeness of slain Florida girl Caylee Anthony is being sued by the state attorney general, officials said Thursday.
ATRA chairman vows to help state groups champion tort reform
Ed Murnane WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The president of the Illinois Civil Justice League, Ed Murnane, as the new chairman of the American Tort Reform Association is vowing to help state organizations better fight their battles against lawsuit abuse.
Palin's AG nominee peppered with questions at confirmation
Wayne Anthony Ross JUNEAU, Alaska (Legal Newsline)-Gov. Sarah Palin's nominee for Alaska attorney general appeared before state lawmakers Wednesday for the start of his confirmation hearings.
Connecticut AG warns of fraudulent board certifications
Richard Blumenthal (D) HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) -Connecticut doctors and consumers are being warned that bogus medical board certifications are being discovered around the state.
Nevada justices reject union's petitions
LAS VEGAS (Legal Newsline)-Two proposed initiatives pushed by one of Las Vegas's most powerful unions suffered a setback Wednesday when the state Supreme Court refused to put measures on the city's June 2 ballot.
Immigrant workers to start receiving settlement checks
Jerry Brown (D) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) - Tax day, April 15, will mean something far different to thousands of California immigrant workers than for the rest of the country.
Zoeller's teacher immunity bill winds through Legislature
Greg Zoeller (R) INDIANAPOLIS (Legal Newsline)- A proposal to protect teachers that Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller proposed earlier this year, is on its way back to the Indiana House, after being passed by the Senate.
W.Va. Court hears $381M appeal
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) - The West Virginia Supreme Court on Tuesday heard oral arguments in the appeal of a nearly $400 million verdict against industrial giant DuPont.
State Supreme Court tosses lawsuit over lost cadaver
Marvin Baxter SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline)-The California Supreme Court has tossed a lawsuit over a lost cadaver, ruling that medical schools have no legal responsibility to "safeguard the sensibilities" of donors' families.
McHugh to fill court vacancy
McHugh CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) - Thomas McHugh was tapped Wednesday to fill the state Supreme Court vacancy left last month when Justice Joseph Albright died.
Use of Countrywide funds questioned in Mich.
Cox LANSING, Mich. (Legal Newsline) - Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox distributed more funds from a settlement with Countrywide Financial Corp. Tuesday while taking a little heat from a state Democratic leader.
Wisconsin's longtime chief justice reelected
Shirley Abrahamson MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline)-Wisconsin's longtime chief justice was elected to a fourth term on the state's high court, beating out a conservative state judge who sought to oust her.
Franken's Senate lead grows, legal battles loom
Al Franken (D) ST. PAUL, Minn. (Legal Newsline)-It is unlikely that the Minnesota Supreme Court has heard the last argument in the protracted election lawsuit between Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken who are vying for a seat in the U.S. Senate.
States join California in defense of emissions Law
Jerry Brown (D) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-California Attorney General Jerry Brown, backed by 14 other states, urged President Barack Obama on Tuesday to overturn the Bush Administration's efforts to keep California from enforcing its automobile greenhouse gas emissions law.
Cuomo revises Web site for easier access for information
Andrew Cuomo (D) ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo unveiled an updated version of his government accountability and transparency Web site Tuesday.
Field of five set for S.C. Supreme Court seat
Hearn COLUMBIA, S.C. (Legal Newsline) - A couple of South Carolina judges are again attempting to earn a spot on the state Supreme Court.
Cuomo primed for run at governor, poll shows
Cuomo HAMDEN, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's popularity continues to rise while Gov. David Paterson's is at an all-time low, a poll released by Quinnipiac University Monday shows.