News from March 2012
Justice Kennedy's statements analyzed after health care arguments
Kennedy WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Reaction to day two of oral arguments over President Barack Obama's health care reform centered on Justice Anthony Kennedy's perceived skepticism of its constitutionality.
Arbitron reaches agreement with Calif. AG
Harris SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - California Attorney General Kamala Harris announced a settlement on Monday with Arbitron Inc., a provider of radio audience ratings, for allegedly discriminating against radio stations with Latino and African-American audiences.
Conn. AG happy with decision on merger
Jepsen HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen praised a draft decision by state utility regulators on Tuesday that would enable the proposed merger of Northeast Utilities and Boston-based NSTAR to continue.
Livestock execs plead guilty to theft in Kentucky
Conway FRANKFORT, Ky. (Legal Newsline) - Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway and his office of special prosecutions announced the guilty pleas of four former livestock executives on Tuesday that will result in court-ordered restitution for Metcalfe County farmers.
Fla. SC: Airgas employees subject to personal jurisdiction
Lewis TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - The Florida Supreme Court last week affirmed a trial court's ruling in a wrongful death lawsuit, holding that a group of Airgas Carbonic Inc. employees are subject to the personal jurisdiction of the state's courts.
Graphic warnings on cigarettes to be argued in April
Leon WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Appeals in the tobacco industry's challenge of new graphic warning labels being imposed by the federal government are scheduled for next month.
Indiana co. to pay $17.2M for making bribes
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- An Indiana medical device company will $17.2 million for bribes made in Latin America and China.
Humana, Arcadian ordered to divest assets
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- Humana Inc. and Arcadian Management Services Inc. will have to divest assets relating to Arcadian's Medicare Advantage business in parts of five states if Humana wants to proceed with its acquisition of Arcadian, the Department of Justice has ruled.
Federal judge tells DOJ to pay
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) -- The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas will award attorney fees and litigation costs to the state of Arkansas to be paid by the Department of Justice for a 2009 lawsuit against the state.
Indiana SC says governor can't be compelled to testify
Daniels INDIANAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) -- The Indiana Supreme Court says Gov. Mitch Daniels cannot be compelled to give a deposition in a breach of contract lawsuit.
EPA cites Realtor for lead paint law violations
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) -- The Environmental Protection Agency has cited a New York realty company for allegedly violating a federal law regarding the disclosure of information to tenants about lead-based paint hazards.
Federal judge orders hotel employees rehired
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) -- A federal judge has ordered the Stamford Plaza Hotel and Conference Center to rehire 28 employees who were laid off after they expressed support for a union.
Colo. SC rules against airline in pilot's defamation suit
Rice DENVER (Legal Newsline) - The Colorado Supreme Court last week ruled that a commercial airline is not entitled to immunity in a defamation lawsuit brought against it by one of its pilots.
Ark. SC dismisses AG's case against Utah law firm
Danielson LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) - The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled this month that the state's Deceptive Trade Practices Act has no application to the practice of law by attorneys.
N.J. paper: Christie, Dems need to work together on SC nominees
Christie TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie needs to consult with state Democrats if the two vacancies on the state's Supreme Court are to be filled and quickly, one newspaper advises.
Ill. AG wants Fannie, Freddie to reduce home loans
Madigan CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan called on the Federal Housing Finance Agency on Friday to immediately apply appropriate financial reductions to home loans held by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
Secondhand asbestos suit sent back to Madison County
Garman SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Legal Newsline) - The Illinois Supreme Court has remanded a secondhand asbestos exposure case to Madison County to decide whether CSX Transportation had a duty of care to a railroad worker's wife who suffered from mesothelioma.
Cooper earns TRO against tax preparer
Cooper RALEIGH, N.C. (Legal Newsline) - North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper announced on Friday that a temporary restraining order has been granted against a Charlotte-area tax preparation company that allegedly engaged in multiple tax violations.
Ore. AG settles discrimination claims with fire department
Koster SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline) - Oregon Attorney General John Kroger announced a settlement on Wednesday with the city of Salem and the Salem Fire Department to resolve allegations of discrimination against Oregon National Guard members.
N.M. AG says candidates can't be dropped from ballot
King SANTA FE, N.M. (Legal Newsline) - New Mexico Attorney General Gary King says he sees no legal reason why a group of candidates should be dropped from the state's primary election ballot.