News from August 2013
Brennan Center to U.S. SC: Aggregate campaign contribution limits should be upheld
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- The Brennan Center for Justice wants the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a federal court's decision in what some have deemed the next big campaign finance case, saying ruling otherwise would ensure "the dominance of powerful factions."
Federal judge tosses Dodd-Frank challenge; plaintiffs say they will appeal
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
Obama nominates three to federal circuits, another six to federal districts
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- President Barack Obama made six federal district court nominations and three federal circuit court nominations Thursday, just one week after making six federal district selections.
Federal judge certifies securities fraud class action, dismisses allegations of 'pay-to-play' agreements with Miss. AG
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) -- A federal judge certified a securities fraud class action against Diamond Foods Inc., dismissing allegations by the company that two law firms that became class counsel were given the job in exchange for campaign contributions to Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood.
Closed testimony continues at Garlock trial
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Legal Newsline) -- The closed testimony of a former Garlock Sealing Technologies attorney resumed Thursday with the judge excluding members of the public and media who did not sign confidentiality agreements for all but 20 minutes of his nearly five hours on the stand in the company's ongoing bankruptcy trial.
N.Y. AG issues request for applications in program to rebuild communities
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced Wednesday the opening of a competitive request for applications process that will fund the rebuilding and restoration of neighborhoods recovering from the housing crisis.
Ohio AG files lawsuit against Cleveland business for alleged pollution emissions
CLEVELAND (Legal Newsline) - Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced a lawsuit Wednesday against a manufacturing facility on Cleveland's west side that allegedly produced hazardous air pollution emissions.
Maryland AG announces $17M order against Bethesda doctor
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) - Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler announced Wednesday that a Bethesda doctor and his two companies were ordered to pay more than $17 million for allegedly submitting false or fraudulent claims to healthcare programs.
Report: More than 60 law firms competing for Utah AG probe
SALT LAKE CITY (Legal Newsline) -- More than 60 law firms, some small, in-state firms and others known nationally, are vying for a chance to investigate embattled Utah Attorney General John Swallow.
Colorado AG announces $330M settlement with infomercial maker
DENVER (Legal Newsline) - Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced Wednesday that his office and the Federal Trade Commission reached a $330 million settlement with an infomercial celebrity who allegedly defrauded consumers with promises of making money.
N.H. AG warns residents about bank account phone scam
CONCORD, N.H. (Legal Newsline) - New Hampshire Attorney General Joseph Foster and New Hampshire Bankers Association President Christiana Thornton issued a consumer alert Wednesday to warn residents about an active phone scam.
Judge: Federal Reserve 'inappropriately inflated' debit card transaction fees by billions
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- A federal judge this week ruled in favor of retailers and retail trade associations, saying the Federal Reserve misapplied Congress' intent when it implemented required swipe fee reforms.
Bar association president calls out Kan. governor on judicial selection comments
TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) -- The president of the American Bar Association says Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback was wrong in his remarks about the state's judicial selection process in respect to the association's own recommendations.
Millett's nomination clears committee hurdle, now heads to full Senate
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- Patricia Millett, one of three nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, has made it through the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Both sides in Calif. trial use same lead paint expert
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Legal Newsline) -- Both sides in the trial against former lead pigment and paint manufacturers used a California state scientist as an expert witness this week.
More than 90 groups urge Senate to allow yes-or-no votes on D.C. Circuit nominees
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- A coalition of more than 90 groups this week urged senators to hold yes-or-no votes on whether to confirm U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit nominees Patricia Millett, Cornelia "Nina" Pillard and Robert Wilkins.
Mo. SC sides with Home Depot in case over tool rental agreement
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) -- The Missouri Supreme Court ruled this week that home improvement retailer Home Depot did not violate the state's Merchandising Practices Act by automatically including a damage waiver fee in a customer's tool rental agreement.
Judge closes portion of Garlock hearing again
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Legal Newsline) -- A federal judge Wednesday expelled members of the media and public from his courtroom during witness testimony for the second time in the ongoing bankruptcy trial of Garlock Sealing Technologies.
Judge denies motion to keep Garlock trial open
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Legal Newsline) - Legal Newsline's efforts to keep a North Carolina bankruptcy trial open to the public have failed.