News from September 2013
New legal initiative formed to help fight Citizens United ruling
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- A new initiative, launched this week, will help fight a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allowed unrestricted campaign spending by corporations.
Wis. AG reaches preliminary settlement with auto title loan company
MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) -- Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said Monday his office has reached a preliminary multi-million dollar settlement with an auto title loan company that allegedly engaged in deceptive conduct when selling service contracts.
Wash. AG warns consumers of storefront solicitor scams
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) -- Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Secretary of State Kim Wyman warned consumers Monday about a scam in which individuals solicit donations near retail stores on behalf of charities.
U.S. Judicial Conference appeals to Obama on funding
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- The U.S. Judicial Conference, in a letter late last week, appealed to President Barack Obama for the funding it says is necessary in fiscal year 2014 to perform its essential constitutional functions.
Fla. AG announces arrests in investment schemes case
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) -- Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Monday that four individuals were charged for their alleged involvement in defrauding investors with foreign exchange options and land development schemes.
Ill. SC names Garman chief justice
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) -- The Illinois Supreme Court announced last week that Justice Rita Garman will be its next chief justice.
Plaintiffs win in Calif. lead paint case could threaten business, hit homeowners hard
CoplandSAN JOSE, Calif. (Legal Newsline) - From Timothy Hardy's perspective, all companies should be worried if a California judge finds that old, lead-based paint in private homes constitutes a public nuisance.He contends that 10 of the state's largest cities and counties are using today's science to characterize the dangers of lead-based paint. However, he says, that science has changed dramatically
Report: Wasden to seek fourth term as Idaho AG
BOISE, Idaho (Legal Newsline) -- Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden is seeking a fourth term.
Coakley launches bid for Mass. governor
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) -- Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley is running for governor.
Legal reform group, manufacturers urge U.S. SC to uphold ruling over federal jurisdiction
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- A group of veteran legal reform advocates, in an amicus brief filed last week, want the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a November ruling by a federal appeals court in a case over federal jurisdiction.
Ohio AG certifies petition for proposed health care amendment
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said he has certified a petition for the proposed Access to Healthcare Act.
N.H. AG: Munce's Superior Petroleum hit with additional penalties
CONCORD, N.H. (Legal Newsline) -- New Hampshire Attorney General Joseph Foster said Friday Munce's Superior Petroleum and owner Harold Munce will face additional penalties for allegedly failing to comply with a court order related to oil storage tanks.
Iowa AG files lawsuits against two Ariz. telemarketers
DES MOINES, Iowa (Legal Newsline) -- Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller on Friday announced lawsuits against two Arizona-based telemarketing companies and their owners for allegedly making misleading sales pitches that emphasized help to the disadvantaged or disabled.
Plaintiffs in Calif. lead paint case say companies' witnesses were 'not persuasive'
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Legal Newsline) -- The plaintiffs in a six-week trial over lead paint -- 10 cities and counties in California -- argue that the one-time paint and pigment manufacturers they're suing have not presented a "persuasive" case.
Ariz. SC rejects new judicial merit selection law
TUCSON, Ariz. (Legal Newsline) -- The Arizona Supreme Court, in a ruling last week, overturned a new law that changes the selection process for judicial candidates in the state.
BP claims investigation finds attorney took $40K kickback in exchange for expediting nearly $8M claim
NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) -- The results of a two-month long investigation into allegations of fraud within the 2010 oil spill settlement program have revealed an alleged kickback scheme enacted by a claims attorney.
Maryland Judiciary updates webpage for Constitution Day learning
In recognition of Constitution Day on September 17, the Maryland Judiciary has refreshed its interactive webpage to facilitate learning about the United States Constitution and Maryland's Constitution.
Former lead paint, pigment manufacturers say Calif. plaintiffs failed to prove their case
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Legal Newsline) -- The defendants in a six-week trial over lead paint -- one-time paint and pigment manufacturers -- contend, in filings late Friday, that the plaintiffs have not proven their case.
Report: Feds clear Utah AG, Shurtleff
SALT LAKE CITY (Legal Newsline) -- A federal investigation into embattled Utah Attorney General John Swallow has wrapped up, with no charges being brought against the state's top lawyer.