News from August 2015
District attorney charges Pa. AG with obstruction, other crimes related to leak
Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said the criminal charges stem from a probe that revealed Kathleen Kane “personally orchestrated” the illegal release of confidential and secret grand jury information. Kane said she plans to fight the charges.
For-profit schools to pay $2.3 million for allegedly inflating job placement numbers
Two for-profit colleges will pay the state of Massachusetts $2.3 million for allegedly inflating job placement numbers to students
Gambling software provider settles with California over alleged illegal gaming
A California sweepstakes gambling software provider will pay $700,000 in penalties to the state for allegedly violating state gambling laws
New Jersey online advertiser allegedly invoiced Arkansas businesses for services not agreed to
A New Jersey-based online advertiser will pay the state of Arkansas $190,000 for allegedly coercing businesses into paying for services it didn't agree to
Plaintiff’s attorney seeks class members, certification in lawsuit against for-profit college
University of Phoenix is pushing to have the proposed class action dismissed.
Maker of children meds held 'phantom recall' in 2009, Alabama AG says
A subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson agreed to a settlement with the state of Alabama over the quality of its over-the-counter drugs
Federal court upholds Alabama PAC-to-PAC transfer ban law
A federal judge in Alabama upheld the state's PAC-to-PAC Transfer law that bans the transfer of funds between Political Action Committees is constitutional
Alabama AG vows lawsuit against Obama administration over reduction in emissions rule
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange said Monday he would take President Barack Obama and his administration to court
T.J. Maxx sued for allegedly offering false discounted prices
A major department store is being sued for allegedly misleading customers into thinking they were getting better discounts on merchandise than they really were.
N.Y. federal judge, pointing to class counsel’s conduct, strikes down American Express settlement
Judge Nicholas Garaufis threw out $75 million in attorneys’ fees and removed lead plaintiffs attorney Gary B. Friedman in an order Tuesday.
New Jersey puppy store allegedly violated state law
A customer is suing a New Jersey pet store for allegedly selling a Pomeranian puppy that was too sick to be sold.
California cable company allegedly charged hidden fees
Four customers are suing a major television and Internet provider for allegedly adding hidden fees to customers' monthly bills.
DSW Shoe Warehouse faces legal action for allegedly misleading customers
A consumer is suing a major shoe supplier for allegedly misleading customers about discounts offered on its merchandise.
W.Va. commission responds to criticism over handling of ethics complaint against SC justice
Ronald Wilson, who serves as chairperson of the state's Judicial Investigation Commission, says the commission is "independent" and takes issue with the public filing against Justice Robin Davis.
Ky. judge: Asbestos firm should have turned over trust claim evidence to defendants
Judith McDonald-Burkman told lawyers, "You're pregnant or you're not" as plaintiffs firm argued that it hadn't yet clicked submit button on claim being prepared. She declared a mistrial that will allow remaining defendants to reshape their arguments.
Letter to Editor: Lutz was honest and noble whistleblower
Michael Lutz, a lawyer and highly decorated retired Milwaukee police officer who shot himself July 26 after a quarrel with his ex-wife, deserves to be remembered as a good, honest, even noble man who was traumatized after being wounded in the line of duty.
$5 million fee dispute in rice litigation not derailing lawyers' cooperation in corn litigation
Texas lawyer Mikal Watts will cooperate with leaders of corn litigation while defending himself against their claim that he cheated them out of fees from rice litigation.
Honda sued for alleged 'severe vibrations' in 2015 models
An improvement in fuel efficiency caused one major automaker's car model to vibrate severely when in idle or traveling at low speeds, a lawsuit against the automaker said.
Makers of health supplements allegedly misled customers about effectiveness
The makers of a health supplement are being sued in federal court for allegedly misleading customers in the effectiveness of the products.
Federal judge dismisses Wis. SC justice’s lawsuit over chief justice title
Judge James Peterson rules against Shirley Abrahamson, who served as chief justice for nearly 20 years; says state high court could implement constitutional amendment and elect a new chief justice right away.