News from May 2024
North Dakota Attorney General's Office seeks Assistant Attorney General
The Office of the Attorney General in North Dakota is seeking to fill the position of Assistant Attorney General, as announced on May 14, 2024. The role, based in Bismarck, ND at the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Office, comes with a starting salary of $81,000 commensurate with experience.
Maryland woman admits guilt in plot to disrupt Baltimore power grid
Sarah Beth Clendaniel, a 36-year-old woman from Catonsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to damage or destroy electrical facilities in the state. Court documents reveal that Clendaniel became acquainted with Brandon C. Russell, a Florida resident currently awaiting trial on similar charges, in 2018. Both individuals espouse white supremacist ideologies and advocate for a concept known as “accelerationism.”
North Dakota courts unveil updated jury orientation video
The North Dakota State Court Administrator’s Office has announced the debut of its updated video about jury service in North Dakota. The new video, which features a welcome from Supreme Court Chief Justice Jon J. Jensen, aims to provide viewers with an understanding of the importance and role of juries in the American legal system. Additionally, it offers information to prospective jurors about the jury selection process and their role as jurors.
America First Legal challenges Biden's Title IX rules with injunction
Today, America First Legal (AFL) and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed an amended complaint and a motion for a preliminary injunction against President Biden’s Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, among others. The aim is to halt the implementation of the Biden Administration's Title IX rules which they argue could have detrimental effects on women, children, and schools across the country.
Lawsuit: HP customers never received refunds they were promised
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - A class action lawsuit alleges HP, Inc., offered sort-of warranties with the promise of a full refund if no issues arose with its computers but failed to pay up.
Nip-slip lawsuit: Cakes nipple covers not 'grippy,' slide off easily
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - Citing negative online reviews, class action lawyers are suing the maker of nipple covers that allegedly fail to stay in place.
Richland County continues annual student mock trial tradition
Richland County has continued its tradition of hosting a student mock trial, which began in 2014 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the county courthouse. The event is held annually in celebration of Law Day and the Rule of Law, with the exception of 2020.
Former school gym teacher convicted of child molestation and assault
Former Kizirian Elementary school gym teacher, James Duffy, has been convicted of child molestation and assault charges in Providence County Superior Court. The announcement was made by Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, who confirmed that the jury found 59-year-old Duffy guilty of one count of second-degree child molestation and four counts of simple assault.
Attorney General Wilson joins lawsuits against electric-truck mandates
Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined two lawsuits aimed at halting the imposition of electric-vehicle mandates on truck owners and operators across the United States. The legal actions are targeted at both the Biden administration and the State of California.
Oklahoma Attorney General sues pharmaceutical firms over insulin pricing scheme
Attorney General Gentner Drummond has initiated a lawsuit against major diabetic drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) for an alleged unfair and deceptive pricing scheme that has reportedly cost Americans billions of dollars. The suit, filed in Cleveland County District Court, accuses the defendants of violating the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act (OCPA).
Vermont Legislature criminalizes nonconsensual 'deepfake' pornography
Attorney General Charity Clark expressed gratitude to the Legislature today for explicitly codifying the crime of nonconsensual “deepfake” pornography. The amendment, contained in bill H.878, has been added to Vermont’s Revenge Porn Statute and is set to be delivered to the Governor's desk.
Ohio Commission approves task force's recommendations for police training
The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) has unanimously endorsed the recommendations of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on the Future of Police Training. This move marks a significant advancement in the transformation of law enforcement training in Ohio.
Attorney General Carr promotes Better Hearing and Speech Month
Attorney General Chris Carr is observing Better Hearing and Speech Month this May by emphasizing the significance of regular hearing tests and providing advice for individuals contemplating the acquisition of a hearing aid.
North Dakota Court System publishes 2023 Juvenile Court Annual Report
The North Dakota Court System has published its 2023 Juvenile Court Annual Report. The report, which is released annually, provides a comprehensive overview of referrals to juvenile court, the disposition of juvenile cases, and specific programs within the juvenile court offices across the state.
Idaho leads coalition opposing expansion of World Health Organization authority
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador, alongside Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and a coalition of 20 other state attorneys general, has penned a letter to President Biden expressing opposition to World Health Organization (WHO) agreements that could potentially grant the organization unprecedented powers over U.S. citizens. The attorneys general raised concerns about proposals that could significantly amend the WHO’s existing International Health Regulations and institute a “Pandemic Agreement.”
AG Moody Honors Law Enforcement and Presents Resolution to First Responder Group
Attorney General Ashley Moody honored law enforcement during National Police Week and presented a Florida Cabinet Resolution to Signal 35, a first responder support group. The ceremony took place at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office where Moody expressed gratitude for the organization's efforts in assisting deputies and first responders. Signal 35 is known for providing aid to first responders and their families facing financial hardships and other challenging circumstances.
Judge Donovan Foughty moderates panel for National Association of Women Judges
North Dakota District Judge Donovan Foughty recently moderated a national panel on a program sponsored by the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ). The event took place on May 8, 2024, and was titled “Microaggressions: Part 2, When the Judge Commits the Microaggression”.
Big asbestos law firm accused of cheating its way to billions
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - Fraud drove asbestos lawsuits at the prominent plaintiffs firm Simmons Hanly Conroy, J-M Manufacturing Company is alleging in a new racketeering lawsuit.
Court personnel undergo mental health first aid training
Over the past nine months, 231 court employees, judges, and work group members have participated in nine training sessions on Mental Health First Aid throughout the state. The court partnered with FirstLink of Fargo to provide this training. As a free, confidential service, FirstLink offers listening and support, referrals to resources/help, and crisis intervention 24 hours a day. It also answers the 211 Information & Referral Helpline and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for North Dakota.
Gun seller, maker face jury trial over accidental shooting
TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) - A judge was wrong to rule for Bass Pro and Beretta in a gun violence lawsuit, a Kansas appeals court has ruled in sending the case to a jury.