We have completed the opening statements. While I deviated a bit in presentation, here is the written opening statement.
Category: Courts
The Senate trial for United States District Court Judge Thomas Porteous begins today at 8 a.m. Today we will hear opening statements and the testimony of Robert Creely, Jake Amato, Joe Mole, and others.
Continue reading “THE PORTEOUS IMPEACHMENT TRIAL — DAY ONE”
U.S. District Judge Virginia A. Phillips in California has found the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy to be unconstitutional under the 1st Amendment and due process clause. She has informed the Obama Administration, which is defending the policy, that she intends to issue an injunction.
Continue reading “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy Found Unconstitutional”
Travis County Judge John Dietz has issued a rare order to the Republican Governors Association to pay Chris Bell, the 2006 Democratic gubernatorial candidate, $2 million because of flagrant campaign contribution violations to support Texas Governor Rick Perry.
Continue reading “Republican Governors Association Ordered To Pay Former Texas Democratic Candidate Two Million Dollars”
Civil liberties groups have long objected that President Barack Obama has continued and even expanded on many of George Bush’s abuses in the area of national security, including blocking any investigation into the torture program. Now, civil liberties groups are targeting Obama’s continued use of an assassination list and his assertion that he can simply kill a U.S. citizen without any criminal charge or trial.
Continue reading “Civil Rights Groups Challenge Obama’s Assassination List”
Hadley Jons of Warren, Michigan may want to look at who her “friends” are on Facebook. One of them blew the whistle when she indicated that a defendant was guilty in a trial for resisting arrest before the verdict in the case. Now, she faces a possible contempt charge.
Continue reading “With Friends Like This: Juror Faces Contempt Charge After Suggesting Defendant Was Guilty on Facebook Before The Verdict”
Disgraced Manhattan judge James Gibbons, an ex-prosecutor, has resigned after court officials found a large amount of pornography on his work computer. Gibbons earlier had attracted controversy over fathering a son with a young Legal Aid lawyer.
Continue reading “Manhattan Judge Resigns After Pornography Found On Court Computer”
United States District Court Judge Royce Lamberth has issued an order that is a serious blow to those of us who have advocated the expanded federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Lamberth issued a preliminary injunction to stop all such funding under the new Obama policy.
Continue reading “Federal Court Blocks Human Stem Cell Research”
Nevada Judge Dave Gamble has issued a curious sentence to a drug defendant. Matthew Palazzolo, 25, was ordered to write a report on the “nonsensical character” of medical marijuana laws and how pot is a gateway drug. In my view it is an improper sentence that should result in not just a reversal but a review of Gamble’s conduct.
Continue reading “Good Judge or Bad Gamble in Nevada: Judge Orders Defendant To Write Report Criticizing Drug Policies as Punishment”
The conviction of right-wing Internet radio host Harold C. Turner of threatening three federal judges sets the stage for an interesting appellate fight over the first amendment. The case involving some of the best known Seventh Circuit judges — William J. Bauer, Frank H. Easterbrook and Richard A. Posner — was heard in New York by a Brooklyn jury. Two prior trials led to mistrials.
Continue reading “Right-Wing Internet Host At Center of Violent Speech Case”
Douglas Kaynor, 59, is facing some charges that make him sound like he is an al qaeda operative. Kaynor was arrested for an act tried by countless teenagers: making a bomb out of dry ice and soda bottles. He is now facing, however, some serious charges and a long potential jail stint.
Continue reading “The Ice Man: Oregon Man Arrested for Making Dry Ice Bombs”
The Church of Scientology won a major victory in federal court when U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer granting summary judgment in two major lawsuits alleging labor law violations, human trafficking and forced abortions. The opinion raises some interesting questions over the deference shown by courts in such disputes.
Continue reading “Scientology Wins Major Court Ruling”
Former Judge Samuel Kent has been placed in the position of filing complaints as an inmate in Texas. He is serving 33-months for obstruction of justice after he lied about allegations involving groping and sexual assault of two female court employees. He claims to have been abused as a prisoner due to his status as a former federal judge.
Continue reading “Former Judge Samuel Kent Files Motion Alleging Abuse in Prison”
The decision by United States District Court Judge Vaughn Walker striking down Proposition 8 in California is a fascinating read. It is also an opinion that is likely to trigger not only a furious appeal but a renewed demand for a constitutional amendment barring same sex marriage.
Continue reading “Proposition 8 Struck Down Under Rational Basis Test”
DuPage County judge Judge Kenneth Popejoy has pleaded guilty in a hit-and-run crash. While his lawyer insisted the crash was caused by a mechanical failure, Judge Popejoy pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
Continue reading “Illinois Judge Pleads Guilty to Reckless Driving in Alleged Hit-and-Run Case”