Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones but
As the old adage says, words cant actually cause physical harm to a person. Most people in the country are aware that the criminal and civil justice systems permit recourse for any physical harm that befalls us. It is simpler to prove to a court that you have been physically harmed. It is often much […]
Jimmy Dennis’ Wrongful Conviction and Pennsylvania’s Justice Problem
In 1991 a 17-year-old student named Chedell Ray Williams was shot at a Philadelphia bus stop. The killer was apparently after a pair of $450 earrings worn by the Olney High School student. The following year a man named Jimmy Dennis was sentenced to death for the North Philadelphia shooting. Dennis was on Pennsylvania’s death […]
Children and the Juvenile Justice System
There has been a philosophical debate in the criminal justice system for nearly as long as a system has existed. At a basic level we understand that a crime is only committed when a person has the required intent to commit a crime. For example, it is not possible for one to commit arson while […]
Texas Abortion Appeal Reaches the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal
Appeal Arguments on Abortion Once again, Texas abortion clinics have found themselves in the courtroom. And as before, they are fighting a battle just to keep their doors open. In fact, this time critics claim that the most recent legislative initiative would close at least half of the Lone Star States abortion clinics. The new […]
Appeals Courts Will Rule On Proposed Texas Abortion Laws
Just like all accused criminals have the right to appeal charges, courts and legal entities can also appeal court proceedings that may affect social and political issues. Of course, nearly all appeals of this nature involve controversial proceedings — and the issue that will be heard in Texas courts is no exception. What is it? […]
U.S. Court Of Appeals To Rule On Medical Marijuana And Employee Rights
Appeals cases generally have one thing in common — they’re often complex cases, with murky evidence and/or contentious issues at their heart. Medical marijuana is one of the most controversial topics at the moment, and the U.S. Court of Appeals (or the federal circuit court) is seeing its fair share of appeals relating to the […]
Red Bull Chooses $13 Million Settlement; Compensates Customers For False Advertising
Every term, the appellate lawyers and U.S. Court of Appeals or the federal circuit court will review more than 10,000 cases. While some surprising and unlikely cases go up for appeal — sometimes the opposite does happen. In some cases seemingly lending themselves to a long, drawn-out legal battle and one or more appeals (if applicable), the […]
South Dakota Man Sentenced To 261 Years In Prison Petitions For Release
Is it possible to be sentenced to 261 years in jail? Apparently, the answer is yes — and that is exactly what happened to Shawn Springer, 35, from South Dakota. In 1996, Springer pleaded guilty to kidnapping charges and confirmed his role in the murder of taxi driver Michael Hare. Springer was just 17 years […]
UPS Forces Pregnant Woman To Take a Six Month Unpaid Leave
In more cases than not, appeal law firms do not handle simple cases. (If the cases were simple, they would not require appellate attorneys or sometimes even criminal appellate lawyers.) On Monday October 6, The U.S. Supreme Court will tackle one of the most controversial pregnancy discrimination cases in recent history. Before it was escalated […]
How An Innocent Man Spent 25 Years In Jail
There is no question about it. Americans — and, in fact, people all over the world — commit horrible crimes and atrocities each and every day, and sometimes the sheer levels of cruelty, apathy, and barbarism can be unfathomable. With innocent children or beloved husbands and wives, or brothers and sisters murdered in cold blood, […]