legal-politics8.305 min read
Sen. Nicole Mitchell's Burglary Trial Nears Verdict
6 months ago•Source: MPR News
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49.445 min•7 months ago
US Judge Blocks State Department Layoffs Amid Ongoing Disputes
A federal judge in Nashville indicated openness to granting bail to Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was returned to the U.S. to face charges related to MS-13, but he is likely to be detained by immigration officials regardless. The case highlights tensions over immigration enforcement and criminal charges under the Trump administration.
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Smartmatic settles defamation lawsuits with conservative networks
The Guardian US•1 year ago
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"Smartmatic Settles Lawsuit Against OAN Over 2020 Election Claims"
The Associated Press•1 year ago
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Supreme Court Rulings Shake Up Property Rights and Legislative Powers
The Supreme Court ruled that developers and home builders in California may challenge impact fees imposed by cities and counties for public improvements, potentially leading to the construction of more affordable housing. The decision could have wide impact in California, where local governments increasingly rely on impact fees to finance projects. The ruling opens the door for challenges to these fees as an unconstitutional taking of private property, but does not specify when such fees become unfair and unconstitutional. The case will now go back to the California courts, and the decision is seen as a significant victory for property rights.
"Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg Sentenced to 5 Months in Jail for Perjury"
New York Attorney General Letitia James, after winning a $454 million judgment against Donald Trump for fraud, is now pursuing claims that Trump withheld evidence from her fraud probe. She is seeking additional fines under NY law if evidence subpoenaed was lost or destroyed. The focus is on three internal Trump Organization email chains from 2016 that were not turned over to her office, which were used as evidence in sending former Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg to jail for perjury. The AG's office is pushing for a forensic review to determine if the emails were in the possession of the Trump Organization and why they were never turned over, potentially seeking sanctions for spoliation.
"Special Counsel Urges SCOTUS to Reject Trump's Immunity Claim"
The special counsel pursuing federal criminal charges against Donald Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election loss urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reject Trump's bid for immunity from prosecution, arguing that no person is above the law. The case is set to be argued on April 25, with Trump appealing a lower court's rejection of his immunity request. The special counsel and a group of retired military officers and national security officials have backed the rejection of Trump's claim of immunity, while Trump and his allies continue to argue that a former president has absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.
"Fani Willis Stands Firm Against Trump's Attempt to Remove Her from Georgia Election Subversion Case"
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is resisting attempts by Donald Trump and his co-defendants to disqualify her office from prosecuting the Georgia election subversion case, arguing that there was no conflict of interest and no misconduct. The appeals court is considering the request to review the initial ruling that allowed Willis to remain on the case, while Trump's legal team is also seeking to have the indictment tossed on First Amendment grounds. Willis plans to continue with the prosecution, aiming to put Trump and his co-defendants on trial before the November presidential election.
Legal Battle Escalates: Aileen Cannon's Ongoing Clash in Trump Case
Former U.S. attorney and federal prosecutor Joyce Vance believes that the issues surrounding recent rulings by Judge Aileen Cannon in Donald Trump's classified documents trial are far from over, as the judge's decisions have left ambiguity and potential for appeal. The case in Florida involves the retaining of classified documents at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, and federal prosecutors argue that the Presidential Records Act should not apply. Cannon's handling of the case has prompted criticism and concerns about potential delays, with the prosecution likely to appeal outstanding issues to a higher court before the trial begins in late May.
"Letitia James Stunned by Trump's Secret Bond Deal: A $175 Million Fraud?"
New York Attorney General Letitia James "stunned" former President Donald Trump after his $175 million bond was rejected in his civil fraud case, leading to a new hearing with Judge Engoron. Mary Trump commented on the rejected bond, emphasizing the spotlight on the financial capabilities of the surety company chosen by Trump. James also sought confirmation to communicate with the overseer of The Trump Organization's finances, Barbara Jones, without Trump's lawyers being present.
"Judge Denies Trump's Bids to Dismiss Classified Docs and Georgia Election Cases"
Former President Donald Trump lost attempts to dismiss criminal charges in Florida and Georgia, with judges rejecting his arguments related to mishandling classified documents and election interference. The rulings come as Trump faces upcoming criminal trials, including the first hush money trial set to begin jury selection in less than two weeks. While the rulings were losses for Trump, they also pushed back on special counsel Jack Smith's criticisms, with the judge emphasizing that her orders should not be misconstrued as the final word on any essential piece of the case.
"Judge Denies Trump's Bid to Dismiss Classified Documents Case"
A federal judge has denied former President Donald Trump's attempt to have his classified documents case dismissed based on the Presidential Records Act. Trump's attorneys argued that he should have custody of the documents in question, even after his presidency, but the judge rejected this argument. The judge also criticized the special counsel's filing and dismissed the suggestion that she should clarify her position on jury instructions. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 37 criminal counts related to his handling of classified materials and has denounced the probe as a political witch hunt.
"Judge Denies Trump's Request to Delay Hush-Money Trial for Supreme Court Ruling"
A judge rejected Donald Trump's request to delay his hush-money trial until the Supreme Court rules on presidential immunity claims he raised in another case, ruling it untimely and questioning the sincerity of the motion. Trump contends he is immune from prosecution for conduct alleged to involve official acts during his tenure in office. The hush-money case involves allegations that Trump falsified his company’s records to hide payments to his former lawyer Michael Cohen, and the trial is scheduled to begin on April 15. Trump and his lawyers have been lobbying for delays, including arguing for the trial to be delayed indefinitely until prejudicial media coverage dissipates.
"Trump's Legal Maneuvers and Judicial Warnings in Hush Money Case"
Donald Trump's lawyers are seeking the recusal of Judge Juan Merchan from the hush money trial, citing his daughter's work for a digital consulting firm tied to Democratic clients as creating a financial interest. Prosecutors argue that the defense's request is factually flawed and should be denied, emphasizing that there is no direct connection between the judge and the case. The trial is set to begin on April 15 in New York City.