Category: Courts
Ruling on rooftop solar, clean energy ‘game-changer’
“For the first time a federal court has said utilities can be liable under antitrust laws if they attack rooftop solar,” said one advocate. “The future for renewable energy just got a lot brighter.” by Kenny…
Comparing AR-15s to Swiss Army knives, federal judge overturns California’s assault weapons ban
“People are going to die because of this ruling,” warned the father of a gun violence victim. by Jake Johnson, staff writer Saturday, June 5, 2021 Gun safety advocates, relatives of gun violence victims, and members…
McConnell readies Lame Duck push to further pack courts with Trump’s judicial appointees
“That’s His Priority as the Pandemic Rages On” “It is literally sickening to see Mitch McConnell continue to indulge his partisan obsession with confirming far-right judges, instead of taking action on the Covid pandemic that continues…
Critics say DOJ settlement not nearly enough for Purdue Pharma’s deadly role in opioid crisis
‘Prosecute the Sackler Family’ “Today’s guilty plea comes too late for the millions of lives that Purdue’s crimes destroyed over the past decade.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Wednesday, October 21 The Justice Department announced Wednesday…
Supreme Court blocks GOP effort to curb ballot deadline in Pennsylvania
‘One of the Most Significant Rulings’ of 2020 “This decision could have easily gone the other way if Amy Coney Barrett was on the court.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Tuesday, October 20 In both a…
Dems pressured to ‘pick a fight for once’ over RBG seat as Collins and Murkowski oppose pre-election vote
“To pretend that norms will constrain Trump or McConnell would be folly, yes. But for Democrats, the media, and the public to concede the ground in advance is to do their dirty work for them.” by…
McConnell quietly rams through more lifetime Trump judges while blocking Covid relief
“It’s outrageous that McConnell continues to prioritize the Trump court takeover amid the pandemic. Enough.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Wednesday, September 16 As Covid-19 relief for jobless and hungry Americans, collapsing small businesses, and state…
Major ‘Milestone’ for workers as California judge rules Uber and Lyft must classify drivers as employees
“This is a resounding victory for thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers who are working hard—and, in this pandemic, incurring risk every day—to provide for their families.” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Tuesday, August 11 In…
Federal judge curbs powers of Trump’s secret police in Portland
“This injunction is a critical protection for journalists and legal observers exercising their fundamental right to record and observe police activities at these important protests.” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Friday, July 24 A federal judge…
Senate GOP confirms ‘anti-healthcare’ McConnell protégé Justin Walker to lifetime judgeship instead of vote on Covid-19 Relief
“Another shameful step in the McConnell/Trump takeover of our judiciary.” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Thursday, June 18 In spite of public pressure on Congress to prioritize providing more relief to Americans impacted by the ongoing…
Huge victory for LGBTQ Equality: US Supreme Court affirms workplace protections
“The court has caught up to the majority of our country, which already knows that discriminating against LGBTQ people is both unfair and against the law.” by Julia Conley, staff writer Monday June 15, 2020 Labor…
Federal court urged to hold ‘rogue’ EPA in contempt for blatant defiance of ban on toxic weed killer
“EPA needs a lesson in separation of powers and we’re asking the court to give it to them.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Friday, June 12 A coalition of farming and conservation groups is calling on…
Federal Judge bars Denver cops from using chemical weapons on protesters
Condemns police conduct as ‘disgusting,’ “Citizens should never have to fear peaceful protest on the basis of police retaliation, especially not when protesting that very same police violence.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Saturday, June 6…
Historic power struggle between Trump and Congress to be reviewed by Supreme Court
by Stanley M. Brand, Pennsylvania State University Saturday, May 9, 2020 On May 12, the Supreme Court will hear argument in two cases concerning congressional demands, known as subpoenas, for materials that President Donald Trump…
McConnell to bring Senate back not to fight Covid-19 but to confirm more judges
‘We Should All Be Alarmed’ “McConnell cares more about ushering his unqualified 38-year-old crony onto one of the country’s highest courts than about ensuring Americans’ health in the middle of a pandemic.” by Jake Johnson, staff…
Federal judge orders ICE to release detained immigrants at heightened risk for COVID-19
“It is unfortunate we had to resort to the courts for this relief; ICE should be doing this on its own,” said the San Francisco public defender. by Jessica Corbett, staff writer In a ruling celebrated…
