Florida

As some jury trials resume, juror shortages create problems; one court sees a 5% yield on summonses

As jury trials resume in several states and continue in others, finding jurors willing to show up is a problem.

Feb 18, 2021 12:19 PM CST

Afternoon Briefs: California defends bar exam facial-recognition tech; pants-on-fire lawyer arrested

California bar responds to disparate impact allegation regarding facial recognition technology After receiving a Feb. 10 demand letter to remove facial recognition technology from the remote bar exam on the basis it could create an unlawful disparate impact for women and people of color, the State Bar of California issued…

Feb 17, 2021 4:45 PM CST

Former public defender agrees to suspension, partly for firing 3 women after confrontation with his wife

The former public defender in Jacksonville, Florida, has agreed to accept a six-month suspension, partly for firing three women when confronted by his wife.

Feb 12, 2021 1:39 PM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Lawyers knock ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome;’ attorney flashes medical pot card

Trump lawyers seek dismissal of impeachment case Lawyers for former President Donald Trump on Monday asked the Senate to dismiss the impeachment case against him. Their brief argues that the Senate has no jurisdiction under the Constitution to conduct an impeachment trial of a former president, and Trump’s comments before…

Feb 8, 2021 4:33 PM CST

Florida lawyer is arrested after refusing to put mask back on at city meeting

A lawyer in Gainesville, Florida, was arrested Thursday when he refused to put his face mask back on while addressing the city commission.

Feb 8, 2021 11:01 AM CST

Ethics case tossed against judge accused of allowing reality TV show to film in her courtroom

A hearing panel has dismissed ethics charges against a Florida judge accused of allowing a reality TV show to film domestic violence cases in her courtroom, according to an order filed Tuesday.

Feb 4, 2021 12:44 PM CST

Lawyer is arrested and disbarred after alleged threats and accusations of judicial witchcraft

A Florida lawyer accused of making outrageous and threatening online remarks was arrested earlier this month and disbarred last week.

Jan 27, 2021 9:33 AM CST

Courts discuss security after warning of potential protest threats

Courts across the country are discussing security after a news report said pro-Trump groups were considering storming courthouses.

Jan 14, 2021 9:49 AM CST

Florida lawyer disbarred more than a year after her death

The Florida Supreme Court has disbarred a lawyer who died more than a year ago.

Jan 5, 2021 10:42 AM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Dentons merges with another firm; dad can’t be banned from procreating, court rules

Dentons will combine with Alabama law firm Dentons has announced that it will combine with Sirote & Permutt, an Alabama law firm with 86 lawyers and offices in five locations. The merger will be Dentons’ fifth combination through Project Golden Spike, a U.S. expansion effort that uses a dual-partnership model.…

Dec 23, 2020 4:07 PM CST

For first time in history, federal government carried out more civilian executions than all 50 states

Ten federal inmates were executed this year as a result of a push by the Department of Justice, putting the total number of federal executions above that of all 50 states combined.

Dec 17, 2020 3:07 PM CST

Sanctions upheld for lawyer who included an original haiku in filing and cited Bugs Bunny

A federal appeals court has upheld sanctions imposed on a lawyer who filed “lengthy and superfluous filings” in a dispute with his brother, including a brief that was “littered with exclamation points and rants.”

Dec 16, 2020 11:39 AM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Ex-Jones Day lawyers drop class action claims; ‘Grim Reaper’ lawyer fights sanctions bid

Ex-Jones Day associates drop class action claims in bias lawsuit Former female associates suing Jones Day for alleged bias have agreed to drop their class action claims of systemic pay discrimination and disparate impact. The six plaintiffs decided to drop class action claims after they reviewed nationwide compensation and evaluation…

Dec 15, 2020 4:30 PM CST

School shooting survivors can’t sue county officials for failing to protect them, 11th Circuit rules

A federal appeals court ruled Friday that 15 survivors of a 2018 mass shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, can’t sue public officials for failing to protect them.

Dec 15, 2020 2:56 PM CST

Man thought to be longest-serving nonviolent marijuana prisoner is released

A 71-year-old Florida inmate was released Tuesday after serving 31 years of a 90-year prison sentence for trafficking marijuana.

Dec 10, 2020 2:31 PM CST