Judiciary

Judge Accused of Religious Bias

Southern Florida lawyers are supporting a federal judge in Fort Lauderdale who was accused of bias stemming from his religious beliefs. U.S. District Judge William Zloch last month denied a motion for his recusal that cited ties to Ave Maria Law School and his attendance at judicial junkets sponsored by…

Aug 13, 2007 2:18 PM CDT

Nat’l Security Panel: Constitution is Key

Paying attention to the U.S. Constitution and involving Congress in setting American policy on anti-terrorism measures isn’t just the right thing to do, legally. It’s also the best way to ensure an effective national security program, according to a panel discussion today at the ABA Annual Meeting. From conducting warrantless…

Aug 10, 2007 8:52 PM CDT

Influential Judges Keep Weight Down

Those who miss the blawg Underneath Their Robes and its Superhotties of the Federal Judiciary, take heart. Judge Richard Posner of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has some observations about judicial weight—and we don’t mean weight as in intelligent opinions. Writing on the Becker-Posner blog, the thin Posner…

Aug 10, 2007 5:47 PM CDT

Judge Decries Interpreter Shortage

A New York state judge is trying to shine a light on what he calls a “disturbing lack” of courtroom sign-language interpreters for the deaf. Judge Charles Markey of Queens said employment opportunities are exploding for sign language interpreters, and courts paying $250 a day are not matching rates in…

Aug 10, 2007 3:35 PM CDT

Pakistan Court Acts in Election Case

The Pakistan Supreme Court has issued an order requiring registration of all eligible voters. The court gave the election commission 30 days to complete the task, Reuters reports. A complaint filed by exiled former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto had claimed millions of people had been excluded form a draft list…

Aug 10, 2007 1:48 PM CDT

Judge Perry to Win ABA Marshall Award

A revered South Carolina civil rights lawyer whose career included numerous “firsts” is to be presented by the American Bar Association later this month with its prestigious Thurgood Marshall Award. To be honored by the ABA at its annual meeting for his “substantial and long-term contributions to the furtherance of…

Aug 6, 2007 5:40 PM CDT

Final Likely Loss for ‘Pants’ Judge: His Job

An administrative law judge who became a target of international disapprobation after suing his neighborhood dry cleaners for $54 million over an allegedly botched dry-cleaning job that resulted in the loss of his suit trousers, is now poised to lose more than his pants and the case. It is becoming…

Aug 2, 2007 10:49 PM CDT

Judge in $2 M Libel Case Seeks to Retire

A judge who won a $2 million libel verdict against the Boston Herald is now on sick leave and seeking to retire on a disability pension. Superior Court Judge Ernest B. Murphy says he is suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome as a result of the paper’s coverage criticizing his judicial…

Aug 2, 2007 8:41 PM CDT

Pakistan Prez, Top Judge Reconciling?

Four months after he sought to remove Pakistan’s top judge from the bench, the country’s president is now trying to get back on his good side. After a July 20 decision by the Pakistan Supreme Court that Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry had been improperly suspended in March and must…

Aug 1, 2007 6:31 PM CDT

Supreme Close-Up

As SCOTUS prepares to entertain a new fall audience, one thing is certain: Events will not be televised.

Aug 1, 2007 12:00 PM CDT

You’re NOT the Boss of Me

It’s hard to shock them in Las Vegas, but a former law clerk is managing to do just that

Aug 1, 2007 11:26 AM CDT

Jury’s Out on Drug Court Judge’s Legacy

A community in suburban Chicago is divided over a drug court judge who saw amazing successes, a record that some say is the result of bullying and improper tactics. Supporters say Judge Jim Doyle worked tirelessly to nudge drug-addicted suspects to reform, helping turn around the lives of thieves and…

Jul 30, 2007 4:16 PM CDT

Schumer Says Senators ‘Duped’ By Justices

A powerful Democratic senator from New York told the American Constitution Society on Friday that the Senate should avoid confirming another one of President Bush’s Supreme Court nominees. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., said a confirmation to the high court should only come in “extraordinary circumstances,” reports The Politico. He…

Jul 28, 2007 2:01 AM CDT

Nev. Judge to Appeal Suspension

The lawyer for controversial Las Vegas Judge Elizabeth Halverson promises an appeal of her interim suspension. William Gamage did not offer comment on the details of his client’s case, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. The suspension will remain in effect pending a decision on whether to formally charge the judge…

Jul 27, 2007 8:28 PM CDT

Judge’s Loafers Lucky Fit for FL Inmate

Wearing the trial judge’s loafers may have been the final sartorial touch that helped a Florida inmate win an acquittal on cocaine trafficking charges. Michael Fernandez, 22, was mistakenly brought from jail to his Fort Lauderdale trial Tuesday in his jail uniform. Although officials sent for—and received—his street clothes before…

Jul 26, 2007 8:57 PM CDT