New York City’s backlog in criminal cases rises to 39,200 after trials postponed

The backlog in criminal cases in New York City has risen by nearly a third since February, the month before all trials in the state were postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jun 23, 2020 12:43 PM CDT

Lethal force laws reexamined after police killings; is reasonableness standard too easy?

Lawmakers in several states are considering revisions to police lethal force laws following the deaths of George Floyd and others during encounters with officers.

Jun 19, 2020 11:23 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Sanctions can be discharged in bankruptcy, 9th Circuit says; BigLaw firms observe Juneteenth

Lawyer’s discovery sanctions can be discharged in bankruptcy, 9th Circuit rules A suspended California lawyer may discharge more than $5,700 in discovery sanctions in bankruptcy, but she can’t discharge more than $18,000 for the costs of state disciplinary proceedings against her, a federal appeals court has ruled. The 9th U.S.…

Jun 15, 2020 4:38 PM CDT

What’s lost when jury trials vanish?

With only 2% of federal criminal cases ending up in a jury trial, how can would-be trial lawyers develop their skills? How can citizens participate in the justice system? And how can defendants receive experienced counsel?

Jun 10, 2020 2:31 PM CDT

Resuming criminal jury trials would be ‘reckless and irresponsible,’ NACDL says regarding COVID-19

Resuming criminal jury trials would be “reckless and irresponsible” given the risk of transmission of the new coronavirus and the burdens on defendants’ constitutional rights, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers said in a report released Thursday.

Jun 5, 2020 12:31 PM CDT

Man convicted by jury that included judge’s wife isn’t entitled to new trial, top state court says

The Colorado Supreme Court has affirmed the conviction of a man tried by a jury that included the judge’s wife. The court said the defense lawyer for the man didn’t object to the wife sitting as a juror, which waived any challenge on appeal.

Jun 4, 2020 10:12 AM CDT

Appeals court tosses convictions in wake of Supreme Court ruling on jury verdicts

The Louisiana 4th Circuit Court of Appeal has overturned two manslaughter and molestation convictions in response to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that nonunanimous jury verdicts are unconstitutional.

May 29, 2020 2:32 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Texas justice has COVID-19; 7th Circuit win for strip clubs seeking payroll loans

Texas Supreme Court justice tests positive for COVID-19 Texas Supreme Court Justice Debra Lehrmann said Thursday she and her husband, Greg, have tested positive for COVID-19. The couple got tested after experiencing fevers and body aches. Lehrmann told the Dallas Morning News that she and her husband left home only…

May 21, 2020 4:51 PM CDT

Potential jurors questioned via Zoom for summary jury trial in Texas

Potential jurors were questioned in Texas on Monday in what may be the first Zoom jury trial during the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 19, 2020 10:25 AM CDT

Could Zoom jury trials become the norm during the coronavirus pandemic?

Just weeks ago, the idea might have seemed inconceivable. Now, as remote meetings using videoconferencing tools such as Zoom become a regular fixture in courts, some are concerned that virtual trials would deprive defendants of the constitutional right to confront witnesses, an impartial jury, due process of law and effective counsel.

May 11, 2020 8:00 AM CDT

State supreme court allows in-person jury trial, which ends with defendant nearly collapsing

An Ohio judge tried to hold Tuesday what may be the nation’s first in-person jury trial since shutdown orders began. But it ended when the defendant was carried out of the courthouse on a stretcher.

May 1, 2020 9:53 AM CDT

Court tosses $177K sanction against prominent lawyer accused of using poll to influence opinion

The Texas Supreme Court has vacated a $177,000 sanction against a prominent lawyer accused of commissioning a telephone survey before a trial that was intended to influence potential jurors rather than gauge community attitudes.

Apr 28, 2020 11:11 AM CDT

Fighting for compensation in a state that offers no relief to the wrongfully convicted

Apr 27, 2020 3:42 PM CDT

In Gorsuch opinion, Supreme Court rules unanimous verdict is needed to convict

A unanimous verdict is needed to convict a defendant of a serious criminal offense, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday.

Apr 20, 2020 11:58 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Reform group backs cost metric in law school rankings; California suspends jury trials

US News’ ranking methodology is the cheese for law school rat race, report says The U.S. News & World Report’s annual law school rankings rely on categories including law school expenditures per student, peer assessment and selectivity in admissions. The valuation should include an “efficiency metric” that encourages getting as…

Mar 24, 2020 4:45 PM CDT