USA Archive - Law Commentary

Signage of the Disneyland Hotel in Southern California.

Disney Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Labor Law Violations in Southern California

Disney is confronting allegations of underpaying maintenance workers at its hotels near the iconic Disneyland Resort in Southern California. A lawsuit filed in Orange County Superior Court accuses the entertainment behemoth of a series of labor law violations, including forcing workers to bear the cost of their own tools, failing... Read More about Disney Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Labor Law Violations in Southern California

A man with a serious expression appearing in a scene from a dramatic television series.

20th Television to Face Trial Over Alleged Religious Discrimination in COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Case

U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee ruled that 20th Television must proceed to trial over allegations of religious discrimination against Rockmond Dunbar, a former cast member of the popular TV series "911." Dunbar was terminated after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate... Read More about 20th Television to Face Trial Over Alleged Religious Discrimination in COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Case

A group of people, including children, gathers around Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as he holds a signed document related to the "Stop WOKE Act," with signs displaying the phrase "STOP WOKE" in the background.

Part of Florida’s “Stop WOKE Act” Blocked By Federal Appeals Court

The State of Florida, under the leadership of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, enacted the Individual Freedom Act in the spring of 2022, which became effective July 1 of that year. The Act is commonly referred to as Stop WOKE, for Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees but also referencing... Read More about Part of Florida’s “Stop WOKE Act” Blocked By Federal Appeals Court

Unanimous Committee Vote Propels U.S. Toward Potential TikTok Ban

In a decisive move that highlights the escalating scrutiny over TikTok's Chinese ownership, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee has unanimously approved a bill that could lead to a nationwide ban on the popular short video app. The legislation, which passed with a 50-0 vote, signals a significant step... Read More about Unanimous Committee Vote Propels U.S. Toward Potential TikTok Ban

Graphic of the U.S. Department of the Treasury seal on a distressed American flag background.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Corporate Transparency Act, Citing Constitutional Concerns

In a significant setback for the Biden administration's efforts to combat financial crimes and increase corporate accountability, an Alabama federal district judge has ruled against the Treasury Department's mandate requiring small business owners to disclose their ownership details. The ruling, delivered late Friday by U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke,... Read More about Federal Judge Strikes Down Corporate Transparency Act, Citing Constitutional Concerns

Hannah Gutierrez Reed in court during her trial for involuntary manslaughter related to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust."

"Rust" Armorer Convicted in Cinematographer's Death

In a swift and decisive verdict on Wednesday, March 6th, jurors have convicted Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer on the set of the Western film “Rust,” of involuntary manslaughter in the tragic shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The conviction, which came after less than three hours of deliberation, highlights... Read More about "Rust" Armorer Convicted in Cinematographer's Death

A man and a woman smiling together at an event, with the woman wearing a blue dress and the man in a black tuxedo.

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Michael Avenatti's Conviction in Stormy Daniels Fraud Case

In a decisive ruling on Wednesday, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan affirmed the conviction of Michael Avenatti, the once-prominent attorney known for his representation of adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Avenatti faced charges of defrauding Daniels, who had alleged a sexual encounter with former President Donald... Read More about Federal Appeals Court Upholds Michael Avenatti's Conviction in Stormy Daniels Fraud Case

Elderly hands clasped together on a wooden surface, symbolizing contemplation or concern.

Protective Order Against Elder Abuse Can Be Extended Without Further Abuse

California’s seniors are protected by the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (Elder Abuse Act). Carol Ruth Denney, a 70-year-old woman who lived in the same apartment complex in Berkeley, California, for 30 years, received a protective order against her neighbor’s caretaker Joe Wright in 2020. The following... Read More about Protective Order Against Elder Abuse Can Be Extended Without Further Abuse

Sign of The Venetian resort and casino in Las Vegas.

California Man Sues After Being Stung by a Scorpion at the Las Vegas Venetian

Luxury Las Vegas hotel the Venetian is facing a personal injury lawsuit after a California man says he was stung by a scorpion during his stay at the resort last year. Sixty-one-year-old Michael Farchi of Agoura Hills was vacationing on the Las Vegas strip with his family when he says... Read More about California Man Sues After Being Stung by a Scorpion at the Las Vegas Venetian

A group of individuals walking in a courtroom setting, with one person in a suit appearing somber.

Unexpected End to Eagles Lyrics Theft Case: Charges Dropped Mid-Trial

In a dramatic turn of events, New York prosecutors have dropped all charges against three collectibles experts previously accused of conspiring to sell stolen handwritten lyrics of the Eagles' iconic song "Hotel California." The decision came unexpectedly in the middle of the trial, following the late disclosure of 6,000 pages... Read More about Unexpected End to Eagles Lyrics Theft Case: Charges Dropped Mid-Trial

Elon Musk smiling at a public event, wearing a tuxedo with a bow tie.

Former Twitter Executives File Lawsuit Against Elon Musk for $128m in Unpaid Severance

Former senior executives of Twitter have initiated a lawsuit against Elon Musk and X Corp., formerly known as Twitter, asserting claims totaling over $128 million in unpaid severance payments. The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, alleges that the executives, including former CEO Parag Agrawal and other top officers,... Read More about Former Twitter Executives File Lawsuit Against Elon Musk for $128m in Unpaid Severance

Image of a person at a promotional event for "13 Reasons Why" by Netflix.

Survivors of Minor Who Committed Suicide Can’t Extend Statute of Limitations to Sue Netflix

In 2007, Netflix broadcast a movie titled “13 Reasons Why” that told the story of a teenager’s suicide and its effect on her friends. Isabella “Bella” Herndon, a minor, watched the show and tragically committed suicide shortly after it aired. Four years after her death, her father and brothers sued... Read More about Survivors of Minor Who Committed Suicide Can’t Extend Statute of Limitations to Sue Netflix

Stacked boxes of Kleenex tissues in bright blue packaging against a dark background.

Connecticut Residents Sue Kleenex Maker Kimberly-Clark Over PFAS Contamination

Kleenex Maker Kimberly-Clark is facing a proposed class action lawsuit after residents in Connecticut say their properties and drinking water were contaminated with PFAS “forever chemicals.” The lawsuit was filed last week in Connecticut federal court and targeted a Kimberly-Clark factory in New Milford, Connecticut. Nearby residents say that the... Read More about Connecticut Residents Sue Kleenex Maker Kimberly-Clark Over PFAS Contamination

Universal Orlando globe entrance with restaurants in the background.

Florida Woman Sues Universal Orlando After She Says She Suffered a Brain Injury While on a Roller Coaster

An Orange County woman and her husband have filed a lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resorts after she says she sustained a traumatic brain injury while on a rollercoaster. Geriann Irwin Clem and her husband Richard Clem filed their lawsuit in Orange County, Florida, last week against Universal City Development Partners,... Read More about Florida Woman Sues Universal Orlando After She Says She Suffered a Brain Injury While on a Roller Coaster

A classroom with empty desks and a whiteboard at the front.

Class Action Suit by College Students Who Said They Were Promised In-Person Instruction During COVID Fails

Even though the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reduced the time COVID-19 sufferers need to isolate, time has not been reduced for COVID-based lawsuits. This week, a California appellate court decided that college students who filed a class action suit asking for tuition refunds because they were promised “in-person... Read More about Class Action Suit by College Students Who Said They Were Promised In-Person Instruction During COVID Fails