USA Archive - Law Commentary

A man wearing a hat speaks outdoors in front of blurred trees.

DC Resident Sues Powerball After $340 Million Win Is Revoked Due to Inaccurate Release of Powerball Numbers

In January 2023, John Cheeks found himself in what seemed to be a life-altering event. Upon discovering that the winning lottery numbers published on the DC Lottery website matched those on his ticket, he was understandably elated. The prize amount? A staggering $340 million. However, what should have been a... Read More about DC Resident Sues Powerball After $340 Million Win Is Revoked Due to Inaccurate Release of Powerball Numbers

Footage of Gabby Petito during a police stop, showing her visibly distressed.

Gabby Petito's Parents Settle Emotional Distress Lawsuit with Parents of Brian Laundrie

The highly publicized case involving the tragic death of Gabby Petito has taken a significant turn as the families of both Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie have reached a settlement in an emotional distress lawsuit. Nichole Schmidt and Joseph Petito, Gabby Petito's parents, initiated legal action against Christopher and Roberta... Read More about Gabby Petito's Parents Settle Emotional Distress Lawsuit with Parents of Brian Laundrie

Ruby Franke in court during her sentencing for child abuse charges.

Disgraced Parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke Receives Sentence for Child Abuse

YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke, who admitted to aggravated child abuse of two of her children, received a sentencing on Tuesday, facing four consecutive prison terms of one to 15 years each, with the actual duration left to the discretion of the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole. Franke was apprehended... Read More about Disgraced Parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke Receives Sentence for Child Abuse

A group of supporters and advocates holding signs at a press conference addressing the lawsuit filed by former inmate Susie Balfour against the Mississippi Department of Corrections for delayed cancer diagnosis and inadequate medical care.

Former Mississippi Inmate Says Prison Delayed Her Cancer Diagnosis Until It Was Terminal

Sixty-two-year-old Susie Balfour has filed a lawsuit against the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) after she says the correction facility medical contractors repeatedly denied her medical treatment, causing her a delayed breast cancer diagnosis. The cancer has since become terminal after spreading to other parts of her body, including her... Read More about Former Mississippi Inmate Says Prison Delayed Her Cancer Diagnosis Until It Was Terminal

Police vehicle with caution tape reading "POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS" and "TO PROTECT AND SERVE."

“Unconscious Bias” Should Bar Motion by Police Officer Who Claimed He Didn’t Know Defendant’s Race

In the past four years, California has enacted two “Racial Justice Acts” (Acts) that allow individuals to petition courts for relief if they believe there was racial bias in their charges, convictions or sentences. The laws were enacted due to concern that criminal prosecutions and sentences in the state “are... Read More about “Unconscious Bias” Should Bar Motion by Police Officer Who Claimed He Didn’t Know Defendant’s Race

A group of educators holding signs in support of the Newton Teachers Association strike outside a government building.

Massachusetts Parents File Class Action Lawsuit Over 11-Day Teacher Strike

Parents in Newton, Massachusetts, have filed a class action lawsuit against several education organizations after a teacher strike left Newton schools closed for 11 days before a deal was finally reached. The lawsuit was filed by three Newtown parents in Middlesex Superior Court last Friday. Their complaint names local, state,... Read More about Massachusetts Parents File Class Action Lawsuit Over 11-Day Teacher Strike

A police helicopter in flight, relevant to a legal case involving the aiming of a laser pointer at an aircraft.

Defendant’s Shout Makes Police Search Non-Consensual

Police officers went to Brett Parkins’ home to search it because he was suspected of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. Parkins’ girlfriend was about to allow the officers to enter his Huntington Beach, California, home when he yelled, “Don’t let the cops in and don’t talk to them.” ... Read More about Defendant’s Shout Makes Police Search Non-Consensual

Former Rep. George Santos speaking during an event, wearing a suit and tie, with a backdrop of an American flag.

Former Rep. George Santos Sues Jimmy Kimmel, ABC, and Disney for Fraud and Copyright Infringement

In a civil lawsuit filed over the weekend, former New York Rep. George Santos alleges that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, along with ABC and Disney, engaged in fraud and copyright infringement by tricking him into making personalized videos on the app Cameo. Cameo is a platform that allows people to... Read More about Former Rep. George Santos Sues Jimmy Kimmel, ABC, and Disney for Fraud and Copyright Infringement

Exterior view of the Alabama Supreme Court building with the American flag in the foreground.

Alabama Supreme Court Ruling on Frozen Embryos Sparks Widespread Concern for Fertility Treatments

On Friday, February 16th, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos can be considered "children" under state law. This controversial decision emerged from a set of wrongful death cases where three couples sued a fertility clinic after their frozen embryos were destroyed in an accident. The state's top court,... Read More about Alabama Supreme Court Ruling on Frozen Embryos Sparks Widespread Concern for Fertility Treatments

Image of a rock band from the 1970s, featuring five male musicians posing for a group photo.

Rare Eagles Lyrics Manuscripts Involved in Criminal Trial

In a legal battle over rock 'n' roll memorabilia, three men face charges in a New York courtroom for allegedly attempting to sell original manuscripts of the Eagles' iconic song "Hotel California" without proper ownership rights. The defendants, rare-book dealer Glenn Horowitz, former Rock & Roll Hall of Fame curator... Read More about Rare Eagles Lyrics Manuscripts Involved in Criminal Trial

A person interacting with the Tinder dating app on a mobile phone.

Lawsuit Against Popular Dating Apps Says the Apps Are Designed to Be Addictive, Not Help Users Find Love

Popular dating apps are doing more than just pairing hopeful romantics with a partner they can spend the rest of their lives with. A new lawsuit filed on Valentine's Day accuses the apps of luring users with the promise of love, only to trap them in an addictive cycle that... Read More about Lawsuit Against Popular Dating Apps Says the Apps Are Designed to Be Addictive, Not Help Users Find Love

Statue of a Boy Scout in front of the Boy Scouts of America headquarters.

Supreme Court Justice Alito Temporarily Halts Boy Scouts' $2.46 Billion Abuse Settlement

In a significant legal development, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has issued a temporary halt to the Boy Scouts of America's $2.46 billion settlement intended to resolve decades of sex abuse claims. This pause comes as the Court considers an appeal from a group of 144 abuse claimants who... Read More about Supreme Court Justice Alito Temporarily Halts Boy Scouts' $2.46 Billion Abuse Settlement

Cam’ron wearing a fuzzy pink coat and hat, holding a pink flip phone.

Cam’ron Ordered to Pay $50,000 in Copyright Infringement Case Over Merchandise Photo

In a notable copyright infringement case, rapper Cam’ron, legally known as Cameron Giles, and his company Dipset Couture have been ordered by a federal judge to compensate photographer Djamilla Cochran more than $50,000. The legal action stemmed from Cam’ron's unauthorized use of Cochran’s photograph, which captures the iconic image of... Read More about Cam’ron Ordered to Pay $50,000 in Copyright Infringement Case Over Merchandise Photo

A large esports event with spectators, a stage featuring gaming setups, and a celebratory atmosphere.

Activision Blizzard Faces Antitrust Lawsuit Over 'Call of Duty' Competitive Scene

Video game giant Activision Blizzard is confronting a lawsuit alleging anticompetitive practices within the esports arena of its popular series, "Call of Duty." Filed in a Los Angeles federal court by professional gamers Hector Rodriguez and Seth Abner, the lawsuit accuses Activision of monopolizing the market for "Call of Duty"... Read More about Activision Blizzard Faces Antitrust Lawsuit Over 'Call of Duty' Competitive Scene

A performer in a Snow White costume smiling and expressing joy.

Disneyland Performers Seek Unionization with Actors' Equity Association

Performers at Disneyland, who bring iconic characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy to life, are making moves to join the Actors' Equity Association, a prominent labor union that represents live theatrical performers. This push towards unionization aims to secure better pay, benefits, and working conditions for those who... Read More about Disneyland Performers Seek Unionization with Actors' Equity Association