USA Archive - Law Commentary

Former President Donald Trump speaking at a rally, with an image of a Pulitzer Prize medal in the corner.

Former President Trump sues Pulitzer board alleging defamation when prizes to New York Times and Washington Post are not revoked as per his request

Last week, former President Donald Trump sued the Pulitzer Prize board, claiming they’d defamed him. The lawsuit was not a shock to the Pulitzer board, because Trump had said he’d file a lawsuit after the board wrote and published a specific statement that he found defamatory. The lawsuit was filed... Read More about Former President Trump sues Pulitzer board alleging defamation when prizes to New York Times and Washington Post are not revoked as per his request

Seal of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on a building.

Eight Social Media Influencers Charged with Securities Fraud Following Stock Pump and Dump Scheme

Seven social media influencers have the national spotlight for reasons less appealing than what they're normally accustomed to. Federal prosecutors along with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced last Wednesday that these seven social media influencers, from all corners of the nation, conspired to commit securities fraud amounting to... Read More about Eight Social Media Influencers Charged with Securities Fraud Following Stock Pump and Dump Scheme

Yellow school buses parked along a street outside a school building.

Mother of Child Who Overdosed and Died in an LA School Sues School District

After a Los Angeles teen passed away in her high school's restroom from a suspected fentanyl overdose, her mother filed a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District. Fifteen-year-old Melanie Ramos was a student at Helen Bernstein High School when she tragically lost her life... Read More about Mother of Child Who Overdosed and Died in an LA School Sues School District

Damaged ambulance involved in a serious accident on a highway, with trucks in the background.

Who's at Fault if a Medical Emergency Causes a Car or Truck Crash?

A truck driver was recently killed in an accident on Grand Avenue in Queens, New York, after striking a street pole. Police suspected the man had a medical episode while behind the wheel, which ultimately led to the fatal accident. The accident occurred just hours after another trucker was killed... Read More about Who's at Fault if a Medical Emergency Causes a Car or Truck Crash?

A close-up of uncooked yellow macaroni noodles on a blue background.

Time will tell: Woman sues Kraft Heinz, saying their Velveeta mac and cheese is lying to consumers about how long it takes to make

A Florida woman is suing food manufacturer Kraft Heinz Foods Company for the time it takes to prepare Velveeta microwavable mac and cheese. Amanda Ramirez, part of a class action lawsuit, claims the global food manufacturer is misleading consumers by lying about how long it takes to prepare the cheesy... Read More about Time will tell: Woman sues Kraft Heinz, saying their Velveeta mac and cheese is lying to consumers about how long it takes to make

An image of a smartphone displaying the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website, emphasizing consumer protection resources.

FTC Shuts Down Debt Relief Scam, Customers Out Millions

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced an enforcement action taken against the perpetrators of a credit card debt relief scam. The agency has put a temporary stop to the scheme, which they allege took millions from consumers by falsely claiming the victims could reduce or eliminate their credit card... Read More about FTC Shuts Down Debt Relief Scam, Customers Out Millions

A person holding discount coupons while shopping in a grocery store aisle.

When Is a Coupon Not a Coupon? Attorney Fee Restrictions Under the Class Action Fairness Act

Attorneys for a class of plaintiffs recently pocketed an $8.12 million fee award, taken from a $32 million class action settlement paid by Uber. Several class members objected to the legal fees, arguing that the “coupon” rule under the Class Action Fairness Act prohibited such an award. On November 30,... Read More about When Is a Coupon Not a Coupon? Attorney Fee Restrictions Under the Class Action Fairness Act

A courtroom scene featuring Judge Kristela Cervera during a virtual hearing related to a homicide case involving a ten-year-old boy.

A Killer at Ten: Legal consequences for boy who shot mother over VR headset. He’s being tried as an adult.

A ten-year-old boy from Milwaukee has been charged with the death of his mother. He is being charged with first-degree reckless homicide for the shooting death of his mother, allegedly because of a disagreement about a VR headset he purchased on her Amazon account. In Wisconsin, State laws say that... Read More about A Killer at Ten: Legal consequences for boy who shot mother over VR headset. He’s being tried as an adult.

Stacks of Amazon packages on carts beside a delivery van.

NLRB Scores Pro-Labor Win Against Amazon, Protecting Right to Group Action

Staten Island’s regional branch of the National Labor Relations Board recently won a major victory for Amazon workers in federal court. The NLRB obtained an injunction preventing Amazon from firing employees for engaging in protected “concerted” activities, which may affect the corporate giant’s union-busting tactics across the country. The action... Read More about NLRB Scores Pro-Labor Win Against Amazon, Protecting Right to Group Action

A hand holding a plastic bag of drugs near a person in handcuffs.

Conviction Upheld for Man Who Was Voluntarily Absent From His Trial Due to Illicit Drug Use

He was on trial for first-degree residential burglary. But on the morning of the second day of his trial, he did not show up because of a possible heroin and methamphetamine overdose. The trial court continued his case because they found him “voluntarily absent.” After he lost at trial, the... Read More about Conviction Upheld for Man Who Was Voluntarily Absent From His Trial Due to Illicit Drug Use

A courtroom scene showing a juror pointing while other jurors look on attentively.

Sex Offender Won’t Get New Trial Because Juror Was Seeking Job in D.A.’s Office

A convicted sex offender who was found guilty of contacting and communicating with a minor, appealed his conviction when he learned that one of the jurors in his case had applied for a job in the District Attorney’s office. The District Court denied his motion for a new trial due... Read More about Sex Offender Won’t Get New Trial Because Juror Was Seeking Job in D.A.’s Office

Seattle University banners displayed on campus.

Former Seattle University Students Sue Over Misleading Nursing Program

Four former and current nursing students who attended Seattle University are suing the school with allegations that the school falsely advertised a nursing master's degree program, all while knowing it was not approved to offer the program. Emma Carlson, Casey Chatam, Stephanie Lopez, and Shelby Stephens allege that the private... Read More about Former Seattle University Students Sue Over Misleading Nursing Program

A path marked with a disability access sign, surrounded by greenery and wooden fencing.

Ninth Circuit Upholds Attorney’s Fees Award against Serial ADA Plaintiff

For the second time in six weeks, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a ruling that cracks down on serial filers who try to take advantage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by filing frivolous lawsuits against small businesses that they do not legitimately patronize. In order... Read More about Ninth Circuit Upholds Attorney’s Fees Award against Serial ADA Plaintiff

A person casting a ballot into a voting box, with American flags in the background.

Challenge to California’s Election Recall Procedure Fails

Way back in 1911, California voters approved a Constitutional amendment that allows them to recall and remove their elected officials and State Supreme Court justices. Voters have attempted this 179 times, but only six have been successful. The latest ballot measure, targeting Gov. Gavin Newsom for the seventh time since... Read More about Challenge to California’s Election Recall Procedure Fails

Brittney Griner smiling while seated on a plane after her release from detention in Russia.

Brittney Griner Returns Home as Part of Controversial Prisoner Swap

Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who had been detained for months in Russia, was released last Thursday in a one-for-one prisoner exchange with international arms dealer Viktor Bout. Roger Carstens, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, tweeted, "So happy to have Brittney back on U.S. soil. Welcome home BG!"... Read More about Brittney Griner Returns Home as Part of Controversial Prisoner Swap