USA Archive - Law Commentary

A man drinking from a water bottle while exercising on a Peloton bike in an upscale home setting.

And Just Like That: Peloton-Inspired Fictional Death Causes Legal Stir After TV Death of Major Character

To the many millions of viewers who eagerly watched the first two episodes of HBO’s follow up to its long-time hit series ‘Sex in the City,' the savagery of time brought some sobering moments to this New York City-centric plotline. One of the four main characters, Samantha, was absent, explained... Read More about And Just Like That: Peloton-Inspired Fictional Death Causes Legal Stir After TV Death of Major Character

Signage for Fuller Theological Seminary at its campus, with individuals walking in the background.

Theological Seminary Unaffiliated With Church Permitted to Ban Gay Students

Two gay students were legally expelled from a theological seminary that was unaffiliated with a church because the Ninth Circuit ruled that Title IX’s exemption for religious organizations covers that institution as well as traditional church-affiliated ones. A three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth... Read More about Theological Seminary Unaffiliated With Church Permitted to Ban Gay Students

A same-sex couple playing with a smiling baby on a bed.

Ninth Circuit Finds Same-Sex Couple Has No Constitutional Right to Keep or Adopt Foster Child

Jason R. was a troubled teen whose mother placed him in foster care because she felt she could not properly look after him. He was placed with a same-sex married couple who soon wished to adopt him. But Jason did not want to be adopted. He wanted to be placed... Read More about Ninth Circuit Finds Same-Sex Couple Has No Constitutional Right to Keep or Adopt Foster Child

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaking at a press event, advocating for new gun legislation inspired by a Texas abortion law.

In a Creative Usage of Supreme Court Decision, California Gov. Uses Model of Texas Abortion Law for Precedent in New Gun Laws

In a creative re-usage of the controversial new Texas Abortion law, SB 8, where anyone, anywhere can sue doctors who perform abortions in the state, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced new legislation that would allow residents to sue firearm manufacturers and sellers. Newsom announced the new proposed gun measures on... Read More about In a Creative Usage of Supreme Court Decision, California Gov. Uses Model of Texas Abortion Law for Precedent in New Gun Laws

A police officer walking away from a police vehicle on a city street.

Top-Ranking Female Official Sues Iowa State Police Over Gender Discrimination, Misspending of Funds

A top-ranking female law enforcement official is suing the Iowa State Police Department after claiming she was the victim of retaliation because she reported gender discrimination and misspending within the department. Charis Paulson began working for the state’s law enforcement agency as a special agent with the Division of Criminal... Read More about Top-Ranking Female Official Sues Iowa State Police Over Gender Discrimination, Misspending of Funds

A person interacting with the touchscreen interface of a Tesla vehicle, showcasing autonomous driving features.

The Road to the Cars That Drive Us Still Congested With Legal Liabilities

In early October 2021, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted that “FSD Beta 10.2,” the latest version of the company’s “self-driving” software, would be rolled out to 1000 of Tesla’s top-rated owners based on their safety scores. As more companies in the auto industry turn to fully autonomous vehicles and enhanced... Read More about The Road to the Cars That Drive Us Still Congested With Legal Liabilities

A group of migrants waiting on a bridge at sunset, with some wearing masks and hooded clothing, illustrating their uncertain journey and situation.

Biden Expands Remain in Mexico Despite International and Domestic Law

The Biden Administration was forced to re-implement Migrant Protection Protocols, more commonly referred to as “Remain in Mexico,” after the Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling ordering the Biden Administration to re-implement the policy “in good faith.” At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the Trump... Read More about Biden Expands Remain in Mexico Despite International and Domestic Law

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaking at a press conference about state funding initiatives.

California Governor’s $80 Million COVID-19 Funds to Undocumented, Unemployed Will Stand

The appellate court’s review of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to allocate $80 million of state funds to help undocumented, unemployed workers during the pandemic is reminiscent of the old saying “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.” The Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate... Read More about California Governor’s $80 Million COVID-19 Funds to Undocumented, Unemployed Will Stand

Attorney General Merrick Garland speaking at a press conference regarding the Department of Justice's lawsuit against Texas over alleged violations of the Voting Rights Act.

Department of Justice Sues Texas Over Alleged Violation of Voting Rights Act

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the State of Texas this week claiming that its newly developed electoral maps for U.S and state voting districts violate Section Two of the Voting Rights Act and asked for a halt on all elections in the state until an interim... Read More about Department of Justice Sues Texas Over Alleged Violation of Voting Rights Act

A house engulfed in flames during a fire incident at night, surrounded by trees.

$50 Million Lawsuit Filed After Home Explosion in Michigan Leaves Two Dead

A $50 million lawsuit has been filed against a utility company on behalf of a Flint, Michigan, woman who was killed during a home explosion just before Thanksgiving. The lawsuit was filed by Fieger Law and alleges that the utility, Consumer Energy, was responsible for the home explosion that killed... Read More about $50 Million Lawsuit Filed After Home Explosion in Michigan Leaves Two Dead

Image of Martin Shkreli surrounded by individuals as he leaves a courthouse.

Drug Company Once Owned by “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli Ordered to pay $40 Million Settlement

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Tuesday that a firm once owned by “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli must pay a $40 million settlement due to bumping the price of medicine by about 4,000 percent. The life-saving drug, Daraprim, was owned exclusively by Shkreli’s formerly owned firm Vyera Pharmaceuticals LLC and... Read More about Drug Company Once Owned by “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli Ordered to pay $40 Million Settlement

Two young girls embrace in front of a memorial at Oxford High School, surrounded by flowers and balloons, as the community mourns the aftermath of a recent school shooting.

Two $100 Million Lawsuits Filed Against Oxford School Officials After Deadly School Shooting

Following the deadly school shooting at Oxford High School over a week ago, the school district is seeing its first two civil lawsuits alleging that the shooting could have been prevented. The first $100 million federal lawsuit was filed by parents Jeffrey and Brandi Franz on behalf of their two... Read More about Two $100 Million Lawsuits Filed Against Oxford School Officials After Deadly School Shooting

Image of a yellow school bus with the words "SCHOOL DISTRICT" on its side, parked in a school environment.

School District Possibly Liable for Unknown Sexual Abuse of Student by Teacher

When is a school district liable for the sexual abuse of a young student by her teacher? When does a duty arise, even if the school district isn’t aware of the sordid conduct? A new appellate ruling in a case about a 13-year old who was groomed, then sexually assaulted... Read More about School District Possibly Liable for Unknown Sexual Abuse of Student by Teacher

A medical professional using a smartphone and laptop while holding a pen, in a clinical setting.

Florida Man Convicted Over Massive $174 Million Telemedicine Pharmacy Fraud Scheme

A Tampa, Florida, man has been convicted by a federal grand jury on 22 counts of mail fraud, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and introduction of a misbranded drug into interstate commerce after his months-long trial ended in early December. Peter Bolos, 44, was accused along with his co-conspirators... Read More about Florida Man Convicted Over Massive $174 Million Telemedicine Pharmacy Fraud Scheme

$200 Million Opioid Settlement for Allergan in New York Follows Numerous Other Drug Firms That Already Settled for Over $1.5 Billion

During the 2 1/2 hour closing arguments in an ongoing opioid trial, brought by New York State and counties alleging the drugmaker Allergan flooded the state with opioids, the firm agreed to a $200 million settlement. The lawsuit was specifically against AbbVie Inc, a company that is part of Allergan,... Read More about $200 Million Opioid Settlement for Allergan in New York Follows Numerous Other Drug Firms That Already Settled for Over $1.5 Billion