A Tennessee appeals court has upheld a lower court’s decision in a complex property dispute between a local church and a regional branch of the United Methodist Church. The case, which centered on the ownership of a parsonage, involved questions of church governance, trust law, and allegations of judicial bias.…
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Court Reverses Dismissal of Post-Conviction Petition in McLeod Case
The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals has overturned a lower court’s decision to dismiss Whitcliffe McLeod’s post-conviction petition. The appellate court found that the trial court abused its discretion by summarily dismissing the petition, which alleged ineffective assistance of counsel. The case is now being sent back to the lower…
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Custodia Bank’s Fight for a Fed Account: A Clash Over Discretion and Access
The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals has weighed in on a significant legal battle between Custodia Bank, Inc., a Wyoming-based bank focused on digital assets, and the Federal Reserve System. The court’s decision, handed down on October 31, 2025, centers on whether the Federal Reserve Banks have the discretion to…
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College Student Loses Appeal in Tuition Debt Case
A recent court decision has upheld a lower court’s ruling in a case involving a former student of Columbus State Community College (CSCC) who was sued for unpaid tuition. The Second Appellate District of Ohio affirmed the trial court’s decision to grant summary judgment in favor of CSCC, meaning the…
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Wrongful Death Lawsuit Dismissed: Appeals Court Upholds Summary Judgments in Dram Shop Cases
A fatal car accident has led to a legal battle, and the Georgia Court of Appeals has sided with two establishments that served alcohol to the driver involved. The court affirmed the lower court’s decision to grant summary judgment in favor of Fish Tale Restaurants, LLC, and RJM Trading, Inc.,…
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Ohio Appeals Court Affirms Conviction in Dog Shelter Case
The Tenth Appellate District Court of Ohio has upheld the Franklin County Municipal Court’s decision to convict Larisa Whitfield of violating Ohio law regarding the care of companion animals. The case centered around allegations that Whitfield failed to provide adequate shelter for her two pit bull-type dogs. Background of the…
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Casino Dreams Dashed: Court Sides with Tribe on Due Process, But Reconsideration Continues
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, after years of effort, saw their plans for a casino in Vallejo, California, hit a major snag. A recent court decision, stemming from a dispute with the Department of the Interior, has partially sided with the tribe, but the legal battle is far…
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School’s Punishment for Racially Charged Social Media Post Reversed by Appeals Court
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned a lower court’s decision, ruling that a New York school district violated a high school student’s First Amendment rights when it disciplined him for an off-campus social media post. The case, *Leroy v. Livingston Manor Central School District*, centers on a photo…
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School’s Punishment for Off-Campus Social Media Post Reversed by Court
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned a lower court’s decision, ruling that a New York school district violated a student’s First Amendment rights when it disciplined him for an off-campus social media post. The case, *Leroy v. Livingston Manor Central School District*, centered on a high school senior’s…
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Utah Supreme Court Issues Public Reprimand to Former County Attorney for Prejudicial Statements
The Utah Supreme Court has issued a public reprimand to David O. Leavitt, the former Utah County Attorney, for violating Rule 3.6 of the Utah Rules of Professional Conduct. This rule restricts attorneys from making extrajudicial statements that could prejudice legal proceedings. The case stems from comments Leavitt made during…