The North Carolina Supreme Court has issued a ruling in the case of *State v. Demetria L. Norman*, modifying and affirming a lower court’s decision regarding a search warrant. The core issue revolved around whether evidence obtained by law enforcement during a “knock and talk” at Ms. Norman’s residence was…
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Court Rules Landlord Can’t Collect Attorney Fees After Tenant’s Case Dismissed
A recent decision from the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals clarifies when a landlord can recover attorney fees from a tenant in a commercial lease dispute. The court ruled that the trial court correctly decided it lacked the authority to award attorney fees to the tenant, Nofal Foods, LLC,…
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Indiana Supreme Court Weighs in on Insurer’s Duty in Multi-Claimant Accidents
In a recent decision, the Indiana Supreme Court addressed a complex issue facing insurance companies: what to do when multiple people are injured in an accident, and the available insurance money isn’t enough to cover all the claims. The court clarified an insurer’s responsibilities in these situations, providing guidance on…
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Tennessee Court Upholds Judge’s Impartiality in Tax Exemption Case
In a recent decision, the Tennessee Court of Appeals has affirmed a lower court’s ruling, dismissing a motion to have the trial judge recuse herself from a property tax exemption case. The appeal, filed by Senior Pastor Charles Dowell, Jr. and Priest Baldwin Hutchinson, centered on their belief that Chancellor…
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Chimpanzees Not “Persons” Under Michigan Law, Court Rules
The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled against a nonprofit organization seeking to grant habeas corpus rights to seven chimpanzees. The court affirmed a lower court’s decision, stating that chimpanzees are not “persons” and therefore are not eligible for the legal remedy that protects against unlawful imprisonment. This decision settles…
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Hersey Loses Usury Claim, Ordered to Pay on Loan
The United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire has ruled in favor of WPB Partners, LLC, in a case brought by Mary Hersey. The court granted summary judgment to WPB Partners on both Hersey’s claim of usury and WPB Partners’ counterclaim for breach of contract. This means…
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Court Rules in Favor of Gun Shop Owner in Premises Liability Case
The Court of Appeals of Georgia has sided with John Welch Jr., the owner of a gun and pawn shop, in a premises liability case brought by Bobby Ray Stevens and Kelli Mayfield, the executor of the estate of Olivia Stevens. The case stemmed from an accident where Stevens’ vehicle…
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Court Says No Dice: Water Runoff Dispute Stays in Place
The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals has upheld a lower court’s decision in a water runoff dispute, leaving a permanent injunction against property owners in place. The case, *Billy Ray Morris v. Celeste R. Lazzari and Cynthia Lazzari*, revolves around a 2022 judgment that ordered the Lazzaris to prevent water…
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Court Upholds Conviction of Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper in Domestic Assault Case
A Tennessee appeals court has affirmed the convictions of Nicholas S. Collins, a former Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) trooper, on charges of domestic assault, assault, and aggravated domestic assault. The case stemmed from an incident in February 2022, shortly after Collins’ wife, Whitney Collins, had moved out of their home…
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Dog Owner Convicted After Pit Bulls Attack Child
Ray Lee Cockrell has been found guilty of injury to a child by omission after his pit bulls attacked a visiting grandchild, Nathan Smith. The incident occurred when the dogs left Cockrell’s property and encountered Nathan in the woods. The Bowie County jury delivered a guilty verdict and sentenced Cockrell…