Washington – Of all the events that occur in a federal court, few are more central, or more dramatic, than a criminal trial.
A panel discussion featuring two federal judges, a federal prosecutor and defender, aided by a video of a crime in progress, was recorded and distributed by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to examine how federal criminal trials unfold.
Topeka, Kan. – Six trial-court judges in Kansas filed a lawsuit Dec. 20 against the state Legislature in hopes of forcing it to increase funding for the court system in a move certain to intensify majority Republicans’ ongoing frustrations with the judiciary.
Topeka, Kan. – Kansas’ new chief justice plans to push for changes aimed at helping veterans and the mentally ill and expects to press for a budget increase from a GOP-controlled Legislature that’s likely to remain sharply critical of the state Supreme Court.
Des Moines, Iowa – A proposed class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of liquor retailers alleges that the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division illegally marked up the price of their products for years.
Washington – America’s last prolonged look at Chief Justice John Roberts came 14 years ago, when he told senators during his U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearing that judges should be like baseball umpires, impartially calling balls and strikes.
“Nobody ever went to a ballgame to see the umpire,” he said.
Legal Aid of Nebraska will use $1.25 million in disaster relief funding over the next two years to help low-income Nebraskans living in communities impacted by the March 2019 flooding.
Assistance will include intensive outreach and education, integrated technology and targeted legal services, Legal Aid of Nebraska said in a news release.
Columbus – A star that once shown brightly at the top of a Nebraska courthouse was re-lit Dec. 19 after maintenance crews found the star and refurbished it.
Beatrice – A city attorney under suspension has resigned.
The Beatrice City Administrator Tobias Tempelmeyer said Abigail Stark left her post earlier this month. He’s handling her duties until a replacement is found.
Windsor Heights, Iowa – Five drivers who received tickets from traffic cameras at a notorious speed trap in suburban Des Moines filed a lawsuit last Friday alleging that their rights have been violated.
The proposed class-action lawsuit seeks damages from the City of Windsor Heights, which announced earlier this month that it would remove the speed cameras on University Avenue this spring.
Papillion – The U.S. Department of Labor recently recognized four Nebraska companies for their commitment to veterans.
Berry Law Firm and Persevus LLC received platinum medallions, while Union Pacific and Executive Airborne Solutions received gold medallions. The awards were formally presented Nov. 6 in Washington, D.C., with a local presentation Dec. 9 at 88 Tactical in Sarpy County.