Monday, March 08, 2010

Legal News – Weekly Newsletter for March 1-8, 2010

Monday, March 8, 2010


UN tribunal to arbiter Delhi-Dhaka maritime border depute

DHAKA – The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea has nominated three judges to constitute an arbitration tribunal on the Bangladesh-India maritime boundary dispute.

The judges are Rudiger Wolfrum of Germany, Tullio Treves of Italy and Ivan Anthony Shearer of Australia. Wolfrum will preside over the tribunal.
Bangladesh has nominated Alan Vaughen Lowe, a …. Source article  : UN tribunal to arbiter Delhi-Dhaka maritime border depute.

Court fines tenant for harassing owner

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has slapped a fine of Rs.350,000 on a tenant for prolonging a legal case and depriving the owner of the benefits of his property.

Justice S.N. Dhingra last week imposed the fine as an exemplary cost for the delay caused. He dismissed the petition.
Pulling up the petitioner for … Read more : Court fines tenant for harassing owner.

‘Liberated’ women manual scavengers meet US ambassador

NEW DELHI – It was a proud moment for the “liberated” women manual scavengers when they were received by US Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer and his wife Sally at their Roosevelt House residence here.

The group of 100 women have left behind their ignominious job of manual scavenging – cleaning human excreta with the hands, an …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘PMO approval not taken for ad featuring ex-Pakistani air chief’

NEW DELHI – The union ministry of women and child development did not seek the mandatory approval of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) before publishing the prime minister’s photograph in a controversial advertisement featuring a former Pakistani air force chief, the answer to a Right to Information (RTI) application has revealed.

The revelation was made by … Read : ‘PMO approval not taken for ad featuring ex-Pakistani air chief’.

Help civic agency solve water woes, court tells residents

NEW DELHI – Fed up with not receiving water supply for nearly three months, a resident of east Delhi’s Shahdara area has approached the Delhi High Court, which in turn has asked residents of the area to help the civic authorities solve the water crisis.

A division bench of acting Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and … Read more >>>.

Yorkshire Ripper urges court to set him free

LONDON – British serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, who was convicted of murdering 13 women and attacking seven others in Yorkshire and Lancashire in late 1980, is reportedly seeking a High Court ruling which could see him freed.

Sutcliffe – dubbed as Yorkshire Ripper – is asking the High Court to grant him a “finite minimum sentence”, …. Source  : Yorkshire Ripper urges court to set him free.

Auckland jury retires from Indian-origin liquor store owner’s trial

AUCKLAND – An Auckland High Court jury has ended the second day’s deliberations in Indian-origin south Auckland liquor store owner Navtej Singh’s June 2008 murder without a verdict.

The jury that was adjourned just before 5pm was meant … Read more : Auckland jury retires from Indian-origin liquor store owner’s trial.

Concern over health of Cuban prisoner on hunger strike

Havana, March 2 (IANS/EFE) The health of Cuban dissident Guillermo Farias, who has been on a hunger strike for five days calling for the release of the country’s roughly 200 political prisoners, was worsening and he was showing signs of acute dehydration, his mother said.

“He has symptoms of dehydration, headaches and joint pain,” Alicia Hernandez, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Concern over health of Cuban prisoner on hunger strike.

O.J. Simpson, Fred Goldman, attorneys agree to donate ‘acquittal suit’ to Smithsonian

All sides agree to donate Simpson ‘acquittal suit’

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – After 13 years of legal battles, O.J. Simpson, his former agent, and Fred Goldman have agreed to donate Simpson’s so-called “acquittal suit” to the Smithsonian Institution.
The agreement came Monday during a court hearing after a judge called Simpson at a Nevada prison where he … Original article on : O.J. Simpson, Fred Goldman, attorneys agree to donate ‘acquittal suit’ to Smithsonian.

Haiti judge says he likely to order release of Americans detained in orphan case after hearing

Haiti judge: Likely to order Americans released

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A Haitian judge says he will likely order the release of the last two Americans detained for trying to take 33 children out of the country after the earthquake.
Judge Bernard Saint-Vil tells The Associated Press he expects to resolve the case after a hearing Tuesday.
Saint-Vil said …. Read the original article  : Haiti judge says he likely to order release of Americans detained in orphan case after hearing.

Judge overrules daughter, says Colo. woman’s remains can be frozen in hopes of future revival

Judge rules Colorado woman’s remains can be frozen

DENVER – The remains of a Colorado woman can be frozen by an Arizona nonprofit organization in hopes future technology will be able to revive her, a judge ruled Monday in granting the woman’s original wish, despite her daughter’s protest.
The final will of Mary Robbins, 71, gives custody … Read more >>>.

Man held after huge movie billboard draped on Hollywood building near Oscar site

LA man held after huge movie ad draped on building

LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles businessman who was arrested for investigation of draping a huge movie billboard over a Hollywood building near the site of the upcoming Oscars is due in court after a weekend in jail.
City attorney spokesman John Franklin says 49-year-old Kayvan Setareh …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Merck: Last Vioxx payouts coming soon from $4.85B fund to settle heart attack, stroke lawsuits

Merck: Last Vioxx patient payouts to be made soon

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. – Drugmaker Merck & Co. says it’s finished paying $4.85 billion into its fund to settle tens of thousands of claims that withdrawn painkiller Vioxx caused heart attacks or strokes.
The final payouts to those patients or their survivors should be made by the end …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Utah woman gets another chance to save her home after losing title over unpaid $68 dental bill

Unpaid $68 dental bill dogs Utah homeowner

SALT LAKE CITY – A Utah woman who lost title to her house over an unpaid $68 dental bill has been given a reprieve.
The Utah Court of Appeals ruled Capri Ramos is entitled to another opportunity to void the sale of her house at a county auction for $1,550.
The …. Original article  : Utah woman gets another chance to save her home after losing title over unpaid $68 dental bill.

Supreme Court dismisses appeal of Chinese Muslims at Guantanamo Bay, says other options exist

Court dismisses Uighurs’ appeal in detention case

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal from the seven Chinese Muslim detainees at Guantanamo Bay because they have been offered another place to live.
The justices also said Monday lower courts should take a new look at their case, however. The court had been scheduled to hear …. Original article  : Supreme Court dismisses appeal of Chinese Muslims at Guantanamo Bay, says other options exist.

Auckland jury retires for third day from Indian-origin liquor store owner’s trial

LONDON – An Auckland High Court jury has ended the third day’s deliberations in Indian-origin south Auckland liquor store owner Navtej Singh’s June 2008 murder without a verdict.

The jury that was adjourned after 15 hours of deliberations was meant to ascertain whether seven people are guilty of various charges in connection with the June 2008 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Child services probes stun gun sent to Jackson home; attorney says children were never exposed

Child services probes stun gun at Jackson home

LOS ANGELES – An attorney for Michael Jackson’s mother confirms that child services workers are investigating the presence of a stun gun at the Jackson family home, but he says the late singer’s children were never exposed to the weapon.
Attorney Adam Streisand confirmed the investigation Tuesday but said …. Source article  : Child services probes stun gun sent to Jackson home; attorney says children were never exposed.

Family of California Highway Patrol officer killed in Lexus crash sues Toyota

Family of officer killed in crash sues Toyota

SAN DIEGO – Relatives of a California Highway Patrol officer killed along with three family members when their Lexus crashed in San Diego County have sued Toyota for product liability and negligence.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday in San Diego Superior Court names Toyota Motor Corp., several of its U.S. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Family of California Highway Patrol officer killed in Lexus crash sues Toyota.

Adani case: Gujarat High Court judge pulls up registrar

AHMEDABAD – A Gujarat High Court judge has pulled up the court registrar for placing before him a petition by “rich and powerful” businessman Rajesh Adani without completing the official procedure.

Justice A.S. Dave in an order reprimanded Registrar (judicial) G.K. Upadhyay Tuesday for “unnecessary haste” in moving the case before him. “The rich and the … Read more »»».

Mexico accuses 10 immigration agents, 3 airline workers of Chinese migrant trafficking

Trafficking probe nets 10 Mexican migration agents

MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s interior department says prosecutors have detained 10 Mexican immigration agents and three airline workers at Cancun’s international airport on suspicion of trafficking Chinese migrants.
The department says in a statement that the agents, along with the two Mexicana Airlines employees and a worker of Livingston Air, … Original article on : Mexico accuses 10 immigration agents, 3 airline workers of Chinese migrant trafficking.

Attorney says Michael Jackson’s children were never exposed to stun gun; investigation ongoing

Attorney: Jackson kids weren’t exposed to stun gun

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson’s children were never exposed to a mail-order stun gun recently delivered to the family’s home, an attorney for the late singer’s mother said Tuesday.
Child services workers are investigating the incident, but attorney Adam Streisand said the stun gun was confiscated before any harm … Original source on Gaea Times at : Attorney says Michael Jackson’s children were never exposed to stun gun; investigation ongoing.

US Supreme Court could declare individual right to own guns

WASHINGTON – The US Supreme Court appeared to be leaning toward granting all Americans the right to own firearms, in the latest landmark case Tuesday involving gun rights in the country.

The justices in the country’s highest court heard oral arguments over a three-decade-old city ban on handguns in Chicago. The debate revolves around how far [..] Read the original article: here.

APNewsBreak: Wash. changes execution method from three-drug cocktail to one-drug injection

APNewsBreak: WA changes execution method
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington state has changed its method of execution from a three-drug cocktail to a one-drug system, according to paperwork filed Tuesday with the state Supreme Court.

The filing by state Attorney General Rob McKenna reveals that the state made the decision last Thursday. It wants the high court to …. Original article  : APNewsBreak: Wash. changes execution method from three-drug cocktail to one-drug injection.

Smithsonian turns down donation of suit worn by OJ Simpson during 1995 acquittal announcement

Smithsonian turns down suit worn by OJ Simpson
LOS ANGELES – What O.J. Simpson wore when he was acquitted in 1995 of murdering his ex-wife and her friend was the suit seen around the world during one of the most watched televised moments in history.
But the Smithsonian Institution, America’s repository of historical artifacts, rejected …. Source article  : Smithsonian turns down donation of suit worn by OJ Simpson during 1995 acquittal announcement.

AP Interview: Arenas shrugs off nerves as sentencing nears, ‘no problem’ returning to Wizards

AP Interview: Arenas shrugs off sentencing nerves

WASHINGTON – As he has done many times in the month of March, Gilbert Arenas took off his shirt in a building full of adoring fans.
This time, though, he was simply changing into a T-shirt with the PETA logo, not removing his Washington Wizards jersey to toss into the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : AP Interview: Arenas shrugs off nerves as sentencing nears, ‘no problem’ returning to Wizards.

Murdered Auckland Indian store owner’s family shocked over verdict

AUCKLAND – The family of Navtej Singh, the Indian-origin Manurewa liquor store owner who was murdered on June 7, 2008, has expressed shock over a high court’s not guilty verdict for three of the seven convicts involved in the case.

Daljit Singh, a close family friend, said while they respected the jury’s decision and the New …. Original article  : Murdered Auckland Indian store owner’s family shocked over verdict.

Colorado family won’t appeal judge’s decision to allow their mother’s remains to be frozen

Colo. family won’t file appeal for frozen remains

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A Colorado family has decided not to appeal a judge’s decision to allow their mother’s remains to be cryogenically frozen.
Mary Robbins, 71, signed a contract with Alcor Life Extension Foundation in 2006 and set aside $50,000 to pay for her preservation. She died of …. Original article  : Colorado family won’t appeal judge’s decision to allow their mother’s remains to be frozen.

Chinese fans abuzz over whether Yao Ming’s baby will be an American

China fans ask, will Yao Ming’s baby be American?

BEIJING – Chinese basketball fans want to know – will Yao Ming’s baby be an American?
The Houston Rockets center, who is sidelined this season with a broken left foot, recently returned to the United States with wife Ye Li. That prompted speculation among his followers that the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Chinese fans abuzz over whether Yao Ming’s baby will be an American.

Army bomb expert sues ‘Hurt Locker’ makers, claiming main character is based on him

Army bomb expert says ‘Hurt Locker’ based on him

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – An Army bomb disposal expert who served in the Iraq war is suing the makers of “The Hurt Locker,” claiming the Oscar-nominated film’s lead character is based on him and that they cheated him out of “financial participation in the film.
Attorney Geoffrey Fieger said … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Army bomb expert sues ‘Hurt Locker’ makers, claiming main character is based on him.

War crimes prosecutor suspects both parties guilty of stoking 2007 Kenyan election violence

Prosecutor has 20 suspects in 2007 Kenya violence

AMSTERDAM – An international prosecutor probing the deadly violence that rocked Kenya after the 2007 elections said Wednesday he believes top officials from both major parties were responsible for crimes against humanity, and he has a list of 20 suspects.
Luis Moreno Ocampo, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : War crimes prosecutor suspects both parties guilty of stoking 2007 Kenyan election violence.

Michael Jackson’s ex Debbie Rowe wins $27k judgment against Florida woman in defamation case

Debbie Rowe wins judgment in defamation case

LOS ANGELES – A judge has granted Michael Jackson’s ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, a $27,000 judgment against a woman who she says gave false information to reporters about her after the singer’s death.
The amount includes $10,000 in damages for Rowe’s emotional distress that she says she suffered after the interview … Read more >>>.

Court questions if former Somali official can be sued by victims of atrocities in US courts

Court questions suit against former Somali leader

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court is questioning whether a former prime minister of Somalia can be sued in U.S. courts for allegedly overseeing killings and other atrocities.
Mohamed Ali Samantar was defense minister and prime minister of Somalia in the 1980s and early 1990s under dictator Siad Barre. But he … Original source on Gaea Times at : Court questions if former Somali official can be sued by victims of atrocities in US courts.

British court refuses bail for ex-Bosnian Vice President Ejup Ganic on war crimes charges

UK court refuses bail to former Bosnian politician

LONDON – A British judge has ordered former Bosnian Vice President Ejup Ganic held in custody despite a request to release him while he challenges a Serbian demand that he be extradited for alleged war crimes.
District Judge Quentin Purdy on Wednesday ordered Ganic detained until a future hearing … Original article on : British court refuses bail for ex-Bosnian Vice President Ejup Ganic on war crimes charges.

Pak SC gives two-week deadline to government to report about missing persons

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Supreme Court has given two weeks time to the federal government to submit report regarding all missing persons.

Hearing petitions filed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and relatives of those missing , a three-member bench of the apex … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pak SC gives two-week deadline to government to report about missing persons.

La. senator wants to see if deaths are linked to Chinese drywall; fed officials say no link

La. senator: Are deaths linked to Chinese drywall?

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Sen. David Vitter has called for federal officials to do a more thorough review of the deaths of several people who lived in homes that contained smelly, possibly toxic Chinese drywall.
Federal officials at the Consumer Protection Safety Commission said they have investigated and found …. Original article  : La. senator wants to see if deaths are linked to Chinese drywall; fed officials say no link.

Jury awards 13 plaintiffs $825K each in lawsuit against Premium Standard Farms in Mo.

Jury awards plaintiffs $11M total in hog lawsuit

A Jackson County jury awarded more than $11 million on Thursday to plaintiffs in a lawsuit over the odors from a Premium Standard Farms hog operation in northern Missouri.
The awards included $825,000 for each of the 13 plaintiffs. A 14th plaintiff was awarded $250,000, and the 15th got …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Jury awards 13 plaintiffs $825K each in lawsuit against Premium Standard Farms in Mo..

Son of photographer Ansel Adams sues to stop Calif. art museum from selling dad’s prints

Ansel Adams’ son sues Calif. museum over prints

FRESNO, Calif. – The son of legendary photographer Ansel Adams is suing the Fresno Metropolitan Museum to keep the now-defunct museum from auctioning off six of his father’s prints.
Adams’ son, Michael, filed a lawsuit Monday in Fresno County Superior Court to keep the board from selling his father’s … Read more »».

Judge denies NFL request to move lawsuits over Minn. Vikings suspensions back to federal court

NFL loses bid to move doping case to federal court

MINNEAPOLIS – The NFL has lost a last-minute bid to have a federal court hear a lawsuit by two Minnesota Vikings facing suspension for using a banned substance.
U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson on Thursday denied the league’s request to move the lawsuit filed by defensive tackles …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Judge denies NFL request to move lawsuits over Minn. Vikings suspensions back to federal court.

Former Infinity Ward studio heads sue Activision over firing

Former studio heads sue Activision after firing

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Two game studio heads fired by Activision this week are suing the video game publisher, saying it let them go to avoid paying hefty royalties from the popular “Call of Duty.”
In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, Jason West and Vince …. Source article  : Former Infinity Ward studio heads sue Activision over firing.

Appeals court overturns $5 million judgment against author Clive Cussler over ‘Sahara’ film

$5 million judgment against Clive Cussler reversed

LOS ANGELES – A California appeals court has overturned a $5 million judgment against author Clive Cussler in a long-running lawsuit over the film “Sahara.”
The ruling Wednesday by the California Second District Court of Appeal could restart the legal feud between Cussler and Crusader Entertainment that started in 2004.
In … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Appeals court overturns $5 million judgment against author Clive Cussler over ‘Sahara’ film.

NFL asks to move lawsuits over Minnesota Vikings suspensions back to federal court

NFL seeks to move doping case to federal court

MINNEAPOLIS – The NFL wants to move lawsuits by two Minnesota Vikings facing suspension for using a banned diuretic back to federal court – nearly on the eve of trial.
The league has filed notice that it wants to move the lawsuits filed by defensive tackles Kevin Williams … Read more »».

UK to restrict war crimes prosecution for events abroad after warrants issued for Israelis

UK to restrict prosecution for war crimes abroad

LONDON – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Thursday he would move to block private groups from launching war crimes prosecutions against visiting foreign dignitaries, following a controversy inflamed when an arrest warrant was issued for former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.
Brown said that Britain’s principle of universal … Original article on : UK to restrict war crimes prosecution for events abroad after warrants issued for Israelis.

Obama calls in key senators to discuss immigration legislation

President to meet with key senators on immigration
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to focus attention on immigration next week by meeting at the White House with two senators crafting a bill on the issue.
White House spokesman Nicholas Shapiro said Obama will meet with Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and Republican …. Original source  : Obama calls in key senators to discuss immigration legislation.

British soldier who refused to return to Afghanistan sentenced to jail

British soldier jailed for refusing Afghan tour

LONDON – A British soldier who refused to serve in Afghanistan and spoke out against the war has been sentenced to nine months in jail.
Lance Cpl. Joe Glenton failed to report to a barracks in 2007 before a second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He had served in the … Read more »»».

Wis. judge orders Mercedes-Benz to pay $482K in damages, fees in notable ‘lemon law’ case

Mercedes-Benz hit with large ‘lemon law’ judgment

MADISON, Wis. – A judge is ordering Mercedes-Benz to pay $482,000 in damages and legal fees to a Wisconsin customer who was sold a defective car and not given a refund on time.
Vince Megna, a lawyer who represents the customer, says the judgment could be the largest involving a …. Original source  : Wis. judge orders Mercedes-Benz to pay $482K in damages, fees in notable ‘lemon law’ case.

Wife of convicted UK aircraft bomb plotter found innocent of failing to pass on information

Wife of UK aircraft bomb plotter found innocent

LONDON – A London jury has acquitted the wife of a convicted bomb plotter of failing to pass on information to authorities.
Cossor Ali was declared not guilty on Friday following a three-week trial.
Her husband, Abdulla Ahmed Ali, was convicted in September of leading a conspiracy to murder hundreds …. Source  : Wife of convicted UK aircraft bomb plotter found innocent of failing to pass on information.

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