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Avalon Zoppo

Avalon Zoppo

Avalon Zoppo is an appellate courts reporter for The National Law Journal. Contact her at [email protected]. On Twitter: @AvalonZoppo.

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April 17, 2024 | National Law Journal

GOP Senators Accuse 6th Circuit Nominee of Prosecutorial Misconduct

Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and his GOP colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee raised a case Kevin Gafford Ritz handled in which a public defender accused the then-assistant U.S. attorney of making misrepresentations to a defense attorney to elicit a guilty plea.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

April 16, 2024 | National Law Journal

7th Circuit Lets Shareholder Intervene in Mootness Fees Spat

"It seems to us that, as an investor in Akorn whose shares' value was affected by the merger and the mootness fees, Frank has a claim in common with the main action; how could it be otherwise?" Judge Frank Easterbrook wrote for the court.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read

April 12, 2024 | National Law Journal

DC Circuit Upholds Sentencing Enhancements for Jan. 6 Rioter Who Assaulted Officer

"Denney was more than prepared to commit violence at the Capitol on January 6th, even if he did not specifically plan to assault Sgt. K.K. with the PVC pipe," Judge J. Michelle Childs wrote for the court.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

April 10, 2024 | National Law Journal

Uniform Bar Admissions Rule for US Trial Courts Draws Opposition from Circuit, District Judges

It's not like it's a Disney one-pass ticket [where] you get on any ride you want," said U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor. "There are unique things about practicing in our court."

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

April 10, 2024 | National Law Journal

Judiciary Rules Committee Will Continue Studying Anti-Judge Shopping Proposal

The panel will also examine how U.S. district courts respond to the suggestion that they randomly assign among all judges in a district any lawsuit where a plaintiff seeks national relief.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

April 09, 2024 | National Law Journal

US Judiciary Panel Suggests Giving Plaintiffs More Flexibility to Voluntarily Narrow Claims

"Generally speaking, the practitioners will tell you that the rule needs to change. How the rule needs to change remains somewhat of a debate," said U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon of the Western District of Pennsylvania.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

April 08, 2024 | National Law Journal

7th Circuit Sends Lawsuits Over Smith & Wesson Marketing Tactics Back to State Court

The litigation was brought by victims of a Fourth of July mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, that killed seven people and wounded 48 in 2022.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

April 05, 2024 | National Law Journal

6th Circuit Judge Worries Court AI Disclosure Rules Could Deter Use of the Tech

"[S]houldn't the output stand on its own—whether it was drafted by a robot, a first year associate, or an experienced partner?" said John Nalbandian.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

April 05, 2024 | National Law Journal

Biden's Judges Have Made the Judiciary More Diverse. How Are They Shaping the Law?

While it's likely too early to see major swings in the law, the president's appointees' individual opinions on criminal law and qualified immunity show the impact the judges' diverse professional backgrounds have on their jurisprudence.

By Avalon Zoppo

9 minute read

April 05, 2024 | Law.com

9th Circuit Judge Traces the History of Dissent

Patrick Bumatay endorses "vigorous dissent," while 20 organizations urge Congress to limit judge shopping.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read