Avalon Zoppo is an appellate courts reporter for The National Law Journal. Contact her at [email protected]. On Twitter: @AvalonZoppo.
April 04, 2024 | National Law Journal
7th Circuit Judge Calls Out Smith & Wesson Lawyers for Mass Shooting Description"I'm tempted to take up some of your argument time listing the names of seven people who were killed and 48 who were wounded," Judge David Hamilton said regarding the gun maker's statement in a brief that "several" individuals were killed or wounded during a July 4, 2022, parade.
By Avalon Zoppo
5 minute read
April 02, 2024 | National Law Journal
9th Circuit Weighs if Mandatory Bar Membership Violates 1st Amendment"Is there anything that the Oregon State Bar president can say publicly as the president of the Oregon State Bar with a mandatory membership that you think would not be (constitutionally) problematic?" Judge John Owens asked.
By Avalon Zoppo
5 minute read
March 29, 2024 | National Law Journal
What's in a Name? Group Urges Full 2nd Circuit to Scrap Rule Against PseudonymityThe question could affect a recent influx of lawsuits against corporate diversity initiatives where conservative groups have sued on behalf of anonymous members, said employment lawyer Jason Schwartz.
By Avalon Zoppo
7 minute read
March 27, 2024 | National Law Journal
Federal Judge Presses for Extending Use of Videoconferencing in Criminal ProceedingsA Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure should be tweaked to allow trial judges to conduct pretrial criminal hearings over video conference if the defendant consents, U.S. District Judge Brett Ludwig wrote.
By Avalon Zoppo
4 minute read
March 26, 2024 | National Law Journal
Jeffrey Clark's Ethics Trial Begins, Ex-DOJ Colleague Testifies to Lack of Evidence of Election Fraud"I kind of said [to Clark], 'Where are you getting this from? You're not involved in any of these investigations. You haven't been briefed on anything,'" said Richard Donoghue.
By Avalon Zoppo
4 minute read
March 25, 2024 | National Law Journal
What to Watch for at Ex-DOJ Official Jeffrey Clark's Ethics Hearing This WeekThe D.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel has accused Clark of attempting to engage in conduct involving dishonesty that would interfere with the administration of justice for his alleged role in Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
By Avalon Zoppo
6 minute read
March 22, 2024 | National Law Journal
Manchin Won't Back Judicial Picks With No GOP Votes. What That Means for Biden's Nominees"Manchin's vow would mean that tight margins get even tighter as losing even a single other Democratic senator would sink the judicial nominations," stated Michigan State University political science professor Ian Ostrander.
By Avalon Zoppo
5 minute read
March 21, 2024 | National Law Journal
'Reason to Worry': Ex-DC Circuit Judge Warns of SCOTUS' Embrace of 'Major Questions' DoctrineDavid Tatel also voiced concern for the fall of "Chevron deference."
By Avalon Zoppo
4 minute read
March 21, 2024 | National Law Journal
Biden Picks Federal Prosecutor for 6th Circuit Seat, Makes 4 District Court NominationsIf confirmed, U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz of Western Tennessee would join the Cincinnati-based appellate court.
By Avalon Zoppo
3 minute read
March 20, 2024 | National Law Journal
'Where Does It Stop': 4th Circuit Probes 2nd Amendment Test in Assault Weapons Ban CaseThe appellate court is considering whether Maryland's prohibition is consistent with the United States' "history and tradition" of firearm regulation.
By Avalon Zoppo
5 minute read