Courts & Legal

State v. Oliver - Trial Court Lacked Jury Jurisdiction

The Ohio Court of Appeals reversed a trial court's judgment, finding it lacked jurisdiction to conduct a bench trial without a written jury waiver. The appellant had properly demanded a jury trial for a petty offense, and the record did not show a valid waiver.

State v. Smith - Texting While Driving Conviction

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Justin Smith for prohibited use of an electronic device while driving. The court found sufficient evidence that Smith was manipulating his cell phone while operating his vehicle, upholding the lower court's decision.

State v. Rayner - Ohio Court of Appeals Opinion

The Ohio Court of Appeals is reviewing a trial court's decision to suppress evidence against Melissa Rayner, arrested for OVI. The State argues the trial court erred in granting the motion to suppress, contending the officer had reasonable suspicion for field sobriety tests.

Superior Court Grants/Denies Motion to Suppress

The Delaware Superior Court granted in part and denied in part a motion to suppress evidence obtained from a smartphone search. The court addressed whether the independent source doctrine could validate evidence initially obtained via a general warrant, ultimately holding it could.

SJC Rules Armed Robbery Not Predicate Offense Under Force Clause

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that armed robbery is not a predicate offense under the 'force clause' of G. L. c. 276, § 58A, as it can be committed with minimal force and without a weapon. This decision clarifies the scope of offenses eligible for pretrial detention under this statute.

Matter of J.S. (S.A.) - Medical Neglect Ruling

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York affirmed a Family Court ruling that a mother medically neglected her older child and derivatively neglected her younger child. The court found that the mother's delay in consenting to emergency medical treatment for her older son caused impairment or risk of impairment to his condition.

People v. Rosario - Criminal Conviction Affirmation

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York affirmed a criminal conviction for Juan Rosario. The court rejected the defendant's argument that his extreme emotional disturbance defense should have been accepted by the jury, finding that while he established the subjective element of loss of self-control, the objective element of a reasonable explanation or excuse was not sufficiently established.

People v. Irving - NY Appellate Division Legal Opinion

The New York Appellate Division affirmed a conviction for burglary and criminal impersonation. The court found that while the lineup identification procedure was unduly suggestive, this error did not warrant overturning the conviction.

People v. White - Appellate Court Decision

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York affirmed a judgment against Shaquille White. The court found the sentence imposed was not excessive. This decision was published on March 10, 2026.

Bernstein v. Assaf - Court Opinion

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York affirmed a lower court's decision to confirm an arbitration award and deny a wife's petition to vacate it. The court found no grounds for vacating the award, including claims of arbitrator bias or failure of a condition precedent to arbitration.