State Courts

South Carolina Supreme Court Publicly Reprimands Mark Justin Josephs

The South Carolina Supreme Court has publicly reprimanded attorney Mark Justin Josephs for misconduct including billing discrepancies and failure to maintain financial records. The reprimand stems from an agreement where Josephs admitted to violations of professional conduct rules.

State v. Kierin M. Dennis - Immunity Hearing Decision

The Supreme Court of South Carolina reversed a lower court's decision, ruling that a criminal defendant is not entitled to a second immunity hearing under the Protection of Persons and Property Act following a mistrial. The case is remanded for consideration of other appellate issues.

City of Charleston v. City of North Charleston - Writ of Certiorari Dismissed

The Supreme Court of South Carolina has dismissed the writ of certiorari in the case of City of Charleston v. City of North Charleston. The court determined that the writ was improvidently granted, effectively ending the appellate review of the lower court's decision.

Apostolico v. Pagliaro - Property Tax Dispute

The Supreme Court of Rhode Island affirmed a lower court's amended final judgment regarding property tax responsibility. The court held that the defendant was responsible for her share of property taxes, aligning with precedent from Koszela v. Wilcox.

Bank of America v. Neronha - Trustee Case

The Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's decision designating Miriam Hospital as the alternative beneficiary of several trusts, upholding the selection of a new beneficiary after the original beneficiary, Memorial Hospital, closed. The court found no error in the trial justice's consideration of changed circumstances in healthcare provision.

Destiny Viera v. State of Rhode Island - Criminal Case

The Supreme Court of Rhode Island quashed orders removing an attorney in two criminal cases, finding the removal for a potential conflict of interest was not warranted at the time. The court's decision impacts the right to counsel and attorney selection in criminal proceedings.

State v. Brian Smith - Supreme Court of Rhode Island Opinion

The Supreme Court of Rhode Island affirmed a lower court's order denying a defendant's request for declaratory and injunctive relief in an ongoing criminal proceeding. The defendant had pleaded nolo contendere to child molestation charges.

In the Matter of Raymond T. Trebisacci - Disbarment Order

The Supreme Court of Rhode Island has issued an order disbarring attorney Raymond T. Trebisacci on consent. The order also appoints Special Masters to manage his client files and accounts, ensuring client interests are protected. This action follows an investigation into professional misconduct.

DEP v. Grant Twp. - Environmental Law

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court affirmed an order from the Commonwealth Court in DEP v. Grant Twp. of Indiana Co. The case involves an appeal related to environmental regulations. The court's decision was unanimous and issued on February 18, 2026.

Commonwealth v. Smith - Pennsylvania Supreme Court Opinion

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed an order dismissing a PCRA petition in Commonwealth v. Smith. The court found that the PCRA court improperly dismissed the appellant's claim of ineffective assistance of counsel regarding evidence introduced during a resentencing hearing. The case is remanded for a new penalty-phase hearing.