United States

Georgia Supreme Court Reverses Murder Convictions in Owens v. State

The Georgia Supreme Court reversed Maria Owens's murder convictions, finding the trial court gave an erroneous jury charge. While Owens may be retried for felony murder, her child cruelty conviction remains unchanged, though its sentence was vacated. The court's decision addresses complex issues of mutually exclusive verdicts and the law of the case doctrine.

Supreme Court Georgia: Wilmington Trust v Ameritas

The Supreme Court of Georgia addressed whether a life insurance policy was void under Georgia law as an illegal wagering contract on human life. The court clarified the circumstances under which a third party can be considered to have "procured or caused to be procured" a life insurance policy, even if the insured played a role.

City of Southfield v. Advance Auto Parts, Inc. - Securities Fraud Appeal

The Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court's dismissal of a securities fraud case against Advance Auto Parts, Inc. The court found that the plaintiffs failed to adequately allege scienter, or wrongful intent, in their claims that the company and its former officers manipulated accounting to mislead investors. The decision upholds the lower court's ruling.

Fourth Circuit Denies Petition for Writ of Mandamus

The Fourth Circuit denied a petition for a writ of mandamus filed by Roberto Antoine Darden. The petition alleged undue delay by the district court in acting on a motion to alter or amend a previous order. The appellate court found the district court had recently ruled on the motion, rendering the petition moot.

Brandon Case v. Officer Beasley - Opinion Vacated and Remanded

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated and remanded the district court's decision in Brandon Case v. Officer Beasley. The court found that genuine disputes of material fact remain regarding the correctional officers' liability and the applicability of qualified immunity in a case alleging Eighth Amendment violations due to deliberate indifference to prisoner violence.

AG Tong Seeks Enforcement of Order Against FEMA Disaster Funding

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and a coalition of 23 states have filed a motion asking a court to enforce its December 11, 2025 order against FEMA. The motion seeks to compel FEMA to reverse its termination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program and restore billions in disaster preparedness funding.

Florida AG Secures 21-Year Sentence for Crypto Criminal Targeting Seniors

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a 21.6-year prison sentence for Otiz Swinton Jr. for a crypto fraud scheme targeting seniors. This marks the longest incarceration for a cyber fraud case by the Office of Statewide Prosecution Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit since its founding in 2023.

State v. Jackson - Postconviction Relief Denied

The Delaware Superior Court denied Raymond Jackson's motion for postconviction relief. Jackson sought relief based on alleged evidence suppression and ineffective assistance of counsel, but the court found no grounds to overturn his guilty plea.

KBranch v. BS13 Menu Buyer - Summary Judgment Opinion

The Delaware Superior Court issued a memorandum opinion in KBranch, Inc. v. BS13 Menu Buyer, Inc. The court denied the plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment and granted in part and denied in part the defendant's motion for summary judgment regarding claims related to an escrow dispute following a company sale.

Rabies Alert Issued for Southampton County, Virginia

The Southampton County Health Department has issued a public health alert after a skunk tested positive for rabies. Residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets, including ensuring vaccinations and avoiding contact with wild animals.