United States

Supreme Court: Substantial-Evidence Standard for Asylum Persecution Determinations

The Supreme Court ruled that courts of appeals must apply the substantial-evidence standard when reviewing the Board of Immigration Appeals' determination of whether undisputed facts constitute 'persecution' under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This decision clarifies the standard of review for asylum cases.

Galette v. New Jersey Transit Corp. - Sovereign Immunity

The Supreme Court ruled that NJ Transit is not an arm of the State of New Jersey and therefore is not entitled to sovereign immunity. This decision resolves a conflict between state courts and clarifies the application of sovereign immunity to state-created entities.

County of Lancaster, PA v. AFSCME District Council 89 - Labor Arbitration

The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania issued an opinion in County of Lancaster, PA v. AFSCME District Council 89, addressing whether a labor arbitration panel had jurisdiction to issue an award concerning impact bargaining due to unforeseen circumstances. The court reviewed the trial court's order denying the union's petition to vacate the arbitration award.

Protect PT & P.R. Wendell v. Twp. of Penn - Land Development Approval

The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania affirmed a lower court's decision upholding the approval of a revised land development application for an unconventional natural gas well pad. The court found that the Penn Township Board of Commissioners and the Court of Common Pleas correctly granted preliminary and final approval for EQT Artemis Production, LLC's project.

Com. v. Adams Diaz, S. - Non-Precedential Decision

The Superior Court of Pennsylvania issued a non-precedential decision in the case of Commonwealth v. Adams Diaz, S. The court affirmed the trial court's judgment of sentence after the appellant was convicted of theft by failing to make required disposition of funds. The decision addresses the denial of the appellant's motions to dismiss and for a mistrial.

Com. v. Carlton - Appeal of Firearm Statute Constitutionality

The Pennsylvania Superior Court issued a non-precedential decision in Commonwealth v. Carlton, addressing the constitutionality of firearm carrying statutes. The appellant challenged the prohibition on individuals aged 18-20 obtaining a license to carry a firearm. The court affirmed the judgment of sentence.

Com. v. Baltimore, M., Jr. - Criminal Sentencing Appeal

The Superior Court of Pennsylvania issued a non-precedential opinion affirming the judgment of sentence for Michael Baltimore Jr. following the revocation of his probation. The appeal concerned the discretionary aspects of his sentencing.

Pearson v. Pearson - Child Custody Appeal

The Superior Court of Pennsylvania reviewed a child custody order, finding that certain provisions modifying custody upon completion of requirements without a best interest determination violated the Child Custody Act. The court affirmed in part and vacated in part the lower court's order.

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Laptops, Routers, Gateways

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted a Section 337 investigation into alleged patent infringement by certain laptops, routers, gateways, and components imported into the U.S. The investigation names ASUSTeK Computer Inc., ASUS Computer International, Inc., TP-Link Systems Inc., D-Link Corporation, D-Link Systems, Inc., and Ubiquiti Inc. as respondents.

USITC Affirms Wind Tower Trade Cases from Four Countries

The USITC has affirmed existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on utility scale wind towers from Canada, Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam. This decision means the current trade remedy orders will remain in place, continuing to affect imports of these products into the United States.