US Courts

Supreme Court of Alabama Opinion on ARC Realty Case

The Supreme Court of Alabama issued an opinion regarding a case involving ARC Realty, LLC and Brian Smith. The opinion addresses a petition for a writ of mandamus related to a dispute over property development around Lake Martin. The case involves claims of fraud, breach of contract, and conspiracy.

Michael B. Reis, Jr. v. Mandy Pohlmann Reis - Divorce and Property Classification

The Supreme Court of Louisiana reversed and remanded a lower court decision regarding the classification of a business entity formed during a marriage. The court found that Outkast Environmental, LLC, created after the termination of the community property regime, should not be classified as community property.

Louisiana v. Christopher Cloudie - Supreme Court Opinion Reversed

The Supreme Court of Louisiana reversed a lower court's ruling that permitted an expert witness to provide a diagnosis of child sexual abuse at trial. The case, State of Louisiana v. Christopher Cloudie, involved charges of first-degree rape and aggravated crime against nature.

Succession of Laurie Maria Brocato - Louisiana Supreme Court Ruling

The Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's decision regarding the validity of an olographic testament in the Succession of Laurie Maria Brocato. The court found a four-page document, written in a notebook and signed by the testator, met the form requirements for an olographic testament under La. C.C. art. 1575.

Louisiana v. Turner - Criminal Case Opinion

The Supreme Court of Louisiana reversed and remanded the case of State v. Jarvis Turner. The court addressed whether a defense counsel preventing a defendant from testifying constitutes structural error requiring automatic reversal, distinguishing between direct and collateral review.

Supreme Court of Louisiana - Land Use Permit Review

The Supreme Court of Louisiana vacated and rendered a lower court's decision regarding the interpretation of a land use plan for St. James Parish. The ruling clarifies the scope of judicial review for local government land use decisions, emphasizing appropriate discretion for the Parish.

Davidson v. Hardy - Paternity Case

The Supreme Court of Louisiana affirmed a lower court's ruling in Sarah Allen Davidson v. Terrance Hardy. The court found that Louisiana Civil Code article 198, as applied, unconstitutionally limits a biological father's interest in parenting his child and violates due process rights. The ruling impacts paternity establishment and custody rights.

Bryan v. Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation - Insurance Claim Dispute

The Supreme Court of Louisiana issued an opinion in Bryan v. Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, addressing the prescriptive period for claims against the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association (LIGA). The court affirmed and remanded the case, clarifying the application of statutory deadlines and interruption of prescription for first-party property insurance claims.

Esplanade Mall Realty Holdings, LLC v. Joseph P. Lopinto III - Tax Lien Case

The Louisiana Supreme Court reversed and remanded the case of Esplanade Mall Realty Holdings, LLC v. Joseph P. Lopinto III. The court held that ad valorem taxes, interest, and costs are statutory impositions under the law and remanded to the trial court to calculate the redemption price.

State of Louisiana v. Michael Steven White - Convictions Reversed

The Supreme Court of Louisiana reversed the convictions and vacated the sentences of Michael Steven White in docket number 2024-K-00761. The case was remanded for further proceedings. The decision addresses an issue concerning the completeness of verdict forms provided to juries.