US Courts

Jones v. State - Felony Murder Conviction Affirmed

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed the felony murder conviction of Willie Lee Jones. The court found sufficient evidence to support the conviction and rejected the appellant's claim that the evidence was insufficient as a matter of due process. The conviction relates to the shooting death of Benjamin Francis.

Murphy v. State - Appeal of Murder Conviction

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed Dacha vous Murphy's convictions for felony murder and other crimes stemming from a 2011 nightclub shooting. Murphy appealed, arguing various trial court errors, including the exclusion of evidence and ineffective assistance of counsel. The court found no reversible error and upheld the convictions.

Rivers v. The State - Appeal of Malice Murder Conviction

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed Karre Rivers's conviction for malice murder and related crimes. Rivers appealed, asserting the trial court erred in charging the jury on excessive force. The court found no plain error and upheld the conviction and life sentence without parole.

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.

Bryan Matthew Pritchett Disbarred by Georgia Supreme Court

The Georgia Supreme Court has disbarred attorney Bryan Matthew Pritchett following his default in disciplinary proceedings. Pritchett admitted to forging client signatures to negotiate checks and using the proceeds for personal purposes, violating multiple Rules of Professional Conduct.

Georgia Supreme Court Rules on Motor Vehicle Franchise Act

The Georgia Supreme Court ruled on provisions of the Georgia Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices Act, specifically OCGA § 10-1-664.1, which generally prohibits manufacturers from selling new vehicles directly to consumers and from owning more than a 45% interest in a dealership. The court considered the constitutionality of these provisions as applied to Lucid Group USA, Inc., which sought to sell electric vehicles directly to consumers in Georgia.

Chapple v. State Supreme Court of Georgia - Criminal Conviction Appeal

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed Johnny Chapple's convictions for felony murder and firearm offenses. The court addressed Chapple's contentions regarding the exclusion of expert testimony, the standard applied to his motion in limine, a continuing witness objection, and ineffective assistance of counsel. The decision upholds the trial court's rulings and the life sentence without parole.

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.

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.

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.