Maryland Supreme Court: State v. Stone - Traffic Stop Reasonable Suspicion

The Maryland Supreme Court ruled that observing a driver manipulating a mobile phone is insufficient on its own to establish reasonable suspicion for a traffic stop. The court clarified that police must identify specific facts, beyond general lawful phone use, to reasonably believe a traffic violation has occurred.

Attorney Grievance Commission v. Jones - Reinstatement Order

The Maryland Court of Appeals granted the Attorney Grievance Commission's motion to reinstate Gregory Wayne Jones and dismiss the disciplinary petition. This order restores Mr. Jones to good standing and permits him to practice law in Maryland.

Attorney Grievance Commission v. Hamilton - Attorney Misconduct

The Maryland Court of Appeals has disbarred attorney Judith Marie Hamilton for multiple violations of professional conduct rules, including incompetence, lack of diligence, communication failures, and misconduct during an investigation. The disciplinary action stems from her representation in a divorce case and her failure to cooperate with Bar Counsel.

State vs. Dustin Curtis Winter - Criminal Appeal

The Missouri Supreme Court issued an opinion in the case of State vs. Dustin Curtis Winter. The court affirmed in part and vacated and remanded in part Winter's convictions for first-degree murder and kidnapping. The matter is remanded solely to correct the written judgment to align with the oral pronouncement of sentences.

Missouri Supreme Court - Planned Parenthood Abortion Statutes Case

The Missouri Supreme Court transferred a case involving Planned Parenthood's challenge to state abortion statutes to the court of appeals. The court found it lacked exclusive appellate jurisdiction over the preliminary injunction ruling, which partially enjoined certain abortion-related laws following a constitutional amendment.

Christopher A. Scott v. State of Missouri - Postconviction Relief Appeal

The Supreme Court of Missouri affirmed the denial of postconviction relief for Christopher A. Scott. The court found that Scott's amended motion did not challenge the original pro se claim, leading to the affirmation of the lower court's judgment.

Estate of David Carter vs. Missouri Dept. of Corrections - Appeal Dismissed

The Supreme Court of Missouri dismissed an appeal in the case of Estate of David Carter vs. Missouri Department of Corrections. The appeal was dismissed because the judgment was not considered final, as it failed to rule on requested equitable relief and prejudgment interest.

Kevin Rhodes v. Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission - Appeal Dismissed

The Supreme Court of Missouri dismissed an appeal in the case of Kevin Rhodes v. Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. The appeal was dismissed because the circuit court's judgment was not considered final, as it failed to rule on the request for equitable relief and prejudgment interest. The case involved claims of hostile work environment and retaliation under the Missouri Human Rights Act.

Evangelia Bilalis v. Wallace Drennan and Zurich American Insurance Company

The Supreme Court of Louisiana affirmed lower court rulings in Evangelia Bilalis v. Wallace Drennan and Zurich American Insurance Company. The court determined that legal interest accrues from the date of judicial demand, even if a judgment incorrectly states a different date.

Ngoc Troung v. Marcus Dewayne Sanders and Old American Indemnity Company

The Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed in part and reversed in part a lower court's decision regarding property damage claims. The court ruled that a tortfeasor is not entitled to deduct for betterment in a victim's property damage claim for a vehicle, affirming the appellate court's decision. However, the court reversed the award of penalties, deeming it not warranted for this legal issue of first impression.