Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Former Utah TV pitchman ordered back to court

A judge is summoning back to court a former Utah TV pitchman accused of kicking an owl in flight while riding his motorized paraglider.

Authorities say in court documents filed Tuesday that 45-year-old Dell "Super Dell" Schanze hasn't shown that he has no guns, a condition of his release.

Federal Judge Brooke Wells ordered Schanze to court Dec. 30.

Defense attorney Kent Hart says Schanze has been unable to schedule a time for officials to inspect his house.

Schanze was handcuffed this month for interrupting a court hearing in a separate case and saying it was unconstitutional to bar the defendant from having guns.

Schanze later agreed to give up weapons in his own case.

He pleaded not guilty to charges involving harassing wildlife and pursuing a migratory bird.

Supreme Court won't stop gay marriages in Florida

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday refused to block gay marriages in Florida, the latest of about three dozen states allowing same-sex weddings.
  
In a one-paragraph order, the court decided not to step into the Florida case. A federal judge previously declared Florida's ban on gay marriage unconstitutional and said same-sex marriage licenses could start being issued in the state after Jan. 5 unless the Supreme Court intervened.

"This is a thrilling day for all Florida families," Daniel Tilley, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties of Florida, said in a statement. "As we explained to the court, every day that the ban remains in place, couples are suffering real harms. We are grateful that the court recognized that, and that as a result, those days are finally coming to an end."

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has fought to uphold the state's ban, said in a statement that her goal was "to have uniformity" throughout the state while various legal challenges were pursued in both state and federal courts.

"Nonetheless, the Supreme Court has now spoken, and the stay will end on Jan. 5," Bondi said.

In August, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle declared the state's ban unconstitutional, but he put his ruling on hold until after Jan. 5 pending appeals.

Like many other judges and appellate courts, Hinkle ruled the ban approved by voters in 2008 violates the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of equal protection.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Aggressive Securities Arbitration Services

Conway & Conway law firm, located in New York, are impassioned about representing public customers and industry professionals all over the world with a team of devoted futures, securities, and commodities arbitration attorneys. Constantly keeping abreast of developing and current regulatory reforms, U.S. securities laws, and other topics of interest to professionals and investors, our firm is responsive and agile. We are large enough to handle many cases and simultaneously provide personalized service to each client for their futures, securities, or commodities case.

Founded in 1988, Conway & Conway has been a successful New York City securities arbitration law firm, yielding fantastic results in securities arbitration cases from their 565 Fifth Avenue headquarters.

At Conway & Conway, the firm's attorneys have the know-how to deal with litigation and business counseling. At all points of negotiation and acquisition, along with wrongful termination and other corporate matters, we have advocated on behalf of our corporate clients. In addition to corporate clients, the firm works with commercial clients in all types of commercial and business litigation as well.

In the financial services industry, Conway & Conway gives exceptional legal counsel to the public. Whether its investors in dispute or issues with registered representatives and other associates, they have the high-caliber legal counsel to help. Fraud lawyers at the firm are well-versed in all things concerning the laws that apply to the securities and futures industries.

The commodity merchant attorneys at Conway & Conway provide litigation and arbitration services for international commodity merchants related to trade disputes. Their extensive trial experience, combined with a unique familiarity with the commodities industry foreign exchange and futures markets, enables Conway & Conway dedicated commodity arbitration attorneys to resolve serious commodity trade disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner.

For international commodity merchants, the commodity merchant attorneys at Conway & Conway administer arbitration and litigation services pertinent to trade disputes.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Massachusetts Real Estate Attorney

For more than 30 years, Attorney Alan H. Segal has been lending legal expertise to the Greater Boston Massachusetts area from his Needham, Massachusetts Law Office. With great attentiveness, Alan and his associates have given legal consultation in business law, estate planning, and Massachusetts real estate law.

You can find Alan on the radio, cable, and local television sharing his ideas about current legal news. Navigating your way through the legal system can be a confusing and difficult task. He and his staff know that and want to be there for you as "YOUR LAWYER".

To visit the Law Office of Alan H. Segal, head to the intersection of Highland Ave and Route 128/95 on the Newton / Needham border, next to Staples.

Attorney Alan H. Segal has been known as a renowned Massachusetts real estate attorney for over 30 years. Sellers, buyers, and lenders of Massachusetts real estate property are all represented by his practice.

It is prudent to seek the guidance of a real estate agent like Alan to help with all real estate home buying in Massachusetts, as all such transactions have legal issues and tax consequences.

If you need an experienced Massachusetts real estate attorney contact us today for a free and confidential consultation!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

San Jose Intellectual Property Lawyer

The Firm’s intellectual property practice includes the management, securement, and protection of our client’s intellectual property along with the development, structure and implementation of agreements in order to maximize our client’s intellectual property value.

The Firm understands Intellectual Property and everything related to it. From disputes and transactions to copyright regulations and trade secrets, the Firm is well versed for all matters pertaining to intellectual property. For all our clients, the Firm develops and strategizes new intellectual properties and also litigates intellectual property disputes whenever necessary.

We represent national, regional, and local clients in the following intellectual property matters:

Patent Litigation Copyright Registration, Protection and Enforcement Filing and Registration with the California Secretary of State Domain Name Registration, Protection and Enforcement False Advertising & Defamation Disputes Licensing, Development and Distribution Agreements Privacy Issues Joint development and Web development agreements IP Asset Selection and Clearance Advice Right of Publicity Agreements Technology Transfer and Licensing Intellectual Property Rights Litigation DMCA Claims Trade Secret & Confidentiality Agreements Canada, Madrid Protocol & Foreign Filings Filing and Registration with the US Patent and Trademark Office (Including intent to use and use in commerce applications) Domain Name Infringement and Cybersquatting dispute resolutions Trademark & Copyright Infringement

If you’re in need of assistance in any of the services listed above, contact our San Francisco Intellectual Property lawyers today.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

The Law Offices of Place and Hanley, LLC

The Law Offices of Place & Hanley, LLC (Securities Arbitration Lawyers Florida) is a nationally recognized securities and commodities arbitration law firm which represents investors nationwide. At Place & Hanley we represent investors in claims against their brokers, broker dealers, investment advisors, financial advisors and insurance companies. Our securities lawyers represent investors who have lost their savings when their brokerage accounts were mishandled. Our attorneys are experienced in providing focused and aggressive representation for investors who have been the victims of financial fraud, negligence and unsuitable investments.  Our firm has experience in prosecuting claims against the major Wall Street firms, including Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, UBS, Oppenheimer as well as many mid-sized broker dealers.

Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for individual investors. Our firm has experience handling group arbitration claims and class action litigation involving securities related matters. We have successfully recovered punitive damages and attorneys’ fees for our clients.  The attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Place & Hanley are committed to representing aggrieved investors who have lost money because of the negligent or willful acts of the clients once trusted financial advisor, broker and brokerage firm.

Our attorneys have represented thousands of clients nationwide who were victims of misrepresentations, commission churning, unsuitable investments, unauthorized transactions, execution failures, excessive mark-ups, disappearing funds, botched transfers, "selling away" from firms, unregistered brokers, unregistered securities, improper margin liquidations, broker bribes, fraudulent research, "boiler room" sales practices and other wrongful acts. Place & Hanley has prosecuted cases involving stocks, bonds, "penny" stocks, "junk" bonds, options, commodities, mutual funds, REIT's, limited partnerships, derivative securities, collateralized debt obligations “CDO”, auction rate securities and other investments.

Attorneys for the firm practice before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) which was created in 2007 through the consolidation of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) enforcement and arbitration divisions. The firm also represents clients in state and federal courts to resolve financial disputes between customers, brokerage firms and other financial institutions.

Our firm has been successful not only in recovering our client’s out of pocket losses, but in multiple cases our clients have received punitive damages and reimbursement of their attorneys’ fees. Please visit the verdicts and settlements page for examples of the securities & stockbroker fraud cases we have handled for our clients. Our success is attributable to hard work, client dedication and an in-depth knowledge of the securities industry.

Legislature heads to court on education finance

The Washington Supreme Court is marking the beginning of school with a mandatory assembly for the Legislature on education finance. The court has ordered lawmakers to come to court on Wednesday to explain why they haven't followed its orders to fix the way Washington pays for public education. Lawmakers, the governor and others say the court needs to be patient and give the Legislature more time to fulfil the orders in the 2012 McCleary decision. Thomas Ahearne, the attorney for the coalition that sued the state over education funding, says the Legislature has made so little progress toward meeting the goal that only more pressure from the court will make it happen. The McCleary decision said lawmakers are not meeting their constitutional responsibility to fully pay for basic education and they are relying too much on local tax-levy dollars to balance the education budget. The court commended the Legislature for passing some reforms in the K-12 system and for starting to pay for them. The McCleary decision orders the Legislature to finish paying for the reforms, which may add more than $4 billion to the state's biennial budget, according to some government estimates. The Legislature was given until the 2017-18 school year to fix the problem. Among the reforms awaiting payment: all-day kindergarten in every school; more instructional hours for high school students to help them earn 24 credits to graduate; pupil transportation fully supported by state dollars; a new formula for school staffing levels, smaller classes in the lower grades; and more state support for school equipment and supplies.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Ala court upholds generic drug decision

The Alabama Supreme Court is standing by a decision that business sees as a defeat. The court on Friday issued an opinion that mostly parallels its ruling last year in a generic drug case. A divided court says the original decision isn't as broad as some are claiming. But a majority stuck by a 2013 decision saying a brand-name drugmaker can be held responsible by someone who took a generic medication made by a different company. The Business Council of Alabama says it's disappointed. So is Wyeth, the drug manufacturer sued by Danny and Vicki Weeks over the man's use of a generic form of the brand-name medicine Reglan. The Weeks filed suit in federal court, and a judge asked the Supreme Court to clarify state law.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

The Salazar Law Firm - Houston Car Accident Lawyers Services

The Salazar Law Firm, PLLC understands the burdens auto accidents and injuries place on an individual. Our goal is to lessen our client's stress and burden by managing the complex relationships with insurance companies, medical facilities, government agencies, and other insurance defense lawyers.

If you've been injured in an accident, don't let your claim get weakened by not taking the right steps. Get medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. Insurance companies pay close attention to "laspes in treatment" and whether or not treatment was sought immediately after the accident.

Insurance companies are in the business of making money. If the insurance company is giving you the run-around, contact our houston car accident lawyers at the Salazar Law Firm today.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Tenecia P. Reid - Manassas Divorce Lawyer Services

Divorce Litigation can be frustrating, confusing, and emotional. You need an attorney who listens and treats you with respect during this major life decision. You need family law and divorce attorney Tenecia P. Reid. Specializing in family law for her entire career, she is ready to guide you through the divorce litigation process.

Attorney Reid is widely experienced and has negotiatied and litigated cases that include all of the following: adultery, abuse, bankruptcy issues, business valuations, complex marital assets, tax issues, underwater joint mortgages, and even protective orders. Attorney Reid is also familiar with the laws concerning fault-based divorce cases and can help you determine whether you have one or more fault grounds against your spouse and how to prove them.

Attorney Reid is a sharp negotiator with a confident courtroom presence. She communicates with and helps her clients understand each step of the process. If you're considering divorce or have just been served a divorce complaint, consult the Law offices of Tenecia P. Reid for a confident assessment of your situation and the best possible outcome.

Friday, May 30, 2014

Place & Hanley - Securities Attorneys Florida Services

The Law Offices of Place & Hanley represents individual and institutional investors in stock broker & securities fraud. Our attorneys have filed claims against major Wall Street institutions and the nation's most prestigious brokerage firms. Most securities disputes are resolved in arbitration before the New York Stock Exchange or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.Our firm also represents investors in arbitration and mediation as well as clients in the North Carolina and Florida state courts where they resolve financial disputes among brokerage firms, customers, and other financial institutions. Our Securities Attorneys have experience in all the following cases: stocks, bonds, "penny" stocks, "junk" bonds, commodities, mutual funds and other investments.

The Law Offices of Place & Hanley have been successful in recovering our client's out of pocket losses and our client's have even received punitive damages and the reimbursement of their attorneys' fees in multiple cases.

Hard work, client dedication, and in-depth knowledge of the securities industry are the secrets to our success. At Place & Hanley our primary goal is to represent investors who have had their brokerage accounts mishandled. We would love the opportunity to put our knowledge and skill to work for you. If you're in need of Securities Attorneys in Florida or have any questions related to securities or commodites fraud, contact our office today.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Law Office of Rita O. White - Canton Criminal & DUI Lawyers

If you're facing a legal issue and seek guidance, the Law Office of Rita O. White is here to help. Tackling any legal matter without a trained professional can negatively impact the outcome of your legal situation. Our Plymouth Canton Criminal lawyers understand the stress that comes with looming legal issues which is why we work tirelessly to support our clients no matter the situation.

We believe in giving clients our full attention and treating them with care and respect.

When you work with us, you'll get the benefit of:

Caring and knowledeable lawyers
Convenient office hours
Reasonable attorney fees

Don't risk anything! Our dedicated team of lawyers are always available to offer guidance and support. To set up an appointment today or learn more about our Plymouth Canton Criminal law practice contact us at the Law Office of Rita O. White today.

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Fred Meissner - Tax Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona

Fred Meissner is a former IRS Revenue Agent with over 30 years of government and private experience. Twenty years ago, before his admission to the bar as a tax lawyer in Arizona, Mr. Meissner was an IRS agent for ten years. He has worked in corporate tax departments for Fortune 500 companies and the "Big Four" Accounting Firms. He holds a LL.M., a specialized law degree in Taxation. With this combination of education, training and experience, he provides his clients with unique insight and judgement on any tax question.

 Mr. Meissner's areas of expertise include state and federal income tax audit, sales tax audits, property tax issues, tax debt, reduction, installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, tax penalty abatements, business tax issues, tax-motivated bankruptcy, and many related difficulties.

 Mr. Meissner represents tax clients throughout the United States. He also advises on bankruptcy filing, tax planning, and estate planning and asset protection.

 At the Law Offices of Fred Meissner, we will deal with the IRS or state, offer the ability to prepare tax returns, and do a bankruptcy if necessary. We are your one stop shopping solution. If you are in need of tax consultation in Phoenix, Arizona, please contact the Law Offices of Fred Meissner for your legal needs.

Monday, April 14, 2014

Salvatore Scanio - Ludwig & Robinson PLLC.

Salvatore Scanio, Attorney

Salvatore Scanio, Attorney

T: 202-289-7605 O: 202-289-1800 F: 202-289-1804

Mr. Scanio has extensive experience in complex domestic and international litigation and regulatory matters, involving federal and state banking, financial transactions, insurance coverage, and contract and other commercial disputes.

Mr. Scanio represents banks, insurers and other companies in cases involving negotiable instruments under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), electronic bank payments, fraud, fiduciary duty, accounting, lender liability, loan losses, lost profits, statutory and regulatory violations, professional liability, class actions, and claims against the federal government. He advises clients as to liability, defenses and loss recovery on a wide range of bank fraud and corporate fraud schemes, including check fraud, credit and debit card fraud, unauthorized electronic funds transfers (EFT) including fraudulent wire transfers and ACH transactions, identity theft, check kiting, deposit account fraud, malware attacks, cybercrime, account takeovers, loan and mortgage fraud, embezzlement, and bank insider fraud.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

The Law Offices of Tenecia P. Reid, PLLC

The Law Offices of Tenecia P. Reid, located in Northern Virginia and is here to provide you the best legal service to you and your loved one. With years of experience in divorce cases and family matters, Tenecia is both strategic and aggressive. We will give you an honest assessment of your situation and together discuss the ways we could help achieve the goals and outcomes you want.

Specializing in family law for her entire career, Attorney Tenecia P. Reid stands ready to skillfully guide you through the divorce litigation process. 

Divorce litigation can be frustrating, confusing, and emotional, so it is imperative to have an attorney who both listens and treats you with respect as you face major life decisions. Widely experienced, Attorney Reid has negotiated and litigated cases that include complex marital assets, tax issues, business valuations, underwater joint mortgages, adultery, abuse, protective orders, and bankruptcy issues.

Attorney Reid is also intimately familiar with the laws governing fault-based divorce cases, and can help you to determine whether you have one or more fault grounds against your spouse and how you may prove them.

Ms. Reid will be able to confidently assess your case and situation to help you obtain the best possible results. Don't hesitate to call today!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

DiRusso & DiRusso, Attorneys At Law

Surry County Criminal Defense Lawyers

At DiRusso and DiRusso, we are familiar with the local economy, the local employers, and the local court officials. Another advantage to hiring local counsel is availability. In larger cities, and in larger firms, the attorneys may not always be available and much of the interaction a client has may be with support staff, such as paralegals and legal assistants. At DiRusso and DiRusso, the attorneys are in regular contact with the clients, available by telephone, and regularly available for appointments.

At DiRusso & DiRusso, we have the legal knowledge and experience to protect you, no matter who or what is on the other side. We also have the compassion to know that you may be experiencing something very unpleasant and we are available to listen to you and seek solutions along the way. We are dedicated to our clients and show no allegiance to any other entity.   We not only counsel our clients on the current law, we provide statutes, rules, cases, and codes so that one may read the current law and have a deeper understanding of the relative law.

If you want to speak with a lawyer about your case, please call us today. There is never a fee for your initial consultation at DiRusso & DiRusso for Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury or Social Security Disability cases.

The Davis Law Group, PLLC

Southfield MI Criminal Defense Lawyer

The Davis Law Group, PLLC is an aggressive criminal defense firm. We handle cases throughout the Metro Detroit area including Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. Our attorneys are former prosecutors and have handled cases ranging from minor traffic violations to homicide offenses.

Having gone through numerous trials, our attorneys know the Metro Detroit courtrooms and the procedures they follow. This works as a major advantage for our clients as we are able to fight against the evidence and change the course of where your life is headed. We are dedicated and willing to do what it takes to get a successful outcome in your case.

We concentrate on defending our clients’ constitutional rights both in and out of the courtroom. If you or a love one has been charged with a crime you know your freedom is on the line. You need as experienced attorney that can get results. 

Available 7 days a week 24 hours a day for free phone consultations. For urgent matters we always have at least one attorney on call.

The Davis Law Group, PLLC
27600 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 215
Southfield, MI 48034

Monday, March 31, 2014

Levin & Curlett LLC

New York - Baltimore - Washington, D.C. White Collar Criminal Defense

Levin & Curlett LLC was formed by former prosecutors who created a small, high quality litigation boutique. Levin & Curlett LLC has extensive experience in all facets of criminal and civil litigation. Whether clients are involved in contractual disputes, business litigation, or qui tam whistleblower cases, our trial experience allows the firm to work effectively with clients to achieve their goals. Similarly, extensive prosecutorial backgrounds allow the firm to represent clients who are involved in criminal proceedings as targets, subjects, witnesses, recipients of grand jury subpoenas, or defendants.

The firm puts its skills to work representing:
  • clients who are targets, subjects, or witnesses in criminal investigations,
  • clients who are facing criminal charges
  • clients who are involved in complex civil litigation at the trial and appellate levels
  • whistleblowers in qui tam and False Claims Act litigation. 
The attorneys at Levin & Curlett concentrate their practice representing individuals and businesses in criminal matters and civil litigation, and representing whistleblowers in False Claims Act and Qui Tam litigation.
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Our attorneys have decades of combined experience serving as prosecutors in the Department of Justice and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and leading practices in complex civil and criminal litigation at a national law firm.
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We are uniquely positioned to represent the interests of those confronting the nation’s largest corporations, insurance companies, or the power of the federal government.

The Law Offices of Place and Hanley, LLC

Securities Arbitration Lawyers Florida

The Law Offices of Place & Hanley, LLC is a nationally recognized securities and commodities arbitration law firm which represents investors nationwide. At Place & Hanley we represent investors in claims against their brokers, broker dealers, investment advisors, financial advisors and insurance companies. Our securities lawyers represent investors who have lost their savings when their brokerage accounts were mishandled. Our attorneys are experienced in providing focused and aggressive representation for investors who have been the victims of financial fraud, negligence and unsuitable investments.  Our firm has experience in prosecuting claims against the major Wall Street firms, including Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, UBS, Oppenheimer as well as many mid-sized broker dealers.

Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for individual investors. Our firm has experience handling group arbitration claims and class action litigation involving securities related matters. We have successfully recovered punitive damages and attorneys’ fees for our clients.  The attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Place & Hanley are committed to representing aggrieved investors who have lost money because of the negligent or willful acts of the clients once trusted financial advisor, broker and brokerage firm.

Our attorneys have represented thousands of clients nationwide who were victims of misrepresentations, commission churning, unsuitable investments, unauthorized transactions, execution failures, excessive mark-ups, disappearing funds, botched transfers, "selling away" from firms, unregistered brokers, unregistered securities, improper margin liquidations, broker bribes, fraudulent research, "boiler room" sales practices and other wrongful acts. Place & Hanley has prosecuted cases involving stocks, bonds, "penny" stocks, "junk" bonds, options, commodities, mutual funds, REIT's, limited partnerships, derivative securities, collateralized debt obligations “CDO”, auction rate securities and other investments.

Attorneys for the firm practice before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) which was created in 2007 through the consolidation of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) enforcement and arbitration divisions. The firm also represents clients in state and federal courts to resolve financial disputes between customers, brokerage firms and other financial institutions.

Our firm has been successful not only in recovering our client’s out of pocket losses, but in multiple cases our clients have received punitive damages and reimbursement of their attorneys’ fees. Please visit the verdicts and settlements page for examples of the securities & stockbroker fraud cases we have handled for our clients. Our success is attributable to hard work, client dedication and an in-depth knowledge of the securities industry.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

AB & Co IP Services - Sierra Leone Intellectual Property Lawyers

The Gambia Intellectual Property Lawyers

Trademark, Patent & Intellectual Property Rights

AB & Co is a boutique trademark agency specialising exclusively in the protection of intellectual property rights for our clients in Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

Our intellectual property practice is broad and we are Trademark and Patent Attorney for principals all over the world including partner law firms that routinely instruct us on behalf of their clients on IP matters.

We provide high quality services and act as Trademark & Patent Attorneys for principals all over the world including partner law firms.

We act as attorneys for the registration of trademarks, patents, industrial designs and other intellectual property rights. We routinely conduct searches and provide assistances for renewals, change of name and address, amendments and recordal of licences.

Services


Searches
Oppositions
Trademark, Patent and Industrial Design registration
Renewals
Recordal of changes of propietor's name, address
Recordal of mergers and assignments
Recordal of licenses
Advice on non-contentious issues
Publication tracking

Thursday, March 6, 2014

S.C. high court hearing Certificate of Need case


South Carolina's highest court is gearing up for a debate over whether the state's health agency can end a program that regulates the building or expansion of medical facilities.

On Thursday, the state Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments over the Certificate of Need program, an approvals process administered by the Department of Health and Environmental Control and required under state law for any medical facilities seeking to build or expand.

The program has been on hold since June, when Gov. Nikki Haley vetoed the $1.7 million needed to run it, saying she thinks it's an impediment to the free market and isn't needed. The House sustained Haley's veto after Ways and Means Chairman Brian White took the floor and said the veto was just about the money, not whether the program should continue.

Since that vote, some House Republicans have said they didn't intend to nix the program entirely, pointing out last summer that an executive decision to discontinue the program "may be contrary to law but is certainly contrary to the will and intent of the House of Representatives."

Three dozen states have similar programs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

State law still requires medical facilities to acquire a Certificate of Need from DHEC before building, expanding, offering a new service or buying medical equipment costing more than $600,000. When Haley vetoed the funding, about three dozen projects worth about $100 million were being reviewed by DHEC.

Groups including the South Carolina Hospital Association sued over the issue, saying the state law requiring the review is still on the books and can't be suspended just because DHEC didn't set aside money to pay for it. Supporters also have argued that the Certificate of Need program is needed to keep costly medical services or hospital beds from going unused and that it ensures that rural communities keep access to health care.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Teen charged in Mass. teacher killing due in court


A 15-year-old Massachusetts boy charged with killing his math teacher is returning to court Thursday for arraignment on a second rape charge.

Philip Chism is charged in the October killing of Colleen Ritzer, a 24-year-old teacher at Danvers High School.

Chism has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, robbery and murder. He was indicted last week on the initial rape charge. In court documents filed last week, state police say Chism admitted killing Ritzer but denied raping her.

Police say they want to conduct a forensic examination of Chism's cellphone to see if he memorialized the killing in photos, video or audio recordings.

Authorities allege Chism raped and killed Ritzer after she asked him to stay after school for extra help.

Chism's arraignment is in Salem Superior Court.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Court sides with S. Ind. city in man's injury suit


The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court's ruling that the Ohio River city of Madison is not liable for injuries a man suffered when he tripped on a sewer grate.

Brad Haskin suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in July 2008 when he tripped on the grate while walking from Madison's riverfront. He sued Madison in 2009, alleging it was negligent in maintaining the sewer drain and did not properly illuminate it.

The Madison Courier reports a Jefferson County judge had ruled that under Indiana law a city cannot be held liable for injuries caused by infrastructure like the grate that had been unchanged for 20 or more years.

The appellate agreed with that ruling, finding that the city was immune from liability in the case.