GA News Gazette News
Kirkwood man sentenced to life plus 20 years for sexual assault of neighbor
By GA News Gazette | May 17, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against Eric Haygood, a 61-year-old Kirkwood man accused of sexually assaulting a neighbor in her own home.
Swift Lumber sues Accelerant Insurance for alleged contract breach
By GA News Gazette | May 17, 2024
Swift Lumber, a local business based in Atmore, Alabama, has filed a lawsuit against Accelerant Insurance Company and other parties involved. The suit alleges bad faith breach of contract. The case was recently lodged by our Mobile Office on behalf of Swift Lumber.
Stone Mountain Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Murder Conviction
By GA News Gazette | May 9, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has revealed that a Stone Mountain man, Drew Brooks, aged 40, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison following his conviction for the murder of Ashley Watkins, 33. The incident occurred on May 25, 2022, with Brooks found guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter, Felony Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault, and two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. The sentencing was conducted by DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela M. Barrie, who also added 10 years of probation to the sentence.
Georgia Supreme Court cites Carlson's book in two major cases
By GA News Gazette | May 9, 2024
The Georgia Supreme Court recently cited Ronald L. Carlson's book, "Carlson on Evidence" (co-authored with M. Carlson), in two separate cases. The first case, Sauder v. State, involved the admissibility of a statement made by a defendant in a murder trial. The second case, Pittman v. State, was concerned with defining standards for relevant evidence in a malice murder prosecution.
Barnett publishes article in the George Mason Law Review
By GA News Gazette | May 8, 2024
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Hosch Professor Kent Barnett published "Chevron and Stare Decisis" in 31 George Mason Law Review 475 (2024) (with C.J. Walker).
Righting the Wrong: Lawsuit Filed Over Dump Truck Rollover Death
By GA News Gazette | May 7, 2024
Our Mobile Office recently filed a wrongful death case after our client was injured, and ultimately killed by a dump truck rollover.
Steps Forward in Social Media Litigation: Bellwether Trials Progressing
By GA News Gazette | May 7, 2024
Steps Forward in Social Media Litigation: Bellwether Trials Scheduled
U.S. Attorney’s Office and Georgia Department of Public Health to Host Opioid Prevention and Recovery Fair
By GA News Gazette | May 6, 2024
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District, is set to host a community event focused on opioid prevention and recovery. The "Spring Into Wellness: An Opioid Prevention and Recovery Community Resource Fair" will take place on May 14, 2024, in Emmerson, Georgia.According to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan, the event aims to address the ongoing opioid epidemic and provide support to those in need. Buchanan emphasized the importance of collaboration with law...
Missing Persons Event and DNA Drive Hosted by DeKalb County Authorities
By GA News Gazette | May 6, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston and DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office Director Pat Bailey have announced a Missing Persons Event & DNA Drive scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024. The event, to be held at the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Atlanta, aims to provide support and resources to families and friends of missing persons.According to DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston, families and friends of missing individuals are encouraged to attend the event to share information about their loved ones and potentially assist with identification...
Grant featured on WUGA-FM
By GA News Gazette | May 6, 2024
Clinical Associate Professor & Public Interest Practicum Director Elizabeth M. Grant was featured on WUGA-FM regarding Georgia's new Safe At Home Act. The segment titled "Safe at Home Act enforces habitability requirements for rental properties" was hosted by Martin Matheny and aired on May 4, 2024.Grant discussed the importance of the Safe At Home Act in enforcing habitability requirements for rental properties in Georgia. Her expertise shed light on how this new legislation aims to improve the living conditions for renters in the state.The segment provided valuable...
Federal Judge Greenlights Brake Defect Lawsuit Against Ferrari
By GA News Gazette | May 6, 2024
A class action lawsuit against Ferrari has been given the green light by Federal Judge James Semper. The lawsuit, which focuses on a serious safety defect in numerous Ferrari vehicles, alleges that the cars are equipped with defective brake booster/master cylinder assemblies manufactured by Bosch.The plaintiffs, represented by Beasley Allen attorneys, claim that the defect in the braking system causes a sudden loss of braking ability without warning to the driver. This has resulted in dangerous situations for drivers, including instances of loss of braking ability in...
Carlson's Book Cited by Georgia Court of Appeals
By GA News Gazette | May 3, 2024
In a recent development, Callaway Chair of Law Emeritus Ronald L. Carlson's book Carlson on Evidence (with M. Carlson) has gained recognition from the Georgia Court of Appeals. The book was cited in the case Davis v. State to elucidate the modifications in evidence law introduced by the revised Georgia Evidence Code.The significance of this citation is underscored by the fact that it marks the 72nd occasion where this particular text has been referenced by Georgia appellate courts to address evidentiary matters.
District Attorney Keith Higgins Provides Gang Training for Law Enforcement Officers & Prosecutors
By GA News Gazette | May 3, 2024
District Attorney Keith Higgins of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit is taking proactive steps to enhance public safety and combat the escalating threat of gang violence in the community. In line with his objectives, a gang training course was conducted for law enforcement officers and prosecutors at the College of Coastal Georgia from May 1-3, 2024.The course, titled "Gang Investigation & Prosecution: Best Practices," was led by esteemed gang instructor Jose Ramirez. Through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on exercises, officers and prosecutors were equipped with...
Mercer Law Claims 13th Annual Georgia Legal Food Frenzy Championship
By GA News Gazette | May 3, 2024
Mercer University School of Law has emerged victorious in the 13th annual Georgia Legal Food Frenzy, reclaiming its title as champion of the competition aimed at supporting food banks in Georgia. The Attorney General’s Cup was earned by Mercer Law, with nearly half of this year’s donations coming from their team. The proceeds of over $15,000 raised by Mercer's team were donated to the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank. This marks the ninth time Mercer Law has secured the championship.The Mercer Law team, led by Michaela Manely, ’25, and Jack Wareham, ’25, outshone...
Man Indicted for Threatening Fulton County District Attorney
By GA News Gazette | May 3, 2024
Marc Shultz, a 66-year-old resident of Chula Vista, California, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for threatening Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis due to her prosecution of Former President Donald Trump. The indictment, presented in court, states that on October 4 and 5, 2023, Shultz posted violent threats towards District Attorney Willis on YouTube live stream videos, including a statement that she "will be killed like a dog."U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized, “Sending death threats to a public official is a criminal offense that will not be...
Cartersville Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography
By GA News Gazette | May 3, 2024
Ian Alicea Prewett has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. In connection with his guilty plea, Prewett admitted he engaged in sex acts with minors under the age of 18 and enticed a child under the age of eight to produce sexually explicit images.U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Prewett preyed upon innocent children by enticing them to send him sexually explicit images and then victimized two minors, including during an out-of-state trip, by sexually assaulting those children."Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, Anthony J. Patrone,...
Securing the Future: Importance of Car Seat Safety
By GA News Gazette | May 3, 2024
Car seats, when used correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident. However, with so many options and regulations, understanding car seat safety can be overwhelming.The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of rear-facing car seats, stating that "rear-facing seats provide the best support for a child’s head, neck, and spine." This recommendation underscores the critical role proper car seat usage plays in child safety.In addition to selecting the appropriate type of car seat for a child's age and size, it...
Mercer Law, School of Music and Capricorn partner for entertainment law seminar
By GA News Gazette | May 3, 2024
Mercer Law School, the School of Music, and Mercer Music at Capricorn joined forces to host an entertainment law seminar aimed at providing valuable insights into the legal aspects of the music industry. The event, which took place on April 13, brought together a panel of industry professionals to share their expertise with members of the community, artists, and students interested in expanding their knowledge of entertainment law.Karen J. Sneddon, professor of law and dean of Mercer Law School, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "One of the great...
Fanning the Flames: AFFF Litigation Heats Up
By GA News Gazette | May 3, 2024
May 3, 2024Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, or AFFF, has been under scrutiny due to its connection to health risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). According to experts, these substances can pose serious threats to human health, including an increased risk of cancer.One study highlighted a concerning link, stating, "A study found a 56% increase in thyroid cancer risk among people exposed to higher levels of linear PFOS." This finding underscores the potential dangers of PFAS exposure in firefighting foam.In light of these health...
E. Burch Featured in a Bloomberg Article
By GA News Gazette | May 2, 2024
Callaway Chair Elizabeth Chamblee Burch was featured in a Bloomberg article regarding Royal Philips NV sleep apnea device litigation. The article titled "Philips CPAP Deal Leaves Opening for Future Cancer Claims" was written by Jef Feeley and Cagan Koc and was published on May 2, 2024. The article was reprinted by other media outlets.The focus of the article was on the implications of a deal involving Philips' CPAP devices and the potential for future cancer claims. Elizabeth Chamblee Burch's expertise was sought to provide insights into the legal aspects surrounding the...