News from August 2024
Lithonia man sentenced to life for home invasion rape of ex-girlfriend
By J. D. Suayan | Aug 30, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced a jury conviction in the case against a Lithonia man accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s home and sexually assaulting her.
Land Conservation Clinic provides over 3,200 hours of service in first year
By A. I. Benavidez | Aug 30, 2024
During its inaugural year of operation, the Land Conservation Clinic provided over 3,200 hours of service to 13 clients, including land trusts, state and national conservation organizations, and government agencies. Law students and ecology graduate students collaborated to advance land conservation in Georgia. Their efforts included incorporating a new land trust that serves the Lake Lanier region, drafting several conservation easements across Georgia, crafting deed restrictions for a land trust-owned preserve, and helping to host a wetlands protection workshop.
Lt. Gov. Jones: Looking forward to ‘sensible lawsuit reform that will benefit our growing business community’
By R. B. Pepalis | Aug 29, 2024
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Governor Brian Kemp and other legislators in working towards implementing "sensible lawsuit reform" to support the state's business community. This statement was made on August 22.
Professor Redmon featured in article on delayed Jackie Johnson trial
By A. A. Sanchez | Aug 29, 2024
Clinical Assistant Professor and Prosecutorial Justice Program Director Melissa D. Redmon was featured in The Current regarding the Jackie Johnson case. The article titled "‘Judge’s hands are tied’: Jackie Johnson case turns 3 years old with no trial date set" was written by Jake Shore and published on August 28, 2024.
New Federal Rule clarifies use of illustrative aids in trials
By C. D. McHugh | Aug 29, 2024
A new rule, FRE 107, will be added to the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) effective December 2024. This rule addresses the distinction between demonstrative evidence and illustrative aids, which has been a frequent issue in legal proceedings.
Pediatric dentist pleads guilty to possession of child pornography
By A. D. Bamburg | Aug 29, 2024
Paul Kim, a pediatric dentist in Atlanta, has pleaded guilty to possessing thousands of images and videos of minors, including some as young as 12 years old, engaging in sexually explicit activity.
Sarah Palin granted new defamation trial against New York Times
By M. N. Tirado | Aug 29, 2024
Sonja R. West, Brumby Distinguished Professor in First Amendment Law, was featured in The Washington Post concerning a new trial for Sarah Palin. The article, titled "Sarah Palin wins bid for new defamation trial against New York Times," was written by Laura Wagner and published on August 28, 2024.
Sonja R. West featured in Washington Post article on Sarah Palin's defamation trial
By A. A. Sanchez | Aug 29, 2024
Brumby Distinguished Professor in First Amendment Law Sonja R. West was featured in The Washington Post regarding a new trial for Sarah Palin. The article titled "Sarah Palin wins bid for new defamation trial against New York Times" was written by Laura Wagner and published on August 28, 2024. The article was republished by other media outlets.
Tort reform advocates say Ga. legislators who double as attorneys may influence policy in their own favor
By R. B. Pepalis | Aug 28, 2024
Proponents of tort reform argue that members of the Georgia State Legislature, who also actively practice law, may influence policy in favor of the trial bar at the expense of Georgia businesses and consumers.
Victoria J. Haneman named Chaffin Visiting Distinguished Professor at School of Law
By C. D. McHugh | Aug 28, 2024
The School of Law proudly welcomes Victoria J. Haneman, who will serve as the Verner F. Chaffin Visiting Distinguished Professor of Fiduciary Law. She will teach Emerging Issues in Trusts, Estates, and Wealth Preservation.
Kemp on tort reform listening tour: ‘I’m ensuring we listen to all stakeholders’
By J. D. Suayan | Aug 27, 2024
Gov. Brian Kemp announced during the 2024 Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon that he is initiating a listening tour to gather feedback from businesses regarding the impact of the state’s legal climate.
Former Atlanta CFO sentenced over multi-year fraud scheme
By K. R. Nelson | Aug 27, 2024
The City of Atlanta’s former Chief Financial Officer, Jimmie “Jim” A. Beard, has been sentenced to federal prison for a multi-year scheme involving theft of funds, purchase and possession of two machine guns, and obstructing federal tax laws using altered documents and a fake business.
Carrollton businessman sentenced for failing to pay over $2 million in payroll taxes
By E. F. Cullerton | Aug 27, 2024
Barry Lee White has been sentenced to federal prison for willful failure to pay more than $2.4 million in payroll taxes.
Elizabeth Chamblee Burch featured on Law.com for insights on Tom Girardi trial
By A. A. Sanchez | Aug 27, 2024
Callaway Chair Elizabeth Chamblee Burch was featured on Law.com regarding the Tom Girardi trial. The article titled "Critical Mass With Law.com’s Amanda Bronstad: Tom Girardi’s Secretaries, Housekeeper and Neurologist Testify at Criminal Trial; Could 3rd Circuit’s Preemption Ruling Put Monsanto’s Roundup Before SCOTUS?" was written by Amanda Bronstad and published on August 21, 2024.
Lori A. Ringhand discusses election rule changes on Georgia Public Broadcasting
By E. F. Cullerton | Aug 27, 2024
Hosch Professor and Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor Lori A. Ringhand was featured on Georgia Public Broadcasting to discuss recent rule changes passed by the Georgia State Elections Board. The segment, titled "What kind of rules can the Georgia Election Board make?" was hosted by Peter Biello and published on August 26, 2024.
Brunswick man receives consecutive life sentences for rape and child molestation
By M. N. Tirado | Aug 26, 2024
Troy Rogers III of Brunswick, GA, was found guilty by a Glynn County jury on August 23, 2024, of one count of rape, two counts of aggravated child molestation, and one count of child molestation. The jury reached its verdict after deliberating for only one hour. Superior Court Judge Roger Lane subsequently sentenced Rogers to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 19 years in prison.
Dennis and Rodrigues assume new roles at School of Law
By K. R. Nelson | Aug 26, 2024
Congratulations to Andrea L. Dennis and Usha R. Rodrigues for being named associate deans at the School of Law. Dennis will oversee academic affairs and student life, while Rodrigues will support the school's faculty in pursuit of world-class scholarship and extramural funding.
Beasley Allen secures $6 million settlement in premises liability case
By A. D. Bamburg | Aug 23, 2024
The Beasley Allen Law Firm has secured a $6 million settlement in a catastrophic premises liability case. The firm, which has been in operation for over 45 years, emphasizes its commitment to "helping those who need it most."
Beasley Allen Law Firm announces $6 million commercial vehicle case settlement
By J. D. Suayan | Aug 23, 2024
A $6 million settlement has been reached in a commercial vehicle case, according to the Beasley Allen Law Firm. The firm, which has been operating for over 40 years, emphasizes its commitment to "helping those who need it most."
New report finds Georgia has tenth most expensive car insurance in the country
By C. D. McHugh | Aug 23, 2024
Insurify, a virtual insurance agency, issued a report on August 11 which found that car insurance costs in Georgia are the tenth highest in the country, despite Georgia’s low overall cost of living.