News from March 2024
School of Law celebrates students and faculty with Awards Day
By GA News Gazette | Mar 29, 2024
The School of Law at an undisclosed location recently held its annual Awards Day ceremony, a time-honored tradition that recognizes the achievements of both students and faculty members within the institution.During the event, Dean Peter B. "Bo" Rutledge expressed his appreciation for the hard work and dedication shown by those who were honored, stating, "Thank you for joining me to recognize the accomplishments of our 2024 Awards Day recipients. Congratulations to all on a job well done!"The Awards Day ceremony serves as a moment of celebration and reflection for the...
MOTHER CONVICTED OF MURDER AFTER TRYING TO TAKE THE LAW INTO HER OWN HANDS
By GA News Gazette | Mar 29, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against a mother accused of trying to take the law into her own hands, resulting in the shooting death of a teenager. Defendant Harris, 42, was found guilty of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.According to the investigation, "Defendant Harris discovered a video of her daughter, who was 12 years old at the time, involved in a sexual act with a 22-year-old man, later identified...
Rodrigues featured on Bloomberg Law
By GA News Gazette | Mar 29, 2024
University Professor & Kilpatrick Chair of Corporate Finance and Securities Law Usha Rodrigues was featured on Bloomberg Law regarding Trump Media & Technology Group's stock price. The article titled "Trump's Meme Stock Is Skyrocketing But for How Long?" was written by Bailey Lipschultz and published on March 28, 2024.The focus of the article was on the significant increase in the stock price of Trump Media & Technology Group and the uncertainties surrounding its future trajectory. Rodrigues, as an expert in corporate finance and securities law, provided valuable insights...
In Memoriam: Julian B. McDonnell
By GA News Gazette | Mar 28, 2024
The School of Law is saddened to announce the passing of Sibley Professor Emeritus Julian B. McDonnell. McDonnell, who retired from the law school in June 2003 after more than 30 years of service, left behind a lasting legacy in the field of law. Known for his expertise in contracts, commercial paper, and secured transactions, McDonnell's scholarship included five books and numerous articles.Highly regarded by his students, McDonnell was not only a dedicated educator but also a recipient of several prestigious awards during his tenure. He was selected for the Faculty Book...
Cade featured in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By GA News Gazette | Mar 28, 2024
Associate Dean & Hosch Professor Jason A. Cade was featured in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution regarding the Community Health Law Partnership Clinic. The article titled "'People are scared': Latinos in Athens brace for immigration bills" was written by Lautaro Grinspan and published on March 28, 2024.The article highlighted the concerns of the Latino community in Athens in light of potential immigration bills. Lautaro Grinspan captured the sentiment by quoting, "People are scared."Cade's involvement in the Community Health Law Partnership Clinic was a key focus of the...
CURTEZE AVERY SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR TROUP COUNTY MURDER OF PREGNANT 26-YEAR OLD
By GA News Gazette | Mar 28, 2024
On March 27, 2024, Curteze Avery, 30, of Lafeyette, Alabama, pleaded guilty to the 2022 murder of LaGrange resident Breanna Burgess who was 20 weeks pregnant. The Troup County Grand Jury indicted Avery on October 6, 2022, in Case Number 22-R-0761 for Malice Murder and Feticide. Pursuant to an agreement negotiated by the State, Superior Court Judge Erica Tisinger sentenced Avery to two concurrent life sentences for the murder of 26-year old Burgess and Ms. Burgess’s 20-week old unborn child. Senior Assistant District Attorney David McLaughlin prosecuted the case and...
Social Media Giants Sued for Disruptive Impact on Canada’s Largest School System
By GA News Gazette | Mar 28, 2024
Beasley Allen, in partnership with Neinstein LLP, a Toronto-based civil litigation firm, has initiated a legal action against tech giants Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Snapchat, and TikTok on behalf of Ontario’s largest school boards. The $4.5 billion lawsuit represents the Toronto District School Board, Peel District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, and Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.The litigation alleges that "social media products have disrupted student learning and the education system by reprogramming how children think, behave and...
Rodrigues featured on Yahoo Finance
By GA News Gazette | Mar 28, 2024
University Professor & Kilpatrick Chair of Corporate Finance and Securities Law Usha Rodrigues was featured on Yahoo Finance regarding the Trump Media & Technology Group Corporation. The article titled "Trump has billions in new paper wealth. But accessing it quickly could get messy." was written by Ben Werschkul and published on March 27, 2024.According to the article, Rodrigues shared insights on the potential challenges faced by the Trump Media & Technology Group Corporation in accessing its wealth quickly. The article, written by Ben Werschkul, delves into the...
In Memoriam: Julian B. McDonnell
By GA News Gazette | Mar 28, 2024
The School of Law is mourning the loss of Sibley Professor Emeritus Julian B. McDonnell, who passed away on March 27, 2024. McDonnell retired from the law school in June 2003 after over 30 years of dedicated service. Specializing in contracts, commercial paper, and secured transactions, his scholarly contributions included five books and numerous articles. McDonnell played a significant role in drafting key financial legislation for Georgia state banks, leaving a lasting impact on the legal landscape.According to the information released, McDonnell was highly regarded by...
Northern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney and Procurement Collision Strike Force Director Host Antitrust Summit
By GA News Gazette | Mar 28, 2024
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan expressed the commitment of his office to combat collusion, corruption, and fraud in government services, stating, “Our office is committed to working closely with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that the citizens of this district receive government services free from collusion, corruption, and fraud.”Director Glad highlighted the importance of partnerships in protecting taxpayer funds, stating, “Our partnerships increase awareness and combine resources and tools that protect taxpayers’ money.”During the summit, U.S....
TWO BROTHERS INDICTED IN DECADES-OLD HOME INVASION RAPE CASES
By GA News Gazette | Mar 27, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced the indictments of two brothers in connection with multiple rape cases in metro Atlanta dating back to 1986 and 1987.Jeffrey Briney, 59, has been indicted on various charges including rape, kidnapping, aggravated sodomy, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. Meanwhile, David Briney, 62, faces charges of rape, kidnapping, attempted armed robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Both brothers were taken into custody on February 27, 2024, and are currently being...
University Professor Usha Rodrigues Featured on Bloomberg Law for Analysis on Trump Media & Technology Group's Stock Price
By GA News Gazette | Mar 27, 2024
University Professor & Kilpatrick Chair of Corporate Finance and Securities Law Usha Rodrigues was featured on Bloomberg Law for her insights on Trump Media & Technology Group's stock price. Rodrigues' analysis was highlighted in an article titled "Trump Media Is Now The Most Expensive US Stock to Bet Against" authored by Bailey Lipschultz and published on March 26, 2024. The article gained traction and was subsequently reprinted by other media outlets such as Yahoo Finance and Financial Advisor.Rodrigues's expertise in corporate finance and securities law provided a...
Rodrigues Featured in USA Today
By GA News Gazette | Mar 27, 2024
University Professor & Kilpatrick Chair of Corporate Finance and Securities Law Usha Rodrigues was featured in USA Today regarding stock prices and company performance. The article titled "Truth Social's stock price is soaring. It's not just Trump supporters buying in." was written by Bailey Schulz and published on March 27, 2024.The article highlighted Rodrigues' expertise in analyzing stock prices and company performance, particularly focusing on the recent surge in Truth Social's stock price. Rodrigues' insights shed light on the diverse investor base driving the...
Rodrigues featured in The New York Times
By GA News Gazette | Mar 27, 2024
University Professor & Kilpatrick Chair of Corporate Finance and Securities Law Usha Rodrigues was featured in The New York Times regarding Trump Media & Technology Group's public company status. The article titled "Trump's Media Company Worth Nearly $8 Billion on First Trading Day" was written by Matthew Goldstein and Joe Rennison and was published 3/26/24.
California Man Sentenced for Cell Phone Trade-in Fraud Scheme
By GA News Gazette | Mar 27, 2024
David Shemtov has been sentenced after a jury convicted him of wire fraud based on a scheme involving the fraudulent trade-ins of thousands of cell phones.“The ability to exchange electronic devices for cash value or gift cards provides users the important benefit of recovering some worth for devices they no longer need,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Shemtov chose to exploit this process to fraudulently obtain substantially inflated value for devices he traded and at great expense to the victim company. His sentence of imprisonment should serve as a warning to...
Jury Duty Scam Targets Georgians
By GA News Gazette | Mar 27, 2024
The Southern District of Georgia has issued a warning to the public regarding a telephone scam aimed at residents of Georgia. The scam involves fraudulent claims about failing to report for jury duty, with scammers going to great lengths to make their scheme appear legitimate."Federal courts do not call prospective jurors and ask for money or personal identifying information over the telephone," emphasized the Southern District of Georgia. They advise citizens to be cautious and vigilant when receiving unsolicited phone calls and to refrain from sharing personal...
Gadsden PFAS Lawsuit Against Dupont, Others to Move Forward
By GA News Gazette | Mar 27, 2024
The Water Works and Sewer Board of the City of Gadsden can proceed with its lawsuit against several defendants it contends are responsible for the negligent, willful and wanton conduct that has led to PFAS contamination in the Coosa River Basin.The lawsuit involves prominent defendants, including DuPont, Daikin America, and other PFAS manufacturers, accused of contributing to the PFAS contamination issue in Gadsden. The contamination, which poses severe health risks, has prompted legal action by the Water Works and Sewer Board of Gadsden. The lawsuit alleges that the...
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Hosts Department of Justice’s Office for Access to Justice on National Law School Tour
By GA News Gazette | Mar 27, 2024
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School recently welcomed the Department of Justice’s Office for Access to Justice (ATJ) on their national law school tour. The event, titled Defending People, Families, and Communities, was inspired by AJMLS’ selection as the final stop in the year-long tour. The purpose of the tour was to highlight legal careers serving those most denied access to justice.The day began with opening remarks by Professor Jonathan Rapping and Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. The highlight of the event was a fireside chat with...
Carlson's Book Cited by Georgia Court of Appeals
By GA News Gazette | Mar 27, 2024
The Georgia Court of Appeals recently cited Callaway Chair of Law Emeritus Ronald L. Carlson's book Carlson on Evidence (with M. Carlson) in the case Anderson v. State. The citation was made to clarify the concept of prejudicial evidence in a rape case. This marks the 71st time that this text has been used by Georgia appellate courts to resolve evidentiary issues.
Increase in GA car insurance rates show ‘real-life implications’ of state’s lawsuit climate, says Taxpayer Protection Alliance president
By C.D. Marsden | Mar 26, 2024
David Williams, the president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, said that a 22% increase in Georgia car insurance rates last year is a result of the state’s legal climate.