News from October 2024
Insurance Information Institute CEO: Georgia is 'the number one judicial hellhole' for legal abuse
By J. D. Suayan | Oct 31, 2024
Sean Kevelighan, CEO of the Insurance Information Institute, said legal abuse has made Georgia “the number one judicial hellhole" because of the negative impact on consumers.
Authorities seek help identifying suspect who dragged dogs behind car
By B. B. Urness | Oct 30, 2024
The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office is seeking public assistance to identify a man involved in a disturbing incident where two dogs were tied to the back of a car and dragged along a roadway, resulting in the death of one dog.
Cobb County Juvenile Court explores evidence-based practices for youth intervention
By D. D. Diggs | Oct 30, 2024
In October, Cobb County Juvenile Court held a Lunch and Learn event in partnership with Evidence Based Associates (EBA).
Alabama man sentenced for threats over Trump-related investigation
By B. B. Urness | Oct 29, 2024
Arthur Ray Hanson II, a resident of Huntsville, Alabama, has been sentenced to federal prison for making interstate threats against Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat and District Attorney Fani Willis.
Federal charges filed against man for $800K retail theft from Home Depot
By B. B. Urness | Oct 29, 2024
Yasin Saleem has been charged with conspiracy and wire fraud for allegedly defrauding Home Depot of over $800,000. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated that Saleem and others used fake driver's licenses and fraudulent debit cards to exploit...
Atlanta law firm secures $3 million premises liability settlement
By B. B. Urness | Oct 28, 2024
For over four decades, the Beasley Allen Law Firm has dedicated itself to assisting those in need.
Judge allows schools' claims against social media firms over youth addiction
By B. B. Urness | Oct 25, 2024
A federal judge in California has permitted school districts to advance most of their claims against major social media companies, including Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.
Attorney Bill Lundy shares insights on federal preemption with AJMLS students
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 25, 2024
Attorney Bill Lundy recently addressed Professor Malempati’s constitutional law class at AJMLS, sharing his extensive legal experience.
Uber expands accessibility features to empower riders with disabilities
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 24, 2024
As part of its ongoing efforts to make transportation more inclusive and accessible for riders with disabilities, Uber has introduced new features aimed at improving the experience for those with mobility, hearing, and vision impairments, ensuring their transportation needs are met with greater independence and safety.
Former defense employee pleads guilty to mishandling classified materials
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 23, 2024
A former employee of a U.S. Department of Defense component agency is facing up to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to mishandling classified documents. Margaret Anne Ashby, 26, from Henderson, Nevada, awaits sentencing following her guilty plea to Unauthorized Removal/Retention of Classified Documents. This was announced by Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
AJMLS student awarded 2024 NAMWOLF DEI scholarship
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 22, 2024
Krystal Robledo, a student at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), has been named one of the three recipients of the 2024 NAMWOLF Joel Stern Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Pipeline Scholarship. The scholarship, valued at $10,000, is awarded to students who contribute significantly to diversity within their law school community while pursuing legal careers.
Hellerstein discusses state tax measures in Savannah Morning News
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 21, 2024
Walter Hellerstein, a Distinguished Research Professor and Shackelford Distinguished Professor in Taxation Law Emeritus, was recently featured in the Savannah Morning News. The feature discussed state ballot measures on taxation.
Elizabeth Taxel discusses attorney-client privilege limits in Law360 feature
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 21, 2024
Clinical Assistant Professor and Criminal Defense Practicum Director Elizabeth Taxel has been featured in a Law360 article discussing the limitations of attorney-client privilege. The piece, titled "Narrow Ga. Ruling on Atty-Client Privilege Draws Concerns," was authored by Emily Johnson and published on October 18, 2024.
Gordon Wayne receives award for efforts against homelessness
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 21, 2024
Congratulations to second-year student Gordon Wayne for receiving the 2024 Anna Bissonnette Award from Hearth Inc. Wayne was recognized by the Boston area nonprofit for his work in raising awareness of and helping to end homelessness. He has raised more than $200,000 benefiting the National Alliance to End Homelessness, primarily through two 500+ mile walks - one to UGA to attend law school and the other to Boston College, where he earned an undergraduate degree.
Georgia election challenges face new hurdles post-2020
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 21, 2024
Lori A. Ringhand, a Hosch Professor and Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor, was recently featured in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The article, authored by Mark Niesse and David Wickert, discusses the importance of public trust in election outcomes. Titled "Challenging Georgia elections is harder than in 2020 – but some may try," it was published on October 18, 2024.
Uber continues collaboration with MARTA to enhance public transport access in Georgia
By A. I. Benavidez | Oct 18, 2024
Uber continues its collaboration with Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) through the MARTA Connect Early Bird Program.
Orford discusses oil pollution act at environmental history congress
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 18, 2024
Assistant Professor Adam D. Orford delivered a presentation titled “The Oil Pollution Act of 1924: A Centennial Reassessment” at the Fourth World Congress of Environmental History. The event, themed “Transitions, Transformations and Transdisciplinarity: Histories Beyond History,” was hosted by the University of Oulu in Finland.
Atlanta man sentenced for violent crimes against seniors
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 18, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction of Aaron Neil Johnson, 22, for his involvement in two violent robberies targeting senior citizens. A jury found Johnson guilty on April 1, 2024, of armed robbery, robbery, and theft by receiving stolen property related to incidents involving two women aged 74 and 78.
Bruner discusses US corporate sustainability at University of Oslo
By R. B. Pepalis | Oct 17, 2024
Christopher M. Bruner, the Stembler Family Distinguished Professor in Business Law, delivered a presentation titled “A Political Economy of Corporate Sustainability Reform in the United States” at the University of Oslo Faculty of Law this October. The event was conducted online and organized by Oslo’s Sustainability Law research group.
No charges filed in veteran's fatal shooting at Atlanta VA Medical Center
By D. D. Diggs | Oct 17, 2024
After a thorough review of the evidence, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has made a decision regarding the officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of John Robert Smith, Jr. The incident occurred at the Atlanta VA Medical Center on January 29, 2024.