GA News News Gazette

News from February 2025


III Director on Florida's legal reforms: 'There are early signs that the reforms are working'

Mark Friedlander, Director of Corporate Communications for the Insurance Information Institute (III), said there are "early signs" that Florida's recent legal reforms are making a difference, reducing lawsuits and improving market conditions.


Acworth man receives 20-year sentence for crimes against minor

Cobb District Attorney Sonya F. Allen announced that Charles Martinez, aged 65, has pleaded guilty to charges including child molestation and providing alcohol to a minor.


Pamela Foohey publishes article on consumer bankruptcy issues

Post Professor Pamela Foohey has published an article titled “The Periphery of Bankruptcy Law: The Importance of Non-Bankruptcy Issues in Consumer Bankruptcy” in the 98th volume of the American Bankruptcy Law Journal, page 527 (2024)


CEO of IIAG: Governor Kemp's tort reform bill tackles 'abuse in our legal system'

John Barbour, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia (IIAG), said that Governor Brian Kemp's Senate Bill 68 introduces tort reform to address legal system abuse, including premises liability, medical damages, and trial procedures in...


Thomas E. Kadri elected chair of AALS section on torts

Assistant Professor Thomas E. Kadri has been elected as the chair of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Section on Torts and Compensation Systems for the year 2025.


Elizabeth Weeks joins AALS committee on torts and compensation systems

UGA Associate Provost and Kirbo Chair Elizabeth Weeks has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the Association of American Law Schools Section on Torts and Compensation Systems.


Supreme Court of Georgia holds special session at UGA

The University of Georgia's School of Law recently served as the venue for a special session of the Supreme Court of Georgia, where oral arguments were presented.


DeKalb County DA's office takes on Gilmer child exploitation case

In response to a request from the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office has agreed to take on the role of conflict prosecutor in the case of State v. Ronald Richardson in Gilmer County.


UGA law school sees highest application increase in Georgia

The University of Georgia's School of Law has experienced a significant rise in applications for the fall 2025 semester.


Appellate Litigation Clinic presents case at Fourth Circuit

The Appellate Litigation Clinic recently presented the case Holley v. Combs to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.


Gov. Kemp on tort costs: 'our legal environment is draining family bank accounts'

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced a tort reform package on January 30, aiming to address the state's legal environment, which he claims is adversely affecting family finances and business operations.


Commissioner King: Tort costs are 'threatening our long-term future'

Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King has described the state's legal climate as a hidden tax on families and small businesses, endorsing Governor Brian Kemp's new tort reform package.


Bruner discusses UK's captive insurance regime in Insurance Day

Stembler Family Distinguished Professor in Business Law Christopher M. Bruner has been featured in Insurance Day.


Ringhand's study on interruptions at Supreme Court hearings published

Lori A. Ringhand, who holds the positions of Hosch Professor and Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor, has published an article titled "Gender, Race, and Interruptions at Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings."


Gov Brian Kemp: We have to 'work on passing meaningful tort reform this year'

Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia, has emphasized the necessity of tort reform to safeguard residents' livelihoods and curb rising consumer costs.


UGA team reaches semifinals at National Moot Court Competition

The University of Georgia's team, consisting of third-year students Mona E. Abboud, Taylor L. Stablein, and Casey E. Wofford, reached the semifinals at the National Moot Court Competition held in New York City.


Legal protections against workplace sexual harassment highlighted by Beasley Allen

Sexual harassment in the workplace remains a significant concern addressed by employment law to ensure a safe environment for all employees.


Gulbranson wins law school's closing argument competition

First-year law student Eric S. Gulbranson has emerged as the winner of the School of Law's 2025 J. Ralph Beaird 1L Closing Argument Competition.


UGA moot court team reaches semifinals at national competition

The University of Georgia's moot court team, composed of third-year students Mona E. Abboud, Taylor L. Stablein, and Casey E. Wofford, reached the semifinals at the National Moot Court Competition held in New York City.


Kemp introduces tort reform plan aiming at fair courts and stable insurance

Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia has introduced a tort reform package aimed at leveling the playing field in courtrooms, banning hostile foreign powers from exploiting consumers and legal proceedings, and stabilizing insurance costs for...