Verdict . News

Supreme Court of New Jersey

New Jersey Supreme Court Bars Shaken Baby Syndrome Expert Testimony

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that expert testimony on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma lacks sufficient scientific reliability to be presented to juries in criminal cases. The decision affects two fathers who were charged with child abuse after their children exhibited classic symptoms associated with the syndrome.

•New Jersey Supreme Court held that Shaken Baby Syndrome expert testimony lacks scientific reliability for criminal trials

•Two fathers charged with child abuse after children showed classic SBS symptoms successfully challenged expert testimony

•Illinois Supreme Court reversed appellate court's affirmation of nationwide class certification against Walgreens

Illinois Supreme Court Reverses Walgreens FACTA Class Action Certification

The Illinois Supreme Court reversed a lower court's decision certifying a nationwide class action against Walgreens over alleged violations of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act. The case centers on claims that Walgreens printed too many digits of debit card numbers on customer receipts.

•Case involved alleged FACTA violations for printing excessive debit card digits on receipts

•Illinois Supreme Court dismissed pretrial detention appeal as moot after Sean Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder

Illinois Supreme Court Dismisses Grayson Pretrial Detention Appeal as Moot

The Illinois Supreme Court dismissed as moot an appeal regarding the pretrial detention of Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy, after he was convicted of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. The high court ruled the detention question became irrelevant following Grayson's trial and conviction.

•Grayson was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonja Massey during a domestic disturbance call

•Illinois Supreme Court affirmed Sidney Butler's 21-year sentence for sexually assaulting his half-sister

Illinois Supreme Court Affirms Child Sexual Assault Conviction

The Illinois Supreme Court upheld Sidney Butler's 21-year sentence for sexually assaulting his half-sister, ruling that the victim's video-recorded statements were properly admitted as evidence despite challenges to her testimony.

•Court ruled victim's video-recorded interview statements were properly admitted as evidence

•Williams convicted of threatening sheriff's deputy during arrest, challenged jury instructions on appeal

Illinois Supreme Court Upholds Threat Conviction Despite Jury Instructions

The Illinois Supreme Court affirmed Isaiah Williams' conviction for threatening a public official during his arrest by a Kendall County sheriff's deputy. Williams argued that conflicting jury instructions misled the jury about legal requirements, but the court ruled the instructions were not contradictory when read together.

•Defense argued IPI 11.49 and 11.50 conflicted on 'unique threat' requirement for prosecution

•Illinois Supreme Court ruled unanimously that police officers can recover attorney fees when successfully challenging discontinued duty disability benefits

Illinois Supreme Court Allows Police Officers to Recover Attorney Fees

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled unanimously that police officers who successfully challenge the discontinuation of their duty disability benefits can recover attorney fees and costs under state pension code. The decision in *Rainey v. Retirement Board of the Policemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund* establishes important precedent for officers fighting benefit denials.

•The decision interprets section 5-228(b) of the Illinois Pension Code to authorize fee recovery in administrative review proceedings

•Illinois Supreme Court unanimously ruled that trial courts need not explicitly warn defendants that absence waives confrontation rights

Illinois Supreme Court Rules on Trial in Absentia Admonishment Rules

The Illinois Supreme Court unanimously reversed an appellate court ruling, holding that trial courts need not explicitly warn defendants that absence from trial waives their right to confront witnesses. The decision clarifies procedural requirements for trials conducted without the defendant present.

•The decision reverses an appellate court ruling that had found trial court admonishments insufficient

•Illinois Supreme Court reversed appellate ruling that found trial court's admonishment inadequate for absent defendant trial

Illinois Supreme Court Rules Trial Warning Sufficient for Absent Defendant

The Illinois Supreme Court reversed an appellate decision in *People v. Hietschold*, ruling that a trial court adequately warned a defendant about the consequences of failing to appear for trial. The court held that telling a defendant he could be tried, convicted, and sentenced in his absence was sufficient, even without explicitly mentioning the waiver of confrontation rights.

•Defendant David Hietschold was convicted in absentia on felony aggravated battery charges and sentenced to 42 months' imprisonment

•Illinois Supreme Court unanimously reversed appellate court and granted tort immunity to Kankakee School District 111

Illinois Supreme Court Grants Immunity to School District in Gym Class Injury Case

The Illinois Supreme Court reversed an appellate court decision and granted tort immunity to Kankakee School District 111 and its employee in a case involving a student injured during gym class. The unanimous November 20, 2025 ruling clarifies the scope of governmental immunity protections for school districts under state tort law.

•Case involved student Riley Haase who was injured during gym class activities at the school