Verdict . News

Supreme Court of Minnesota

Jul 17, 2024•4 min read

Minnesota Supreme Court Clarifies Sexual Contact Law on Object Use

The Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for second-degree criminal sexual conduct, ruling that state law prohibits using objects to make contact with intimate parts. The July 17, 2024 decision in *Sean Michael Wocelka v. State of Minnesota* provides crucial precedent for interpreting Minnesota's criminal sexual conduct statutes.

•Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed conviction for second-degree criminal sexual conduct

•Court ruled that using objects to make intimate contact violates state criminal sexual conduct law

Supreme Court of Minnesota

Jul 17, 2024•4 min read

Minnesota Supreme Court Rules State Patrol Can Be Sued Under Dog-Bite Law

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the state's dog-bite statute clearly waives sovereign immunity, allowing Christina Berrier to proceed with her lawsuit against the Minnesota State Patrol after a canine attack.

•Minnesota Supreme Court ruled the state's dog-bite statute waives sovereign immunity for government agencies

•Decision allows Christina Berrier's lawsuit against State Patrol to proceed after canine attack

May 14, 2024•2 min read

•Missouri Supreme Court disbarred James T. Crump for violating nine professional conduct rules

Missouri Supreme Court Disbarred Attorney for Trust Fund Violations

The Missouri Supreme Court disbarred attorney James T. Crump on May 14, 2024, for multiple violations of professional conduct rules involving mismanagement of client trust funds and his IOLTA account. The court rejected lesser sanctions, ordering the most severe disciplinary action available.

•Violations involved mismanagement of client trust funds and IOLTA account operations

Apr 2, 2024•4 min read

•Missouri Supreme Court affirmed denial of medical marijuana cultivation license to MO CANN Do, Inc.

Missouri Supreme Court Affirms Denial of Medical Marijuana License

The Missouri Supreme Court affirmed the denial of a medical marijuana cultivation license to MO CANN Do, Inc., ruling that the company's application failed to meet minimum licensing requirements. The company's application included a certificate of incorporation instead of the required certificate of good standing.

•Company failed to provide required certificate of good standing, submitting certificate of incorporation instead

Feb 14, 2024•5 min read

•Missouri Supreme Court reversed circuit court and reinstated State Tax Commission's denial of discrimination claims by 2,625 commercial property owners

Missouri Supreme Court Rules for St. Louis County Assessor in Tax Case

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled in favor of St. Louis County Assessor Jake Zimmerman, reversing a circuit court decision and reinstating the State Tax Commission's denial of discrimination claims filed by 2,625 commercial property owners who alleged unfair assessments.

•Property owners alleged ratio discrimination in 2017 assessments but did not claim intentional bias

Jan 30, 2024•4 min read

•Missouri Supreme Court vacated circuit court's dismissal of discrimination claims against Harley-Davidson and Syncreon

Missouri Supreme Court Revives Racial Discrimination Claims Against Harley-Davidson

The Missouri Supreme Court reversed a circuit court's dismissal of racial discrimination and hostile work environment claims against Harley-Davidson Motor Company and logistics partner Syncreon. The high court ruled that workers' allegations establish valid claims under the Missouri Human Rights Act.

•Case involves allegations of hostile work environment and aiding/abetting racial discrimination under Missouri Human Rights Act

Dec 19, 2023•4 min read

•Missouri Supreme Court made permanent its preliminary writ of mandamus ordering dismissal of property tax lawsuit

Missouri Supreme Court Orders Dismissal of Property Tax Assessment Lawsuit

The Missouri Supreme Court issued a mandamus order requiring a circuit court to dismiss property tax assessment claims filed by Jackson County property owners. The state's highest court ruled that the taxpayers failed to exhaust all available administrative remedies before filing their lawsuit.

•Property owners failed to exhaust administrative remedies before filing suit against Jackson County

Aug 15, 2023•4 min read

•Missouri Supreme Court affirmed convictions of two parents for violating compulsory school attendance law

Missouri Supreme Court Upholds Truancy Convictions of Two Parents

The Missouri Supreme Court affirmed the convictions of two parents who failed to ensure their children attended school regularly, rejecting constitutional challenges to the state's compulsory attendance law in a ruling issued August 15, 2023.

•Court rejected constitutional challenge that the law is unconstitutionally vague when applied to enrolled students

Mar 21, 2023•4 min read

•Missouri Supreme Court affirmed state preemption over local CAFO regulations in March 2023 ruling

Missouri Supreme Court Upholds State Law Limiting Local CAFO Rules

The Missouri Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling that rejected challenges by Cedar County Commission and other parties to state law section 192.300.1, which limits local governments' ability to regulate controlled animal feeding operations. The March 21, 2023 decision strengthens state authority over agricultural operations while curtailing local zoning powers.

•Cedar County Commission and environmental groups unsuccessfully challenged state law section 192.300.1