Verdict . News

•California Supreme Court unanimously ruled loose marijuana on vehicle floor does not violate open container law

California Supreme Court

California Supreme Court: Loose Marijuana in Car Not Open Container

The California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that loose marijuana scattered on a vehicle's rear floor does not constitute an 'open container' violation under state law. The court also held that police lacked probable cause to conduct a warrantless vehicle search based solely on the presence of loose marijuana.

•Court held police lacked probable cause for warrantless vehicle search based solely on presence of loose marijuana

•Oregon Supreme Court denied petition for review in case involving tribal customary adoption procedures

Oregon Supreme Court Denies Review in Tribal Adoption Case

The Oregon Supreme Court has denied a petition for review in a complex child welfare case involving the Department of Human Services, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, and parental rights disputes over tribal customary adoption procedures.

•Court of Appeals ruled that state juvenile courts cannot relitigate tribal determinations about Indian child welfare

•Oregon Supreme Court denied state's petition for review in McGee criminal case on January 29, 2026

Oregon Supreme Court Denies State Appeal in McGee Criminal Case

The Oregon Supreme Court denied the state's petition for review in State v. McGee on January 29, 2026, along with defendant Menphrey Douglas McGee's contingent petitions. The denial upholds a 2025 Court of Appeals decision in the criminal case originating from Multnomah County.

•Court also rejected defendant's contingent petitions, upholding 2025 Court of Appeals decision

•Oregon Supreme Court unanimously affirmed Ribas's conviction for failing to report residence change within required timeframe

Oregon Supreme Court Affirms Sex Offender Conviction in State v. Ribas

The Oregon Supreme Court affirmed Wednesday a criminal conviction against Edwardo Luis Ribas for failing to report a residence change as required under state sex offender registration laws. The unanimous decision upholds both the Court of Appeals ruling and the original Linn County Circuit Court judgment.

•Case centered on interpretation of ORS 163A.040(1)(d) sex offender registration requirements

•Oregon Supreme Court granted Worsham's petition for reconsideration and reversed Court of Appeals decision

Oregon Supreme Court Reverses Appeals Decision in State v. Worsham

The Oregon Supreme Court granted a petition for reconsideration in State v. Anthony Alan Worsham and reversed the Court of Appeals decision, sending the case back for further proceedings. The court's modified opinion marks a significant development in the criminal case that has worked its way through multiple levels of Oregon's judicial system.

•Case stems from 2021 criminal charges and has moved through multiple court levels

Supreme Court of New Jersey

NJ Supreme Court: Title IX Regulations Preempt Union Grievance Rights

The New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously ruled that federal Title IX regulations preempt union grievance procedures in sexual harassment cases. The decision arose from a dispute between Rutgers University and AFSCME Local 888 over the termination of an employee following a Title IX investigation.

•Federal Title IX regulations preempt union grievance procedures in sexual harassment cases

•Rutgers successfully defended its refusal to allow dual proceedings under both Title IX and union contract

•Washington Supreme Court unanimously affirmed dismissal of A Better Richland PAC's writ of mandamus petition against Benton County Auditor

Washington Supreme Court

Washington Supreme Court Affirms Dismissal of PAC's Election Petition

The Washington State Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal of a writ of mandamus petition filed by A Better Richland political action committee against Benton County Auditor Brenda Chilton. The case involved disputes over municipal charter amendment procedures and election timing requirements.

•Dispute centered on timing requirements for municipal charter amendment elections under RCW 35.22.120

•Nevada Supreme Court answered certified question from Ninth Circuit on excess insurer subrogation rights

Nevada Supreme Court

Nevada Supreme Court Rules on Insurance Subrogation in Federal Case

The Nevada Supreme Court answered a certified question from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on January 29, 2026, regarding an excess insurer's ability to claim equitable subrogation against a primary insurer. The case involves North River Insurance Company seeking subrogation rights against James River Insurance Company after both insurers funded a settlement that exceeded the primary policy limit.

•Case involves North River Insurance seeking subrogation against James River Insurance after settlement exceeded primary policy limit

•Nevada Supreme Court granted partial relief on petition to disqualify Judge Kathleen A. Sigurdson for alleged bias in criminal case

Nevada Supreme Court

Nevada High Court Grants Partial Relief in Judge Bias Petition

The Nevada Supreme Court issued a mixed ruling on a petition by Thomas Lamont Williams seeking to disqualify Washoe County District Judge Kathleen A. Sigurdson for alleged bias in his criminal case. The court granted the petition in part and denied it in part, addressing fundamental questions about judicial impartiality in criminal proceedings.

•Case arose from district court's denial of severance motion and subsequent order that raised judicial bias concerns