Verdict . News

•Trial courts must meaningfully consider a defendant's youth when specifically requested during resentencing proceedings

Washington Supreme Court

Washington Supreme Court: Judges Must Consider Youth in Adult Resentencing

The Washington Supreme Court ruled that trial judges must meaningfully consider a defendant's youth when requested during resentencing proceedings. The decision in State v. Ellis involves an 18-year-old defendant who committed a serious crime in 2008 and later became eligible for full resentencing.

•The case involved an 18-year-old defendant who became eligible for full resentencing after his offender score was reduced

•Appeal waivers function like contract provisions and only bar appeals within their defined scope

Indiana Supreme Court

Indiana Supreme Court Limits Criminal Appeal Waivers in Sentencing Cases

The Indiana Supreme Court ruled in Anderson v. State that criminal defendants can challenge certain sentences even after signing comprehensive appeal waivers. The court held that appeal waivers only bar challenges within their scope and cannot prevent appeals of 'illegal' sentences that fall outside statutory ranges or violate constitutional protections.

•Even comprehensive waivers cannot prevent challenges to 'illegal' sentences outside statutory ranges or violating constitutional protections

•Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals cannot revoke conditional use permits 11 months after approval based on claimed legal error

Indiana Supreme Court

Indiana Supreme Court Bars Zoning Boards from Revoking Approved Permits

The Indiana Supreme Court ruled that local zoning boards cannot revoke conditional use permits months after approval based on claims of legal error. The November 13, 2025 decision in Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals v. Bedford Recycling, Inc. establishes important precedent limiting municipal authority to reverse zoning decisions.

•Indiana Supreme Court ruled zoning boards lack inherent or common law authority to reconsider final orders without statutory authorization

•Labor Commission Appeals Board found Salt Lake County retaliated against Theresa Christensen for sexual harassment complaint

Utah Supreme Court

Utah Supreme Court Rules on Anti-Discrimination Case Against Salt Lake County

The Utah Supreme Court issued an opinion in *Christensen v. Labor Commission*, affirming that Salt Lake County retaliated against employee Theresa Christensen after she complained about sexual harassment. The case addresses workers' compensation appeals and attorney fees under the Utah Antidiscrimination Act.

•Board awarded compensation for damages but denied statutory attorney fees request

•Utah Supreme Court reviewed murder conviction where defendant claimed self-defense after shooting unarmed man

Utah Supreme Court

Utah Supreme Court Reviews Self-Defense Instructions in Murder Case

The Utah Supreme Court issued a decision in State v. Hunt, examining whether a trial court properly instructed jurors on self-defense theories. Jonathan Hunt was convicted of murder after shooting an unarmed man, claiming he believed the victim was reaching for a weapon.

•Trial court refused defendant's requested instruction that apparent danger, not actual danger, suffices for self-defense

•Utah Supreme Court reversed Court of Appeals decision that would have granted new sentencing for Franklin James

Utah Supreme Court

Utah Supreme Court Reverses Appeals Ruling on Plea Deal Sentencing

The Utah Supreme Court reversed a Court of Appeals decision that would have required new sentencing for Franklin James, who received prison time despite a plea agreement recommending probation. The high court rejected adopting federal precedent that automatically grants relief when defendants aren't invited to speak before sentencing.

•Court rejected adopting federal precedent automatically granting relief when defendants aren't invited to speak before sentencing

Supreme Court of South Dakota

Nov 12, 2025•4 min read

South Dakota High Court Rules on $4M Insurance Fraud in Divorce Case

The South Dakota Supreme Court ruled in *Trumble v. Trumble*, a divorce case where a wife failed to disclose the full value of insurance coverage on Canadian property that burned during proceedings. The court addressed whether the husband could obtain relief after discovering his ex-wife received $4 million instead of the disclosed $2 million in insurance proceeds.

•Wife disclosed only $2 million in Canadian property insurance coverage during divorce proceedings but actually received $4 million in proceeds

•The Canadian residential property burned down during the pendency of the divorce case, creating complex valuation issues

Supreme Court of South Carolina

Nov 12, 2025•4 min read

SC Supreme Court Issues Split Ruling in Mount Pleasant Parking Dispute

The South Carolina Supreme Court delivered a mixed ruling in a contract dispute between the Town of Mount Pleasant and Shem Creek Development Group over a failed public parking garage project. The court affirmed some aspects of the lower court's decision while reversing and vacating others, remanding the case with instructions.

•South Carolina Supreme Court issued mixed ruling in parking garage contract dispute between Mount Pleasant and Shem Creek Development Group

•Town allegedly sabotaged approved parking garage project through regulatory manipulation after facing citizen opposition

Supreme Court of South Carolina

Nov 12, 2025•4 min read

SC Supreme Court Grants Injunction Against State Treasurer in Pay Dispute

The South Carolina Supreme Court granted an injunction against State Treasurer Curtis M. Loftis Jr. in a constitutional dispute involving legislative compensation. The November 12 ruling addresses separation of powers concerns between the executive and legislative branches.

•South Carolina Supreme Court granted injunction against State Treasurer Curtis M. Loftis Jr. in constitutional dispute

•Case involves separation of powers and legislative compensation under Article III, Section 19 of state constitution