Verdict . News

Jul 24, 2024•4 min read

•Minnesota Supreme Court reversed recall election for lacking required constitutional allegations

Minnesota Supreme Court Reverses City Council Recall Election

The Minnesota Supreme Court reversed a Columbia Heights city council recall election, ruling that the petition against Kay "KT" Jacobs failed to meet constitutional requirements for alleging malfeasance or nonfeasance.

•Recall petitions must specifically allege malfeasance or nonfeasance under state law

Jul 24, 2024•4 min read

•Court found no evidence of judicial bias by the district court judge

Minnesota Supreme Court Affirms Conviction in Road Rage Murder Case

The Minnesota Supreme Court rejected multiple appellate claims in State of Minnesota v. Jamal L. Smith, affirming the defendant's conviction for the fatal shooting of Jay Boughton in a road rage incident. The court found no evidence of judicial bias, ineffective counsel, or improper jury composition.

•Defense counsel's failure to move for venue change did not constitute ineffective assistance

Jul 24, 2024•4 min read

•Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed district court's unjust enrichment finding in property dispute between former unmarried partners

Minnesota Supreme Court Affirms Unjust Enrichment in Cohabitation Case

The Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed a district court ruling that a property owner would be unjustly enriched if allowed to retain a cabin and furnishings paid for by her former unmarried partner. The July 2024 decision in Hepfl v. Meadowcroft addresses property rights when cohabitating couples separate.

•Case involved cabin and fixtures paid for by one partner during cohabitation on property owned by the other

Jul 17, 2024•4 min read

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

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.

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

Jul 17, 2024•4 min read

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

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.

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

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