Lawyers USA

Justice Ginsburg's Illness Stirs Supreme Speculation

As Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg recovers from surgery for pancreatic cancer in a New York hospital, speculation is swirling over whether President Barack Obama may be faced with the task of selecting a U.S. Supreme Court justice early in his tenure. Ginsburg, 75, had no symptoms of the disease before the cancer was discovered during a routine checkup in January, according to a statement from the Supreme Court.

Spoliation Sanctions Imposed by Federal Judge; 6th Circuit Upholds Sanctions

A federal judge in Michigan could impose sanctions for a third party's spoliation of evidence relevant to a civil rights suit - even though state law does not authorize such relief, the en banc 6th Circuit has ruled. The plaintiff filed a [section]1983 suit in federal court against the defendant, a Michigan corrections officer. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant had assaulted him when he was a prisoner. During discovery, the plaintiff learned that prison officials had lost or destroyed...

N.J. Appellate Division Says Lawyer Can't Reduce Alimony Based On 'Plummeting' Practice

An attorney couldn't establish that he was entitled to a reduction in his alimony and child support payments based on the alleged "plummeting" fortunes of his legal practice, the New Jersey Appellate Division has ruled in affirming judgment. The attorney agreed to a divorce settlement under which he would pay $1,000 per week in alimony and $350 per week in child support. An expert hired by the couple determined that these were fair amounts based on the attorney's annual income of $185,000 fr...

Each Victim's Exposure to Asbestos Is Single Occurrence, Rules Wisconsin Supreme Court

For purposes of insurance coverage for asbestos exposure, each claimant's exposure constitutes one occurrence under the manufacturer's liability policy, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled in answer to a certified question from the 7th Circuit. The case involved multiple claimants exposed to asbestos over many years in different geographical locations. The manufacturer's liability policy contained limits "per occurrence."