THREAD: depp vs heard ends verdict

BELOVED PETS Seized: New York Faces Outrage Over Squirrel and Raccoon

28 November 2024 — Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner are suing New York State after authorities seized their pet squirrel, Peanut, and raccoon, Fred. The Department of Environmental Conservation raided their Pine City home on October 30, citing rabies concerns. The couple accuses the state of government overreach and rights violations.

Authorities euthanized Peanut and Fred to test for rabies, despite allegedly knowing the animals were healthy. Longo and Bittner claim the tests were “unfounded” and “unjustified.” They argue that officials invaded their privacy during the raid.

Peanut was a social media sensation with over 532,000 Instagram followers before his seizure. His popularity has drawn attention to this legal battle against New York State’s actions. The case highlights concerns about government intervention in private animal ownership.

The state justified its actions by stating an agent was bitten during the raid, necessitating rabies testing. However, Longo and Bittner maintain that this reasoning is flawed given prior knowledge of the animals’ health status.

SUPREME COURT Decision Sparks Fury: Virginia Voter Purge Backed

31 October 2024 — The Supreme Court’s conservative majority upheld Virginia’s voter registration purge on Wednesday. The state argues this action prevents non-citizens from voting. This decision aligns with Virginia’s Republican administration under Governor Glenn Youngkin.

A Virginian affected by the purge criticized it as “a very bad October surprise,” despite living in the state her entire life. The court’s ruling came over the dissent of its three liberal justices, highlighting a clear ideological divide.

The Supreme Court did not provide an explanation for its decision, which is common in emergency appeals. This move underscores ongoing debates about voter registration and election integrity across the nation.

GREENPEACE Activists CLEARED: Judge Slams Charges in Sunak Protest

22 September 2024 — Four Greenpeace activists were arrested for scaling former U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s estate and draping it in black fabric. They protested his plan to expand oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Judge Adrian Lower dismissed the charges, citing insufficient evidence of criminal damage to Sunak’s slate roof.

One defendant, Michael Grant, praised the court’s decision but criticized the broader trend of jailing peaceful protesters. He stated, “We have become a country that regularly sends peaceful protesters to jail.” This sentiment echoes concerns about harsh penalties faced by other environmental activists in the U.K.

In contrast, five activists who blocked traffic on a major London highway received sentences of up to five years in prison for their actions last November. The disparity highlights ongoing debates over how to handle environmental protests legally and ethically.

TEENS’ SHOCKING Plea Deal in Las Vegas Beating Death

04 September 2024 — Four Las Vegas teenagers pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the fatal beating of their high school classmate. The plea deal keeps them from being tried as adults. The attack on 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis Jr. was captured on video and widely shared on social media.

The teens were initially charged with second-degree murder and conspiracy but will now face time in a juvenile detention center for an undetermined period. In Clark County, minors are released after completing rehabilitation programs rather than serving traditional jail sentences, according to Brigid Duffy of the district attorney’s office.

Defense lawyer Robert Draskovich called the plea deal “a very fair resolution.” However, Lewis’ mother, Mellisa Ready, disagreed strongly with the outcome, stating that there is no true punishment for her son’s murder and calling it “disgusting.”

JUDGE BLOCKS Public Release of Nashville Shooter’s Writings

05 July 2024 — A judge in Nashville ruled that the writings of Audrey Hale, who killed six people at a Christian school, cannot be released to the public. Judge I’Ashea Myles determined that the victims’ families hold the copyright to Hale’s works. The families argued they should control access to these materials.

The decision stems from a novel legal argument using federal Copyright Act exceptions. Hale’s parents transferred ownership of her property to the victims’ families, who then fought in court for this ruling. This case marks a unique interpretation of copyright law as it applies to public records.

Interest in these documents is high due to theories about Hale’s motives, including possible hate crimes against Christians. Police reported that Hale may have identified as transgender, adding another layer of controversy and speculation around her writings.

Victims’ families praised the ruling, stating it denies notoriety to the shooter and brings them some relief. Cindy Peak’s family expressed gratitude for preventing Hale’s “vile and unfiltered thoughts” from being released publicly. The case is expected to be appealed soon.

TRUMP FIGHTS Back: Lawyers Demand End to GAG Order in New York Case

05 June 2024 — Donald Trump’s legal team is requesting the removal of a gag order that prevents him from commenting on witnesses, jurors, and others involved in his criminal case. His lawyers argue that the restrictions on Trump’s First Amendment rights are no longer justified now that the trial has concluded.

Trump’s attorneys, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, emphasized the need for “unrestrained campaign advocacy,” especially after President Joe Biden’s public comments about the verdict. They also pointed out ongoing criticism from Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels as reasons to lift the gag order.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined to comment on this request. Judge Juan M. Merchan initially issued the gag order before the trial started due to concerns about Trump attacking those involved in his cases.

Merchan later expanded it to include comments about his own family after Trump targeted his daughter online. While remarks about Merchan and District Attorney Alvin Bragg are permitted, statements regarding court staff and Bragg’s prosecution team remain prohibited under the current gag order.

JUSTICE DENIED: No Charges for British Soldiers in Bloody Sunday Case

20 April 2024 — Fifteen British soldiers linked to the 1972 Bloody Sunday killings in Northern Ireland will not face perjury charges. The Public Prosecution Service cited insufficient evidence for convictions related to their testimony about the events in Derry. Previously, an inquiry had labeled the soldiers’ actions as self-defense against IRA threats.

A more detailed inquiry concluded in 2010 that the soldiers had fired unjustifiably on unarmed civilians and misled investigators for decades. Despite these findings, only one soldier, known as Soldier F, is currently facing prosecution for his actions during the incident.

The decision has sparked outrage among victims’ families, who see it as a denial of justice. John Kelly, whose brother was killed on Bloody Sunday, criticized the lack of accountability and accused the British Army of deceit throughout the Northern Ireland conflict.

The legacy of “the Troubles,” which claimed over 3,600 lives and ended with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, continues to impact Northern Ireland deeply. The recent prosecutorial decisions underscore ongoing tensions and unresolved grievances from this violent period in history.

Prince Harry’s SECURITY BATTLE: UK Judge Rejects His Appeal for Protection

16 April 2024 — Prince Harry’s effort to secure police protection while in the UK has hit a new snag. A judge recently ruled against his appeal, limiting his access to government-funded security. This setback is part of the fallout from his decision to step back from royal duties.

The dispute has been ongoing for four years, rooted in Harry’s concerns over media intrusion and threats from online sources. However, High Court Judge Peter Lane upheld the government’s tailored security measures as lawful and appropriate in February.

Facing this latest defeat, Prince Harry’s path forward is now more complicated. To continue his fight, he must directly request permission from the Court of Appeal, as the High Court has denied him an automatic right to appeal.

This legal tussle highlights the unique challenges faced by members of the royal family who seek a different path away from their traditional roles and responsibilities.

OJ Simpson’s TWISTED Fate: From Freedom to Prison

13 April 2024 — More than two decades after O.J. Simpson walked free in a murder case that grabbed headlines worldwide, a Nevada jury found him guilty of armed robbery and kidnapping. The conviction was for trying to take back personal items in Las Vegas. Some say the tough 33-year sentence at 61 years old was because of his earlier trial and his fame.

The trial in Los Angeles, coming after the Rodney King incident, ended with Simpson not guilty. But many think this result made his punishment for the Las Vegas crimes harsher later on. “Celebrity justice swings both ways,” said media lawyer Royal Oakes, pointing out how Simpson’s star status affected his legal troubles.

Released on parole in 2017 after nine years behind bars, Simpson’s journey is much different from his first trial’s verdict. His cases have started talks about how fame can tilt the scales of justice and possible jury bias due to race. These events show the tricky mix of fame, societal issues, and law in America.

Simpson’s story continues to be a powerful example of how celebrity can impact legal outcomes differently over time, raising questions about fairness and justice in high-profile cases.

BRITISH TRADER’S Appeal Crushed: Libor Conviction Stands Strong

28 March 2024 — Tom Hayes, a former financial trader for Citigroup and UBS, has been unsuccessful in his attempt to overturn his conviction. This 44-year-old Brit was convicted in 2015 for manipulating the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) from 2006 to 2010. His case marked the first-ever conviction of this kind.

Hayes served half of an 11-year sentence and was released in 2021. Despite asserting his innocence throughout, he faced another conviction by a U.S court in 2016.

Carlo Palombo, another trader implicated in similar manipulations with Euribor, also sought appeal through the U.K.'s Court of Appeal via the Criminal Cases Review Commission. However, after a three-day hearing earlier this month, both appeals were dismissed without success.

The Serious Fraud Office remained resolute against these appeals stating: “No one is above the law and the court has recognized that these convictions stand firm.” This decision comes on the heels of a contrasting verdict from a U.S court last year which reversed similar convictions of two former Deutsche Bank traders.

JUDGEMENT HOUR: Assange’s Future Teeters as UK Judges Decide on US Extradition

26 March 2024 — Today, two esteemed judges from the British High Court will determine the destiny of Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks. The verdict, slated for 10:30 a.m. GMT (6:30 a.m. ET), will decide if Assange can contest his extradition to the U.S.

At age 52, Assange is up against espionage charges in America for disclosing classified military documents over ten years ago. Despite this, he has not yet faced trial in an American court due to his escape from the country.

This decision comes on the heels of last month’s two-day hearing which might have been Assange’s final bid to thwart his extradition. If denied a comprehensive appeal by the High Court, Assange could make one last plea before the European Court of Human Rights.

Supporters of Assange are apprehensive that an unfavorable ruling could expedite his extradition. His spouse Stella underscored this critical juncture with her message yesterday stating “This is it. DECISION TOMORROW.”

CRUMBLEY VERDICT: Parents Face Historic Accountability for Child’s Deadly Actions

15 March 2024 — In a landmark decision, a Michigan jury found James Crumbley guilty of four counts of involuntary manslaughter. This verdict stems from the fatal shooting carried out by his son, Ethan Crumbley, at Oxford High School in November 2021. The case marks an unprecedented moment in which parents are held liable for their child’s violent behavior.

James and Jennifer Crumbley faced charges after their 15-year-old son tragically ended the lives of four students and wounded seven others. Keith Johnson, a criminal defense attorney, suggests that this case could establish a new standard for parental accountability when weapons brought into homes result in mass shootings.

The Crumbleys have made history as the first parents to be tried in relation to a mass school shooting incident in the U.S. James was indicted for failing to properly secure his firearm at home and neglecting his son’s mental health concerns.

In line with his wife’s earlier decision during her separate trial in February, James elected not to testify during his trial. Jennifer was also found guilty on all charges and is set to receive her sentence next month.

IDAHO Supreme Court REJECTS Appeal in Shocking Student Murder Case

13 March 2024 — The Idaho Supreme Court dismissed the pretrial appeal of Bryan Kohberger on Tuesday. Kohberger’s public defenders had argued that his indictment on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary was improperly handled by prosecutors.

The grand jury was guided to indict if they found guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a more stringent criterion than probable cause. The reasoning behind the Idaho Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal was not disclosed.

Kohberger, a 29-year-old Ph.D. student hailing from Pennsylvania, stands accused of committing an unspeakable crime in Moscow, Idaho. He allegedly infiltrated an off-campus residence and brutally murdered four University of Idaho students in November 2022. His bid to stall proceedings by challenging the judge’s refusal to discard the indictment proved futile

As Kohberger awaits trial for his purported heinous acts, this case continues to evolve. This latest ruling signifies another stride towards justice for the victims.

TEXAS Villain SLAPPED With Capital Murder Charge in Heartbreaking Audrii Cunningham Case

21 February 2024 — Don Steven McDougal, a 42-year-old man with a criminal past from Texas, now faces the grim reality of a capital murder charge. This comes after the devastating discovery of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham’s lifeless body in the Trinity River near Livingston.

McDougal found himself in police custody on February 16th for an unrelated aggravated assault charge. However, he had been under scrutiny since February 15th when Audrii failed to show up for her school bus.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons confirmed the dreadful find. He made a firm commitment to meticulously process all evidence to ensure justice prevails for young Audrii.

Living behind Audrii’s residence in a trailer and known as a family friend, McDougal is now charged with taking the life of someone aged between 10 and 15.

DEFEAT for Disney: Court TOSSES Lawsuit Against Governor DeSantis

01 February 2024 — On Wednesday, a significant legal victory was scored by Governor DeSantis and his administration. The court dismissed a lawsuit brought by Disney, asserting that the entertainment giant lacked the necessary standing to sue.

The basis for dismissal centered on Disney’s inability to demonstrate any imminent harm or injury directly linked to actions taken by either the Secretary or governor.

While the court acknowledged that Disney could potentially bring a case against members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CTFOD), it was determined that even then, they would not prevail.

The case in question, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts v. DeSantis (No. 4:23-cv-163), took place in the U.S. District Court for Northern Florida.

CHICAGO HEARTBREAK: 26-Year Sentence for Daughter’s Brutal Murder of Mother in Bali

18 January 2024 — Chicago native Heather Mack, who conspired with her boyfriend to murder her mother in Bali, has been sentenced to 26 years in federal prison. The crime involved leaving the victim’s body in a suitcase. Mack had already served seven years for the same crime in Indonesia before being deported back to the U.S. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to this heinous act.

Mack’s legal team had hoped for a sentence no longer than 15 years, taking into account her time served overseas. However, prosecutors sought a harsher punishment of 28 years. Ultimately, on Wednesday, the federal judge decided on a sentence of 26 years.

The chilling murder was masterminded through text messages between Mack and her boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer. They targeted Sheila von Wiese during their holiday at the St. Regis hotel in Bali back in 2014. In a shocking turn of events, Schaefer bludgeoned Wiese with a fruit bowl handle while Mack silenced her screams.

EXTREME Hate Speech: Neo-Nazi Podcasters PAY the Price for Threats Against Prince Harry and Family

04 January 2024 — In a recent ruling, a London court has handed down sentences to two neo-Nazi podcasters. The charges? Inciting violence against Prince Harry and his young son. The culprits, Christopher Gibbons and Tyrone Patten-Walsh, are the hosts of “Lone Wolf Radio”. According to the sentencing judge, these men are “dedicated and unapologetic white supremacists”.

Gibbons, aged 40, was dealt an eight-year prison sentence. His co-host Patten-Walsh, 34 years old, received seven years behind bars. Following their prison terms, both men will be under probation for three years. Their podcast was a platform for spreading racist views along with antisemitic, Islamophobic, homophobic and misogynistic ideologies.

The duo didn’t just stop at propagating hate speech; they encouraged violent acts against ethnic minorities as well as individuals in interracial relationships whom they labeled as “race traitors”. Prince Harry’s wife Meghan Markle happens to be biracial. In one shocking episode of their show Gibbons even suggested that Prince Harry should face prosecution for treason while his son Archie was dehumanized as a “creature” that should be euthanized.

SECOND AMENDMENT Assault: California’s Public Gun Ban Rolls OUT Despite Legal Firestorms

01 January 2024 — As the New Year dawns, a contentious California law banning firearms in most public places is set to take effect. This move comes hot on the heels of a U.S. district judge’s ruling on December 20, declaring that the law infringes upon the Second Amendment and citizens’ rights to self-defense.

The district judge’s verdict was momentarily stalled by a federal appeals court, paving way for the law’s enactment while legal battles rage on. Lawyers are gearing up to present their cases before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in January and February.

Spearheaded by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, this controversial law prohibits concealed carry in 26 locations such as public parks, churches, banks, and zoos — irrespective of permit status. The only loophole is for private businesses that explicitly permit firearms within their boundaries.

Newsom hailed the appeals court’s decision on X (formerly Twitter), asserting it maintains 'common-sense gun laws’ during appeal processes. However, dissenting voices like U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney contend that this sweeping legislation is “repugnant to the Second Amendment,” and flouts Supreme Court precedent.

PRINCE HARRY’S Libel Case Crumbles: Judge Dismisses Royal’s Claims

08 December 2023 — A London-based judge, Justice Matthew Nicklin, recently dealt a blow to Prince Harry in his libel case against Associated Newspaper Ltd. The Duke of Sussex was unsuccessful in tearing down the defense’s claim that their article was merely an honest opinion.

This ruling follows another legal skirmish involving Harry. The crux of this battle is whether the government unjustly removed his security detail after he moved to the U.S in 2020. The prince contends that social media hostility and relentless media attention pose threats to him and his wife.

The Mail on Sunday and Mail Online ran an article about Harry’s legal tussle with the government over police bodyguards. Harry claims this piece was fundamentally flawed and slanderous, insinuating he fabricated details about his case against the government. Nevertheless, Associated Newspapers argued that their article was simply voicing an honest opinion without inflicting significant damage to Harry’s reputation.

DEATH PENALTY On Trial: Americans Voice Unfairness, Report Unveils Shocking Shift

01 December 2023 — The U.S. death penalty is under fire as more Americans express concerns about its fairness. This change in public sentiment is leading to the increasing marginalization of capital punishment in the country, according to a recent annual report.

However, it remains unclear whether this waning support will result in the end of capital punishment. While some experts anticipate its complete abolition soon, others predict a slow decline rather than an immediate vanishing.

In 2023, only 24 individuals were executed and 21 were sentenced to death. This marks the ninth year in a row with fewer than 30 executions and less than 50 death sentences. Only five states — Texas, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma and Alabama — carried out executions this year; the smallest number in two decades.

A Gallup poll from October disclosed that half of Americans believe capital punishment is unjustly applied. This level of doubt represents the highest since Gallup started surveying this topic back in 2000.