USA Archive - Law Commentary

Burger King restaurant with signage stating "Home of the Whopper."

Plaintiffs Have Beef in New Lawsuit Over Burger King’s Misleading Whopper Size

Burger King will have to face a recently filed lawsuit that accuses the fast food chain of falsely advertising its signature Whopper, ruled a U.S. District Court judge in Miami. The class action lawsuit was brought forward by Florida attorney Anthony Russo. Russo is representing plaintiffs in Arizona, California, Connecticut,... Read More about Plaintiffs Have Beef in New Lawsuit Over Burger King’s Misleading Whopper Size

A large crowd of protesters outside the U.S. Capitol building during the January 6 event, with individuals climbing the barriers and waving flags.

January 6 Protester Has No Court Claim Against FBI After His Home Was Raided, but Other Remedy Possible

A group of about 20 armed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents dressed in tactical gear raided the home of Los Angeles-based actor Siaka Massaquoi in the early morning hours of June 10, 2021, to execute a federal search warrant. They believed that Massaquoi had entered the U.S. Capitol building... Read More about January 6 Protester Has No Court Claim Against FBI After His Home Was Raided, but Other Remedy Possible

SpaceX facility with a Falcon 9 rocket in the foreground.

SpaceX Sued by Justice Department, Accused of Not Hiring Refugees and Asylees

The justice department has announced a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX). The lawsuit accuses SpaceX of discriminating against refugees and asylees in the company’s hiring practices. According to the Justice Department, between at least September 2018 and May 2022, the company discouraged asylees and refugees from... Read More about SpaceX Sued by Justice Department, Accused of Not Hiring Refugees and Asylees

Portrait of a transgender woman standing on a bridge, celebrating policy changes for transgender rights.

A Transgender Inmate’s Lawsuit Triggers Big Policy Change in New York

Members of the LGBTQ+ community are celebrating policy reform regarding transgender rights. The policy change was the result of a lawsuit that was filed by a former county jail inmate in New York. Makyyla Holland, a 25-year-old Black transgender woman, filed her lawsuit in March 2022 against New York’s Broome... Read More about A Transgender Inmate’s Lawsuit Triggers Big Policy Change in New York

A police officer in a tactical vest stands in front of a police car with flashing lights, suggesting an ongoing law enforcement situation.

Police Officer Who Might Have Committed Perjury at Trial Should Not Have Been Fired

A police officer in Merced, California, who was fired for lying under oath in court, will get another chance to see if his termination was supported by sufficient evidence about his questionable actions during a possibly illegal search. Officer Jose Cruz was terminated from the Merced County Police Department based... Read More about Police Officer Who Might Have Committed Perjury at Trial Should Not Have Been Fired

A focused press conference featuring a woman speaking into a microphone, with another woman smiling in the background.

Investment Firm Fearless Fund Faces Racial Discrimination Suit Over Grant Program Made for Black Women

An investment firm dedicated to helping Black and minority women get the funding they need for their business ventures is facing a lawsuit that accuses their business practices of being racially discriminatory. The Atlanta-based venture capital firm, Fearless Fund, is facing legal criticism about its grant program, Fearless Strivers Grant... Read More about Investment Firm Fearless Fund Faces Racial Discrimination Suit Over Grant Program Made for Black Women

Michael Oher at the NFL draft ceremony surrounded by family and supporters, holding Ravens gear.

Movie Subject and NFL Star Michael Oher Sues Family for Hiding and Not Sharing Hidden Profits From His Life Story

A new lawsuit filed by a former foster child who achieved great success poses a daunting question in his case: is justice blind? The blockbuster 2009 movie, The Blind Side, was a Hollywood story that offered a heartwarming “true life” tale. In 2004, a well-off white family took in a... Read More about Movie Subject and NFL Star Michael Oher Sues Family for Hiding and Not Sharing Hidden Profits From His Life Story

A person hangs from the wing of a red bi-plane, soaring high above scenic landscapes under a clear blue sky.

Washington Couple Defends Their Wing Walking Business Despite Recent Lawsuit and FAA Investigation

Adrenaline junkies can make their way to Sequim, Washington, on the north coast of the Olympic Peninsula and experience a thrill ride like no other. The business Mason Wing Walking will take you up 3,500 feet into the air on an open cockpit propeller bi-plane and allow you to walk... Read More about Washington Couple Defends Their Wing Walking Business Despite Recent Lawsuit and FAA Investigation

A close-up of a document with the word "CANCELLED" stamped in red, accompanied by a gold pen poised to sign.

Judge Can Deny Name-Change Petition for Applicant with Warrant

A man with an outstanding warrant(s) for his arrest was properly denied his request for a name change, and the appellate court ruled that the trial judge who refused to allow it did not abuse her discretion. The petitioner’s birth certificate said his name was Andre Pierre Harris. In March... Read More about Judge Can Deny Name-Change Petition for Applicant with Warrant

A group of individuals walking together outside a courthouse, likely in relation to the lawsuit filed by the family of Henrietta Lacks.

Family of Henrietta Lacks Files New Lawsuit Over Unethical Use of HeLa Cells

The family of Henrietta Lacks is continuing their legal efforts to hold accountable companies that they say are illegally reaping the benefits of her living genetic material. The family's most recent lawsuit targets a California-based biopharmaceutical company, Ultragenyx. The lawsuit against the company was filed just weeks after the family... Read More about Family of Henrietta Lacks Files New Lawsuit Over Unethical Use of HeLa Cells

Devastation from the Maui wildfire, showing destruction of buildings and downed power lines in Lahaina.

114 Killed in Maui Fire, 850 More Missing: Hawaii Electric Companies Blamed in New Lawsuits

A second lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric Industries, Hawaiian Electric Light Company, and Maui Electric Company has been filed following the Maui wildfire that has killed over 100 people. Despite being the second lawsuit filed, it will not be the last as more complaints are in the process of being filed... Read More about 114 Killed in Maui Fire, 850 More Missing: Hawaii Electric Companies Blamed in New Lawsuits

A statue of Lady Justice holding scales and a sword on a desk with legal books and documents in the background.

Unemployed Lawyer With High Earning Capacity Must Pay Wife’s Divorce Attorney’s Fees

In a dispute over who must pay attorney’s fees during divorce proceedings, what matters is not what the parties earn, but what they are capable of earning. When Jennie (Hearn) Hooker filed for a divorce, she asked the court to make her husband Rockford Hearn pay $45,000 toward her attorney’s... Read More about Unemployed Lawyer With High Earning Capacity Must Pay Wife’s Divorce Attorney’s Fees

Jury members seated in a courtroom during a trial.

Constitution Requires Jury Instruction on Imperfect Self-Defense for Defendant With Good-Faith Belief in Need for Lethal Force

Jason Carl Schuller was accused of the first-degree murder of his friend W.T. At his trial, Schuller pled not guilty by reason of insanity. Evidence, including testimony by a neighbor, showed W.T. had received nine gunshot wounds to his head as well as serious burn injuries. The jury heard evidence... Read More about Constitution Requires Jury Instruction on Imperfect Self-Defense for Defendant With Good-Faith Belief in Need for Lethal Force

Leah Remini at an event, expressing her activism against the Church of Scientology.

Actress and Activist Leah Remini Files Blistering Lawsuit Charging Church of Scientology and Leader David Miscavige of Harassment, Defamation, Stalking and Psychological Torture

Celebrity Leah Remini, who joined the Church of Scientology in 1979 when she was a child due to her mother bringing her in, filed a bombshell lawsuit against the church, its leader David Miscavige, and Religious Technology Center. Ms. Remini is suing for defamation, harassment, stalking, and numerous other unlawful... Read More about Actress and Activist Leah Remini Files Blistering Lawsuit Charging Church of Scientology and Leader David Miscavige of Harassment, Defamation, Stalking and Psychological Torture

A prison officer serving food to an inmate through the bars of a cell.

State Doesn’t Have to Verify Claim That Prison Food Is Really Kosher

A California prisoner cited several reasons why the State should step in to verify that the food at Kern Valley State Prison is really kosher. He claimed the prison’s food vendors falsely advertised that their meals complied with his religion’s dietary laws. The district court found that the vendors “are... Read More about State Doesn’t Have to Verify Claim That Prison Food Is Really Kosher