Chris Rizo News
DuPont wins new trial in Spelter case
CHARLESTON (Legal Newsline)- The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia on Friday reduced the punitive damages award won by residents of Spelter in a pollution class action lawsuit against DuPont Co.
W.Va. still last for business-friendly courts, survey finds
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-- West Virginia still holds the distinction of having the most anti-business courts in the nation, a survey released today indicates.
O'Connor leads push against judicial elections
O'Connor DENVER -- Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor is leading the push against the election of judges, saying the process taints jurists who depend on political contributions to keep their places on the bench.
Report: States not using settlement funds for tobacco programs
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-- Although states are raking in billions of dollars in revenue this year from the 1998 tobacco multistate settlement, officials are spending a paltry amount on antismoking efforts, a national report says.
Obama reiterates support for tort reform
Obama WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- President Barack Obama again has said he is willing to address problems with medical malpractice lawsuits in his push for a national health care overhaul.
Pfizer reaches $2.3 billion federal settlement
Sebelius WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-- Pfizer Inc. and a subsidiary have reached a $2.3 billion settlement Wednesday with the U.S. government over the pharmaceutical giant's now-withdrawn medication Bextra and other medications.
Holder urged to investigate asbestos fraud
Holder WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- The U.S. Justice Department should investigate evidence suggesting there is widespread fraud by trial lawyers litigating asbestos-related cases, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce says.
Dell settles with McGraw, 33 other states
Dell Inc., one of the world's largest computer companies, has agreed to pay $3.35 million to settle claims by 34 state attorneys general, including West Virginia's Darrell McGraw, that the company used deceptive financing and warranty practices.
McGraw urges changes in Bankruptcy Code
McGraw WASHINGTON-A coalition of 22 state attorneys general, including West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw, are asking Congress to loosen U.S. bankruptcy rules so judges can modify home loans to help reduce the tide of home foreclosures.
Republican AG candidates pledge greater transparency
Greear COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Republican candidates for attorney general in Ohio and West Virginia have pledged to run their respective offices with a greater degree of transparency and accountability.
McGraw in on JK Harris settlement
McGraw CHARLESTON - A South Carolina firm that promised to settle consumer tax debts has agreed to pay $1.5 million in restitution and change its advertising, under an agreement with 18 state attorneys general.
Weiss shortchanged shareholders, report says
Weiss WASHINGTON - Disgraced securities lawyer Melvyn Weiss, who awaits sentencing for illegally paying clients to file shareholder complaints, actually injured shareholders, a report released Wednesday indicates.