Chris Rizo News
Think tank proposes drug side effect compensation program
Copland NEW YORK (Legal Newsline)-Two of the nation's leading legal observers on Monday called for a compensation program for patients injured by unknown side effects from federally-approved medications.
U.S. Supreme Court rules against Wyeth in federal preemption case
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The U.S. Supreme Court on March 4 rejected an appeal by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in a closely watched federal preemption case, ruling that a woman may sue in state court over a federally-approved drug.
Texas judge charged with judicial misconduct
Sharon Keller AUSTIN(Legal Newsline)-The presiding judge of the highest criminal court in Texas has been charged by the state judicial ethics commission.
AG announces restitution program for foreclosure victims
Greg Abbott (R) AUSTIN (Legal Newsline)-More than $7 million will be available to Countrywide Financial Corp residential mortgage customers in Texas, the state attorney general said this week.
Texas AG sues Rodeway Inn franchise for price gouging
AUSTIN(Legal Newsline)-Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott's office Tuesday said it has charged the owners of a Rodeway Inn franchise with price gouging.
Texas AG sues candy company
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline)- Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has charged Nature's Candy Inc. and its two directors with deceptive advertising.
Holder promises no Wall Street 'witch hunts'
Eric Holder WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Newly sworn in U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on Tuesday said he was not planning to zealously pursue corporate America amid public outrage over perceived excess.
Obama hands trial lawyers a major win
Barack Obama (D) WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-In signing his first piece of legislation, U.S. President Barack Obama provided a bonanza for the nation's trial bar, legal reformers say.
Memorial Hermann settles Texas AG's antitrust claims for $700,000
Greg Abbott HOUSTON (Legal Newsline)-Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston has settled antitrust claims by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, his office announced Monday.
Health care group calls for tort reforms
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Legal Newsline)-A major medical care group on Thursday said liability reform needs to be a part of any meaningful overhaul of the nation's health care system.
U.S. Senate passes pay equity bill, paving way for flood of lawsuits
Barbara Mikulski (D) WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The first piece of legislation that U.S. President Barack Obama signs into law could be a bill that critics say would be a gift to the nation's trial lawyers.
U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear forced exorcism case
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The U.S. Supreme Court this week declined to hear the case of a former Texas woman who claims she was physically and emotionally abused during a forced exorcism in 1996.
Trial lawyers ask Obama to expand product liability
Barack Obama WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-A leading national group of trial lawyers Monday called on President-elect Barack Obama to repeal a bevy of regulations that limit corporate liability.
Dell settles fraud claims with 34 states
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline)- 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 that it used deceptive financing and warranty practices.
AGs: Keep God in Obama's inauguration
Barack Obama (D) WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-All of the nation's state attorneys general have signed onto a brief to include references to God in President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration this month.
Wage legislation called a potential 'bonanza' for trial lawyers
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Legislation called a potential "trial lawyer bonanza" by the Wall Street Journal is winding its way through Congress.
U.S. Chamber calls for legal reforms, cautions against expanding government
Tom Donohue WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Reforming the nation's plaintiff-favored legal system could help jumpstart the beleaguered American economy, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said Jan. 7 in a report.
U.S. Supreme Court asked to hear Texas exorcism case
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The U.S. Supreme Court has been asked to hear the case of a former Texas woman who claims she was abused during a forced exorcism in 1996.
Abbott mentioned as possible U.S. Senate candidate
Greg Abbott (R) AUSTIN-Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott is being mentioned as a possible candidate to succeed fellow Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison in the U.S. Senate, political observers told Legal Newsline.
Expert: Supreme Court ruling could spur class actions against cigarette makers
Samp WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The U.S. Supreme Court ruling this week that smokers can sue over deceptive marketing of so-called light cigarettes could spur a flood of class actions filings against cigarette makers, a leading expert told Legal Newsline.