The Supreme Court says a South Carolina sheriff's office can be held liable for attorneys' fees for stopping abortion protesters in South Carolina who wanted to hold up signs showing aborted fetuses.
Justices on Monday reversed a decision saying the Greenwood County sheriff's office was not required to pay attorney's fees in a lawsuit brought by Steven Lefemine and Columbia Christians for Life. The group was told by officers they couldn't protest with their signs in November 2005. A federal judge agreed that the sheriff was wrong, but did not award damages or lawyer's fees.
The justices threw out that decision without hearing arguments, saying the legal decision that officers could not stop the protesters "supported the award of attorney's fees." The case now goes back to the lower courts.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys In California
Spinal cord injuries usually begin with a blow that fractures or dislocates your vertebrae, the bone disks that make up your spine and protect your spinal cord. There are many causes of spinal injuries, such as motorcycle accidents, motor vehicle accidents, trucking accidents, defective products, on the job injuries from industrial accidents or other work related incidents and bicycle accidents. Spinal injuries involving paralysis have immediate life-changing consequences. You will need extensive medical treatment. You may need to relearn your day-to-day skills or adapt them to fit your changed abilities. You may need to modify your motor vehicle, home and workplace. Just like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries have serious consequences. An injury could leave an individual paralyzed for the rest of their life, which not only affects the one injured but their loved ones as well.
If you or a loved one have been personally injured and need professional legal help, contact Cardiff and Fallbrook spinal cord injury attorney. We offer a free consultation regarding your concerns and questions to your specific matter. Don't hestitate any longer. Visit us online at http://www.jacksontriallawyers.com/index.php/california/spinal-cord-injuries--paralysis
If you or a loved one have been personally injured and need professional legal help, contact Cardiff and Fallbrook spinal cord injury attorney. We offer a free consultation regarding your concerns and questions to your specific matter. Don't hestitate any longer. Visit us online at http://www.jacksontriallawyers.com/index.php/california/spinal-cord-injuries--paralysis
Monday, August 6, 2012
Ind. court upholds life sentence for teen killer
The Indiana Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a sentence of life without parole for a teenager who said he wanted to be like the fictional television serial killer Dexter a few weeks before strangling his 10-year-old brother.
Andrew Conley was 17 in November 2009 when he killed his brother, Conner, while wrestling in their home near Rising Sun and dumped the boy's body in a park. He unexpectedly pleaded guilty in September 2010, averting a murder trial.
In the 3-2 ruling, the justices said Conley acted "as if nothing was out of the ordinary" after the killing. According to testimony during the five-day sentencing hearing, Conley joked with his mother and watched football the day after he killed Conner.
Conley told police he fantasized about killing people since he was in eighth grade. A few weeks before the killing, Conley told his girlfriend that he wanted to be just like the TV serial killer as they walked on the trail where he later disposed of his brother's body.
Three different psychological experts who interviewed Conley all said he was seriously mentally ill, but his appellate lawyer, Leanna Weissmann, said the judge gave too much credence to a psychologist's testimony that the teen could be a psychopath.
Andrew Conley was 17 in November 2009 when he killed his brother, Conner, while wrestling in their home near Rising Sun and dumped the boy's body in a park. He unexpectedly pleaded guilty in September 2010, averting a murder trial.
In the 3-2 ruling, the justices said Conley acted "as if nothing was out of the ordinary" after the killing. According to testimony during the five-day sentencing hearing, Conley joked with his mother and watched football the day after he killed Conner.
Conley told police he fantasized about killing people since he was in eighth grade. A few weeks before the killing, Conley told his girlfriend that he wanted to be just like the TV serial killer as they walked on the trail where he later disposed of his brother's body.
Three different psychological experts who interviewed Conley all said he was seriously mentally ill, but his appellate lawyer, Leanna Weissmann, said the judge gave too much credence to a psychologist's testimony that the teen could be a psychopath.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorneys - Maier Gutierrez Ayon, PLLC
If you or a family member has been in an accident, we can help. If one of your employees was involved in an accident and your company is facing a lawsuit, we can help.
We have a track record of successfully litigating personal injury and product liability cases for our clients. We have significant experience with these types of cases, ranging from quick, favorable resolutions to taking cases all the way through trial and appeal.
Maier Gutierrez Ayon PLLC concentrates on personal injury and wrongful death. The group combines experience and sophistication in liability litigation law and can handle all aspects for their clients. Their significant experience with these type of cases range from quick, favorable resolutions to taking cases all the way through trial and appeal. Visit www.mgalaw.com for more information.
We have a track record of successfully litigating personal injury and product liability cases for our clients. We have significant experience with these types of cases, ranging from quick, favorable resolutions to taking cases all the way through trial and appeal.
Maier Gutierrez Ayon PLLC concentrates on personal injury and wrongful death. The group combines experience and sophistication in liability litigation law and can handle all aspects for their clients. Their significant experience with these type of cases range from quick, favorable resolutions to taking cases all the way through trial and appeal. Visit www.mgalaw.com for more information.
Houston Auto Accident & Insurance Claims Law Firm - The Salazar Law Firm, PLLC
If you've been involved in an auto accident caused by speeding, drunk driving (DWI), unsafe lane changes, following too closely, running red lights & stop signs, reckless truck drivers, or any other cause, the Salazar Law Firm ask you to keep the following in mind: Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying policies. If the insurance company is giving you the run-around, call an attorney today.
If you've been injured in an accident, your claim may be significantly weakened if you don't take the right steps. Get medical treatment for your pain and injuries as soon as possible. Insurance companies pay close attention to “lapses in treatment” and whether or not you sought treatment immediately after the accident happened.
The Salazar Law Firm is a Houston based firm that has expertise in defending clients facing auto accidents and insurance claims. Their attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial burden an car accident or personal injury can be on an individual and their families. Their goal is to lessen the stress for their clients by managing the complex procedures with insurance companies, medical facilities, and opposing insurance defense lawyers. They have the experience you need and give the attention you deserve. Visit http://www.hurtinhouston.com for more information.
If you've been injured in an accident, your claim may be significantly weakened if you don't take the right steps. Get medical treatment for your pain and injuries as soon as possible. Insurance companies pay close attention to “lapses in treatment” and whether or not you sought treatment immediately after the accident happened.
The Salazar Law Firm is a Houston based firm that has expertise in defending clients facing auto accidents and insurance claims. Their attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial burden an car accident or personal injury can be on an individual and their families. Their goal is to lessen the stress for their clients by managing the complex procedures with insurance companies, medical facilities, and opposing insurance defense lawyers. They have the experience you need and give the attention you deserve. Visit http://www.hurtinhouston.com for more information.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Ohio man found guilty in septic tank body case
A jury has convicted a man of aggravated murder and other charges in the death of his estranged wife, who was found strangled in a septic tank in southeast Ohio last year.
Hocking County jurors in Logan deliberated for about four hours before returning a verdict Tuesday in the trial of 27-year-old William Inman II. He could face the death penalty when he's sentenced.
His parents also are charged. They are being tried separately in the slaying of his 25-year-old wife, Summer.
Authorities say she was abducted in Logan, strangled with a zip tie and dumped in an underground septic tank behind a church in March of last year.
Inman's parents have pleaded not guilty. They'll be tried later this year.
Hocking County jurors in Logan deliberated for about four hours before returning a verdict Tuesday in the trial of 27-year-old William Inman II. He could face the death penalty when he's sentenced.
His parents also are charged. They are being tried separately in the slaying of his 25-year-old wife, Summer.
Authorities say she was abducted in Logan, strangled with a zip tie and dumped in an underground septic tank behind a church in March of last year.
Inman's parents have pleaded not guilty. They'll be tried later this year.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
High court's stance could spur immigration laws
Emboldened by signals that the U.S. Supreme Court may uphold parts of Arizona's immigration law, legislators and activists across the country say they are gearing up to push for similar get-tough measures in their states.
"We're getting our national network ready to run with the ball, and saturate state legislatures with versions of the law," said William Gheen, president of Americans for Legal Immigration. "We believe we can pass it in most states."
That goal may be a stretch, but lawmakers in about a dozen states told The Associated Press they were interested in proposing Arizona-style laws if its key components are upheld by the Supreme Court. A ruling is expected in June on the Department of Justice's appeal that the law conflicts with federal immigration policy.
Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, said he was encouraged that several justices suggested during Wednesday's oral arguments that they are ready to let Arizona enforce the most controversial part of its law — a requirement that police officers check the immigration status of people they suspect are in the country illegally.
"We're getting our national network ready to run with the ball, and saturate state legislatures with versions of the law," said William Gheen, president of Americans for Legal Immigration. "We believe we can pass it in most states."
That goal may be a stretch, but lawmakers in about a dozen states told The Associated Press they were interested in proposing Arizona-style laws if its key components are upheld by the Supreme Court. A ruling is expected in June on the Department of Justice's appeal that the law conflicts with federal immigration policy.
Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, said he was encouraged that several justices suggested during Wednesday's oral arguments that they are ready to let Arizona enforce the most controversial part of its law — a requirement that police officers check the immigration status of people they suspect are in the country illegally.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Conn. high court rules prisoners can be force-fed
Connecticut prison inmates who go on hunger strikes can be restrained
and force-fed to protect them from life-threatening dehydration and
malnutrition, the state Supreme Court ruled Monday.
The 7-0 decision came in the case of 51-year-old prisoner William Coleman, a Liverpool, England, native who stopped eating in September 2007 to protest his conviction on what he claimed was a fabricated rape charge by his ex-wife. The court rejected Coleman's claims that force-feeding violated his free speech rights and international law.
Coleman's weight dropped from 237 pounds to 129 pounds by October 2008, and a prison doctor who believed Coleman was at risk of dying or developing irreversible health problems determined it was necessary to force-feed him by inserting a feeding tube through his nose and into his stomach.
The first of what Coleman's lawyers say was about a dozen forced feedings was performed on Oct. 23, 2008, after prison officials had obtained permanent authority to force-feed him after a trial in Superior Court. Coleman appealed the Superior Court judge's ruling to the Supreme Court.
Coleman resumed taking liquid nutrition voluntarily in late 2008 and returned to a normal weight, court records say, but the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut says he went back on the hunger strike last week.
The 7-0 decision came in the case of 51-year-old prisoner William Coleman, a Liverpool, England, native who stopped eating in September 2007 to protest his conviction on what he claimed was a fabricated rape charge by his ex-wife. The court rejected Coleman's claims that force-feeding violated his free speech rights and international law.
Coleman's weight dropped from 237 pounds to 129 pounds by October 2008, and a prison doctor who believed Coleman was at risk of dying or developing irreversible health problems determined it was necessary to force-feed him by inserting a feeding tube through his nose and into his stomach.
The first of what Coleman's lawyers say was about a dozen forced feedings was performed on Oct. 23, 2008, after prison officials had obtained permanent authority to force-feed him after a trial in Superior Court. Coleman appealed the Superior Court judge's ruling to the Supreme Court.
Coleman resumed taking liquid nutrition voluntarily in late 2008 and returned to a normal weight, court records say, but the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut says he went back on the hunger strike last week.
Federal Law Entitles You to an Accurate Credit Report
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (the FCRA), a federal statute passed in
1970 to regulate the collection and use of consumer credit information,
requires consumer reporting agencies (also known as credit reporting
agencies or credit bureaus) to maintain the “maximum possible accuracy”
of the credit information they collect and use to create consumer
reports (also known as credit reports). When a consumer reporting
agency fails to maintain this level of accuracy and errors occur, this
federal law gives consumers the right to dispute information in their
credit files and, when necessary, bring suit against those agencies and
the furnishers of credit information to those agencies, to recover
damages for those inaccuracies and errors.
Riley Bennett & Egloff Law combines experience and efficiency in credit reporting law to render their clients high quality legal representation. Their attorneys represents cosumers whose rights have been violated by the credit reporting agencies and runishers of credit information. Having represented a number of parties involved with these kinds of claims in federal court, their work has been acknowledged throughout the Indianapolis area.
www.rbelaw.com.
Riley Bennett & Egloff Law combines experience and efficiency in credit reporting law to render their clients high quality legal representation. Their attorneys represents cosumers whose rights have been violated by the credit reporting agencies and runishers of credit information. Having represented a number of parties involved with these kinds of claims in federal court, their work has been acknowledged throughout the Indianapolis area.
www.rbelaw.com.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Reed Smith considering merger with Texas firm
Exciting news reports have been circulating the talks of the Reed Smith law firm looking into collaborating with a law firm in the Lone Star State. Together they hope to extend their legal industry lead and look forward to building a great business together. With both firms coming from big cities, there is no doubt that a new flow of opportunities will come to them once their firms have settled down together. We are excited for them and wish them the best!
Pittsburgh-based Reed Smith, which has 150 lawyers in Philadelphia, is in early merger discussions with Dallas-based law firm Thompson & Knight, both firms confirmed Friday to the Pittsburgh Business Times.
"We are in preliminary merger discussions with Texas-based Thompson & Knight," said Reed Smith Managing Partner Greg Jordan in an e-mail. “The discussions are preliminary and no final agreement or partner vote has been reached or taken.”
Reed Smith has more than 1,500 lawyers, while Thompson & Knight has about 350 lawyers with a focus on the energy industry, including oil and gas, Jordan said.
Becky Jackson, chief client services officer at Thompson & Knight, offered the following statement in an e-mail:
“In today’s legal environment, Thompson & Knight’s historical presence in Texas and our outstanding energy expertise are sought after by firms. For several years, we have regularly received inquiries regarding possible mergers. We have had preliminary conversations with Reed Smith, and they are obviously a great firm, but it is premature to characterize these discussions in any detail.”
Under Jordan’s decade-long tenure, Reed Smith has grown from a Pittsburgh-centric 500-lawyer firm to an international firm three times the size through a series of major mergers and acquisitions. In 2001, the firm acquired 60-lawyer Warner Cranston of London. In January 2003, it acquired California’s 220-lawyer Crosby Heafey Roach & May. In 2007, the firm merged London’s 250-lawyer Richards Butler and 140-lawyer Sachnoff & Weaver of Chicago. And in January 2008, Reed Smith acquired 110-lawyer Richards Butler Hong Kong and 55 lawyers from New York’s Anderson Kill & Olick.
Pittsburgh-based Reed Smith, which has 150 lawyers in Philadelphia, is in early merger discussions with Dallas-based law firm Thompson & Knight, both firms confirmed Friday to the Pittsburgh Business Times.
"We are in preliminary merger discussions with Texas-based Thompson & Knight," said Reed Smith Managing Partner Greg Jordan in an e-mail. “The discussions are preliminary and no final agreement or partner vote has been reached or taken.”
Reed Smith has more than 1,500 lawyers, while Thompson & Knight has about 350 lawyers with a focus on the energy industry, including oil and gas, Jordan said.
Becky Jackson, chief client services officer at Thompson & Knight, offered the following statement in an e-mail:
“In today’s legal environment, Thompson & Knight’s historical presence in Texas and our outstanding energy expertise are sought after by firms. For several years, we have regularly received inquiries regarding possible mergers. We have had preliminary conversations with Reed Smith, and they are obviously a great firm, but it is premature to characterize these discussions in any detail.”
Under Jordan’s decade-long tenure, Reed Smith has grown from a Pittsburgh-centric 500-lawyer firm to an international firm three times the size through a series of major mergers and acquisitions. In 2001, the firm acquired 60-lawyer Warner Cranston of London. In January 2003, it acquired California’s 220-lawyer Crosby Heafey Roach & May. In 2007, the firm merged London’s 250-lawyer Richards Butler and 140-lawyer Sachnoff & Weaver of Chicago. And in January 2008, Reed Smith acquired 110-lawyer Richards Butler Hong Kong and 55 lawyers from New York’s Anderson Kill & Olick.
Law Firms Orrick and Akin Gump End Merger Talks
The big law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe has seen its
share of merger discussions fizzle out in recent years. Add its talks
with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld to the list.
Less than a week after confirming that they were in preliminary discussions to merge, Orrick and Akin Gump released a joint statement Monday morning announcing that their brief flirtation has already petered out. The decision to end their talks was described as a mutual one.
“The firms appreciated the opportunity to have the discussions, which confirmed their mutual respect for one another,” the statement said. “However, the firms have determined not to proceed.”
Last week, consultants who specialize in law-firm mergers described the fit between Orrick and Akin Gump as a good one, considering they did not overlap much in terms of offices or strong practice areas. Together, the firms would have employed nearly 1,900 lawyers with combined revenues in excess of $1.5 billion.
But the breakdown in talks is not particularly surprising, given how delicate merger discussions between big law firms tend to be. As The American Lawyer has pointed out, Orrick is something of a model for aborted merger talks, with its unsuccessful deal with what was then Dewey Ballantine in 2007 standing out as the most notable example.
Less than a week after confirming that they were in preliminary discussions to merge, Orrick and Akin Gump released a joint statement Monday morning announcing that their brief flirtation has already petered out. The decision to end their talks was described as a mutual one.
“The firms appreciated the opportunity to have the discussions, which confirmed their mutual respect for one another,” the statement said. “However, the firms have determined not to proceed.”
Last week, consultants who specialize in law-firm mergers described the fit between Orrick and Akin Gump as a good one, considering they did not overlap much in terms of offices or strong practice areas. Together, the firms would have employed nearly 1,900 lawyers with combined revenues in excess of $1.5 billion.
But the breakdown in talks is not particularly surprising, given how delicate merger discussions between big law firms tend to be. As The American Lawyer has pointed out, Orrick is something of a model for aborted merger talks, with its unsuccessful deal with what was then Dewey Ballantine in 2007 standing out as the most notable example.
Jones Day law firm expanding into Brazil
The Jones Day law firm said today it will open an office in Brazil, one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
The office will be Jones Day's 33rd and its second in Latin America after Mexico City.
The Sao Paulo office will support global clients investing in Brazil and other Latin American countries, as well as providing counsel to Brazilian companies in their international operations. It will concentrate on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity, banking and finance and project finance/infrastructure transactions, as well as energy and capital markets.
The office will launch as a foreign legal consultancy, as required by the Brazilian Bar Association, and open once obtaining regulatory clearance. It will be a standalone Jones Day office, with no association or alliance with any local Brazilian firms.
"Brazil is a dynamic, expanding economy, and one of the world's key emerging markets," Stephen Brogan, managing partner of Jones Day, said in a statement today.
"It is a significant commodity producer, a world leader in energy, and home to some of the most important worldwide infrastructure projects undertaken in recent years."
Brogan also said Brazil has Latin America's largest and deepest stock market, massive inbound investment and soon-to-be-massive outbound investment.
The office will be Jones Day's 33rd and its second in Latin America after Mexico City.
The Sao Paulo office will support global clients investing in Brazil and other Latin American countries, as well as providing counsel to Brazilian companies in their international operations. It will concentrate on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity, banking and finance and project finance/infrastructure transactions, as well as energy and capital markets.
The office will launch as a foreign legal consultancy, as required by the Brazilian Bar Association, and open once obtaining regulatory clearance. It will be a standalone Jones Day office, with no association or alliance with any local Brazilian firms.
"Brazil is a dynamic, expanding economy, and one of the world's key emerging markets," Stephen Brogan, managing partner of Jones Day, said in a statement today.
"It is a significant commodity producer, a world leader in energy, and home to some of the most important worldwide infrastructure projects undertaken in recent years."
Brogan also said Brazil has Latin America's largest and deepest stock market, massive inbound investment and soon-to-be-massive outbound investment.
FIVE ATTORNEYS AT GALLOP, JOHNSON & NEUMAN SELECTED AMONG “SUPER LAWYERS ®”
Four attorneys at law firm of Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, L.C.,
have been selected as “Super Lawyers®” and one has been named a “Rising
Star” in a peer nomination and research process conducted by “Super
Lawyers,” a publication of Thompson Reuters. (www.superlawyers.com).
Gallop, Johnson & Neuman attorneys identified as “Super Lawyers” in the poll of active attorneys in Missouri and Kansas for 2010 practice in diverse areas of law. They include:
- Glenn E. Davis - Antitrust litigation, business litigation, securities litigation
- Robert H. Epstein - Real estate, business/corporate, environmental
- Thomas H. Mug - Employee benefits/ERISA, estate planning/probate, tax
- Robert A. Stockenberg - Construction/surety
Gallop attorney Nichole Y. Wren has been named a “Super Lawyers” Rising Star in estate planning/probate and non-profit categories.
Thomas J. Campbell, managing partner at Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, said, “We are honored when attorneys at our firm are recognized as ‘Super Lawyers’ by their peers in the legal profession in Missouri and Kansas because it reflects our commitment to render high quality legal services in all of our practice areas.”
The “Super Lawyers” list is designed to identify attorneys who have attained a high degree of professional achievement and peer recognition. One goal of the annual “Super Lawyers” list is to identify the top five percent of attorneys in more than 70 practice areas.
Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, L.C., a full service law firm of 80 attorneys, has provided legal services to clients in diverse industries since its founding in 1976 and is one of the largest law firms in St. Louis. The firm also has offices in Washington, D.C. The firm serves public corporations; privately-held companies; entrepreneurs and start-up enterprises; individuals and families; trustees and trust beneficiaries; charities; and non-profit entities. Offices are located at 101 South Hanley Road, Suite 1700, in Clayton, Missouri, and at 1350 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 850, in Washington D.C.
For more information about Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, please contact Lois A. LaDriere at 314.615.6000 or visit the website http://www.gjn.com. Media contact: Jeff Dunlap at 314.993.6925.
Gallop, Johnson & Neuman attorneys identified as “Super Lawyers” in the poll of active attorneys in Missouri and Kansas for 2010 practice in diverse areas of law. They include:
- Glenn E. Davis - Antitrust litigation, business litigation, securities litigation
- Robert H. Epstein - Real estate, business/corporate, environmental
- Thomas H. Mug - Employee benefits/ERISA, estate planning/probate, tax
- Robert A. Stockenberg - Construction/surety
Gallop attorney Nichole Y. Wren has been named a “Super Lawyers” Rising Star in estate planning/probate and non-profit categories.
Thomas J. Campbell, managing partner at Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, said, “We are honored when attorneys at our firm are recognized as ‘Super Lawyers’ by their peers in the legal profession in Missouri and Kansas because it reflects our commitment to render high quality legal services in all of our practice areas.”
The “Super Lawyers” list is designed to identify attorneys who have attained a high degree of professional achievement and peer recognition. One goal of the annual “Super Lawyers” list is to identify the top five percent of attorneys in more than 70 practice areas.
Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, L.C., a full service law firm of 80 attorneys, has provided legal services to clients in diverse industries since its founding in 1976 and is one of the largest law firms in St. Louis. The firm also has offices in Washington, D.C. The firm serves public corporations; privately-held companies; entrepreneurs and start-up enterprises; individuals and families; trustees and trust beneficiaries; charities; and non-profit entities. Offices are located at 101 South Hanley Road, Suite 1700, in Clayton, Missouri, and at 1350 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 850, in Washington D.C.
For more information about Gallop, Johnson & Neuman, please contact Lois A. LaDriere at 314.615.6000 or visit the website http://www.gjn.com. Media contact: Jeff Dunlap at 314.993.6925.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
US justice rejects death penalty law he wrote
As a young state senator 30 years ago, Paul Pfeifer helped write Ohio's
death penalty law. Today, as the senior member of the state Supreme
Court, he's trying to eliminate it.
It's not uncommon for sitting judges to change their mind on the death penalty — U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun famously said in 1994 he would no longer "tinker with the machinery of death" — but Pfeifer may be the only one to argue so ardently against a capital punishment law he himself created, and yet continue to rule on death penalty cases.
"I have concluded that the death sentence makes no sense to me at this point when you can have life without the possibility of parole," Pfeifer said in his most recent public comments, testifying in December in favor a bill to abolish Ohio's law. "I don't see what society gains from that.
After the U.S. Supreme Court declared capital punishment unconstitutional in 1972, states spent several years rewriting their laws. Ohio's first attempt, in 1974, was found unconstitutional, but the second try, when Pfeifer was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, was enacted in 1981 and has never been successfully challenged. Lawmakers pledged at the time to draft a law reserved for the most heinous murders.
It's not uncommon for sitting judges to change their mind on the death penalty — U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun famously said in 1994 he would no longer "tinker with the machinery of death" — but Pfeifer may be the only one to argue so ardently against a capital punishment law he himself created, and yet continue to rule on death penalty cases.
"I have concluded that the death sentence makes no sense to me at this point when you can have life without the possibility of parole," Pfeifer said in his most recent public comments, testifying in December in favor a bill to abolish Ohio's law. "I don't see what society gains from that.
After the U.S. Supreme Court declared capital punishment unconstitutional in 1972, states spent several years rewriting their laws. Ohio's first attempt, in 1974, was found unconstitutional, but the second try, when Pfeifer was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, was enacted in 1981 and has never been successfully challenged. Lawmakers pledged at the time to draft a law reserved for the most heinous murders.
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