Latest news with #legalcommunity
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Supreme Court Suffers Embarrassing ‘Software Malfunction'
The U.S. Supreme Court has suffered an embarrassing technical screw-up after releasing the cases it would hear to attorneys and others in the legal community days ahead of schedule. It's the second such event in less than 12 months, following the accidental release of major case updates last year. Notifications about which cases would be granted or denied review next week were not supposed to be released until Monday, but an 'apparent software malfunction' saw the decisions released to lawyers on Friday afternoon. Mass confusion reigned as multiple attorneys compared the information in their inboxes to the court's online docket, which did not match up. As such, the court then made the unusual move of publicly releasing its orders list. 'Due to an apparent software malfunction, email notifications concerning action by the Court scheduled to be included on the order list set for release on Monday, June 9, at 9:30 a.m., were sent out this afternoon,' Supreme Court Public Information Officer Patricia McCabe said in a statement sent to reporters. 'As a result, the Court is issuing that order list now.' In June of last year, the court suffered a similar technical issue which saw a major abortion rights ruling briefly uploaded in error. This followed the serious leak of the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, which set off a major political firestorm. 'Accidents happen, and the court should be encouraged to provide more access to its rulings, like the email notification service that apparently caused today's glitch,' Steve Vladeck, CNN Supreme Court analyst and professor at Georgetown University Law Center has said. The Supreme Court has been contacted for comment.
South China Morning Post
30-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong cements its status as an international mediation centre
The signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong today is a truly exciting development for Hong Kong and a significant milestone for the global legal community. Initiated by China and nearly 20 like-minded countries in 2022, the IOMed is the world's first inter-governmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation , a crucial mechanism for upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter. It reflects a growing consensus among nations that dialogue, mutual respect, multilateral cooperation and compromise are the most sustainable paths to resolving international disputes. The decision to set up the headquarters of the organisation in Hong Kong is a resounding vote of confidence in our city's common law system, robust legal system, talent pool, bilingual legal environment and international connectivity. It also attests to Hong Kong's unique position as a global legal and financial hub and as a trusted venue for resolving international disputes. In short, the IOMed will significantly consolidate Hong Kong's position as a centre for international dispute resolution services and enhance the city's global appeal. China's foreign minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party Central Committee, is expected to attend the ceremony . This signifies the importance that the central government accords to this pioneering initiative and its commitment to uphold an international law-based global order. The establishment of the IOMed will put Hong Kong on par with other international metropolises, which are typically home to headquarters of international organisations. For instance, New York is home to the headquarters of the United Nations, the world's largest intergovernmental organisation.
CTV News
29-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Renewed plea for information in 2019 murder of B.C. notary
Homicide victim Stephen Chong is seen in this image handed out by IHIT. Five and a half years after he was found dead inside his Richmond business, investigators have yet to find who's responsible for Stephen Chong's death. The 58-year-old was found deceased on Oct. 18, 2019, at a strip mall in the 8200 block of Granville Avenue. The circumstances of his death were deemed suspicious and the Lower Mainland's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team took over the case. According to police, Chong had no criminal record. On Thursday, Chong's colleagues came forward to ask for the public's help to identify the assailant and announced they're offering a reward. The Society of Notaries Public of BC says it will give $10,000 anyone who has information that leads to the arrest and charge of the person or people involved in Chong's death. In a statement, the society said Chong had been a notary public since 2008. 'Stephen was fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin and was able to serve his clients in all three languages. He took special pride in the services that he provided to clients building strong relationships with his clients and community,' the society said. 'He was a well-respected legal professional known for his honesty, reliability, and as a person of integrity to both clients and fellow notaries. Stephen was a mentor and confidant to many in the legal community.' The society said Chong's death left a profound impact on his family, friends, clients and the wider community of notaries across B.C. IHIT says it continues to actively investigate the case and asks anyone with information to call 1-877-551-4448 or email ihitinfo@
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Taken aback': Former colleagues of Hillsborough assistant state attorney react to child porn charges
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa's tight-knit legal community is reeling from the news that an assistant state attorney was charged with viewing and sharing child pornography. William Andrew Jones, 32, was arrested Wednesday on child pornography charges. The assistant state attorney for Hillsborough County is accused of viewing and transmitting child pornography. Hillsborough assistant state attorney arrested on child porn charges: HCSO Detectives said those files were of girls between 6 and 10 years old engaging in sexual acts. Defense attorney Shanna Bailey said she spent three years working with Jones as assistant state attorneys. She was shocked to hear the charges he's now facing. 'Mr. Jones was always a trusted friend and colleague, well-liked and well-respected,' she said. 'I don't think there was anything untoward about his behavior or his prosecutorial conduct that would ever cause anybody to believe anything like this could ever happen.' 'These are just allegations at this point, but I think everybody that worked with him was taken aback,' she continued. Criminal defense attorney Bryant Camareno echoed that sentiment, saying, while he would defend his clients, Jones would prosecute those facing criminal charges. 'We've been colleagues [and] friendly adversaries,' Camareno said. 'It's been a great relationship and I'm shocked.' In a statement to 8 On Your Side, State Attorney Suzy Lopez condemned the alleged crimes and said Jones was fired from his position. I am deeply disturbed and sickened by Andrew Jones' actions, and he was terminated from his position as an Assistant State Attorney immediately following his arrest. As prosecutors, our duty is to protect the public, especially our children. There is no place in this office or community for this behavior. I want to thank law enforcement for their important work in identifying and arresting child predators. No one is above the law, and this office will never tolerate anyone who violates the trust of the people we serve.' State Attorney Suzy Lopez, 13th Judicial Circuit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Bloomberg
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Chief Justice Roberts Says Court Criticism Shouldn't Be Personal
Chief Justice John Roberts said that criticism of members of the US Supreme Court shouldn't turn personal. 'Criticism is a good thing so long as it is not trashing the justices,' Roberts said in response to questions from graduating law students at Georgetown University Monday.
