Recent Articles from Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services
Alleged fake elector agrees to be state witness
A former attorney for the Trump 2020 campaign has agreed to cooperate in prosecuting alleged fake electors and their allies in Arizona in exchange for having conspiracy and eight other felony charges dropped against her.
Territorial abortion ban likely dead
The Arizona Supreme Court has agreed to delay enforcement of its decision upholding the 1864 abortion ban until Sept. 23, virtually guaranteeing its ruling will never take effect in the state.
Bolick recuses himself from abortion ballot measure decision
Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick has taken himself off the case of whether the Legislative Council -- a panel that includes his wife, Shawnna -- acted improperly in using the words "unborn human being'' in a description of an abortion ballot measure.
Court rejects some contracts cities have with unions
A new ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court could undermine agreements that Arizona cities have with their labor unions.
Mayes weighs in on abortion, election ballot measures
Attorney General Kris Mayes is weighing in against Republican lawmakers over how they are seeking to describe two ballot measures to voters.
Right-to-life groups drops part of lawsuit to challenge abortion measure
Foes of a constitutional right of abortion are dropping part of their court challenge to keep the issue off the November ballot.
Court rejects attempt to void judicial retention laws for appellate courts
A trial judge has rejected a bid by the Goldwater Institute to change how judges on the state Court of Appeals are elected.
Judge takes grim view of parts of Election Procedures Manual
A judge said Monday she finds "troubling'' some rules enacted by the secretary of state that she says could lead to people being charged with crimes for exercising their First Amendment rights on Election Day.
State lawmakers urge court to reject challenge to border measure
Generally speaking, however, Arizona courts will not rule on the legality of specific provisions of a measure unless and until it is enacted. The only pre-election challenges allowed are ones like this one where the issue is whether it violates the single-subject rule.
Toma, Petersen challenge transgender lawsuit ruling
The state's top two Republican lawmakers are asking a federal appeals court to protect them from having to explain their motives in promoting and voting to ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports.
Mitchell, Mayes fight over who gets to execute inmates
Attorney General Kris Mayes insists that she is "the state.'' But Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell says she, too, can be "the state.'' So, she said, is every other prosecuting agency.
Supreme Court rules school district responsible for desegregation costs
School districts that spend money on court-ordered desegregation programs are not entitled to get reimbursed by the state, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Monday.