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High court hears Arizona immigration dispute
WASHINGTON a�� The Supreme Court will referee another major clash between the Obama administration and the states, this one over Arizona's crackdown on illegal immigrants. The case could add fuel to the partisan split over tough state immigration laws backed by Republicans but challenged by the administration.
Proposed curb on punitive damage suits — economic development tool or bad for consumers?
Big business and consumer-rights advocates are squaring off over a bill that would significantly limit the ability of people to sue a manufacturer whose products might pose risks to the public. The legislation would shield manufacturers from punitive damage claims — the most aggressive legal recourse allowed against manufacturers — unless very specific negligence can be demonstrated.
3 new appointees on clemency board; long-time chief out
Duane Belcher, chairman and executive director of the Arizona Board of Clemency, is on his way out after 20 years, as three new appointees take their places on the panel now made up entirely of Gov. Jan Brewer’s picks. Belcher’s departure, some observers say, creates a vacuum of experience and leadership. Belcher is also one of the last members left from a board that unanimously recommended[...]
AZ Supreme Court unanimous in decision to reinstate redistricting chair
The Arizona Supreme Court acted unanimously last fall to reinstate Colleen Mathis to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, finding that Gov. Jan Brewer’s stated reasons for removing her did not rise to the legal standards required.
Ariz. high court to explain redistricting ruling
The Arizona Supreme Court is scheduled to issue a long-awaited opinion today explaining why it overturned Gov. Jan Brewer's removal of the head of the state's redistricting commission.
Former Thomas attorney may sue over appeal costs
Former deputy county attorney Rachel Alexander, a key figure in the case that led to former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas’ disbarment, is planning to sue Maricopa County if it doesn’t pay the legal costs for her to appeal the suspension of her law license.
Legislature reconsiders sweep of court automation fund
Legislative budget staffers are re-evaluating a proposed $10 million sweep of a Supreme Court fund after court officials howled that losing the money would cripple courts across Arizona. The legislative budget proposal targets the Supreme Court Automation Fund, which is supplied by fees for defensive-driving classes, time payment fees for people who make payments on their court fines, and surch[...]
Rep. Robson cites compromise on billboards
A legislator who sponsored a vetoed bill to legalize electronic billboards in Arizona says agreement has been reached on a compromise to allow the outdoor advertising.
Court upholds Arizona’s voter ID requirement
An appeals court upheld a requirement in a 2004 Arizona law that voters show identification before they can cast ballots, saying that there wasn't evidence that the mandate disparately affected Latinos as the challengers had alleged.
Aubuchon plans to appeal disbarment decision
A former Maricopa County prosecutor who was disbarred for her role in pushing three failed investigations of public officials in court plans to appeal the decision to take away her law license.
Intense legal fight over proposed Glendale casino moves to 9th Circuit
The fight over whether a Southern Arizona tribe can build a massive casino near Glendale’s entertainment district moved to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Monday. The city is contesting a trial court’s decision to uphold the Department of Interior’s decision to create reservation land out of 54 acres of unincorporated land near 95th and Northern avenues. The Tohono O’odham tribe w[...]
Campaign launched to challenge federal laws, mandates
State nullification — the idea that states can override federal mandates or legislation they feel is unconstitutional — has become popular in recent years, although it has been shot down in the Legislature several times.
