Robes OK in campaign photos? New Commission on Judicial Conduct director has the answer for judges
Deciding whether to pose in the black robe for a campaign ad is not just a matter of style and public relations for a judge — it also presents an ethical question.
Making the wrong choice on such a seemingly simple question can put a judge in hot water. They play by a strict set of rules that are aimed at maintaining their impartiality and upholding the appearance that they are impart[...]
Arizona’s death penalty procedures challenged in federal court
In the minutes just before an execution, inmates lay strapped to a table with a white sheet pulled up to their necks, but the veiled process and other procedures followed by the Arizona Department of Corrections are now being challenged in federal court.
Appellate judges threaten suit over pension reforms
Two Arizona Court of Appeals judges filed a notice of claim July 21 over last session’s pension reform bill and said they intend to challenge two provisions in the new law.
Court resumes monitoring TUSD desegregation efforts
The Ninth Circuit has re-instated court oversight of Tucson Unified School District’s desegregation efforts, with Judge Sidney Thomas writing in his opinion that the 2009 decision to grant the district “unitary” status was unfounded.
Inmate sues state over deposit fees
Aided by a group advocating for prisoners’ rights, an inmate today challenged in Maricopa County Superior Court a provision of a new law that allows the Department of Corrections to deduct a fee on deposits made to prisoners’ bank accounts.
Appeals court rules wife can be forced to testify against husband
One man is serving a life sentence for fatally shooting 21-year-old Heather Quan on Dec. 23, 2006.
Prosecutors have had a more difficult time bringing the shooter’s father and alleged accomplice, Larry Lloyd Carver, 59, to trial for Quan’s death.
State’s high court rulings rarely break on partisan lines
ASU law professor Paul Bender believes the Arizona Supreme Court wrote an unnecessarily lengthy ruling and dissent to explain its decision for allowing him to remain as a nominee for the Independent Redistricting Commission in January.
Inmate headed for execution to ask for mercy
An Arizona death-row inmate convicted of fatally beating a man is asking the state's clemency board for mercy.
Yuma church can sue city for damages in zoning denial, appeals court rules
A federal appeals court Tuesday said a Southern Baptist church can sue the city of Yuma for damages after city zoning decisions prevented the congregation from worshiping at a building it bought in the city’s Old Town section.
Group’s bid to be part of immigration case denied
A federal judge rejected a request by a volunteer border-watch group to become a party in the federal government's challenge to Arizona's immigration enforcement law.
AZ Supreme Court opinion explains IRC decision on Bender
The Arizona Supreme Court on Friday justified its reasoning in allowing ASU law professor Paul Bender to remain as a candidate for the Independent Redistricting Commission by saying no use of the terms “public office” or “public officers” in Arizona law includes tribal officers.
DOJ medical marijuana memo won’t end state’s lawsuit
A recent letter intended to clarify the federal government’s policies on prosecuting medical marijuana cases won’t put an end to the state’s lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice, Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne said July 6.