Arizona death-row inmate’s lawsuit heads to court
Lawyers for an Arizona death-row inmate plan to argue the state's clemency process is flawed as they make last-minute bids to stop his execution.
Budget deal saves courts from ‘virtual shut down’ of system
The Arizona Supreme Court was able to work out a deal allowing the Legislature to take money from a variety of smaller accounts rather than a larger, more critical one that lawmakers were targeting.
AZ judicial review panel to hold public hearings
A state commission that provides performance reviews for many of Arizona's state court judges will hold hearings in March for public comment.
Biggs, father of demoted ex-cop, seeks to allow disciplined officers day in court
Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs, whose son was stripped of his duties as a Gilbert police officer for shooting an unarmed man in the groin while off-duty in 2009, is sponsoring a bill to give disciplined cops a chance to take their cases to court.
Condemned prisoners use separation of powers argument in appeal
Three prisoners took their case to the Arizona Court of Appeals Friday, arguing that the statute governing lethal injection violates the separation of powers doctrine because the Legislature delegated its authority over executions to the executive branch. They also argue that they aren’t left with any legal recourse if the Department of Corrections changes its execution procedures.
State Bar: Only disbarment will repair damage Thomas caused
Attorneys seeking the disbarment of former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas and one of his deputies say in written closing arguments filed today that no other penalty for the former prosecutors will repair the damage they caused.
“About a year after Thomas assumed office as County Attorney, it became clear that he had lost all objectivity about his role as a lawyer and as County A[...]
Judge: IRC can’t be investigated for open meeting law violations
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has dealt the Independent Redistricting Commission a sweeping victory by declaring that the agency is not bound by state open meeting laws or subject to investigations into the contested hiring of a mapping consultant.
Court teaches school district a lesson — do what you promised
Imagine hiring a builder to add a kitchen on to your house. You agree to a price, sign a contract, and take out a loan. But without consulting you, the builder decides instead to build a garage. You would sue him for violating the contract and you would win.
This is exactly what Cave Creek School District did when it broke its contract with the voters.
AZ Supreme Court: Recall laws meant to protect public, not politicians
The Arizona Supreme Court today said recall laws should be construed “liberally” because they’re written to protect the public’s right to remove an official — not for a politician’s benefit.
Thomas discipline hearing drew huge online audience
The unprecedented nature of the discipline proceedings against former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas’ actions kept viewers in law offices and government buildings throughout the Valley glued to the live webcast on the Arizona Supreme Court’s website for 26 days.
Thomas says Stapley ‘played fast and loose with the rules’
Former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas called politicians and judges he once prosecuted cowards and “corrupt” during testimony Wednesday in discipline hearings against him.
Arpaio to testify in Thomas disbarment trial
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is scheduled to take the stand Tuesday in former county attorney Andrew Thomas’ attorney disciplinary hearing.