Legal Radar

Jury: Palestinian Authority Responsible for Attacks

A federal jury made the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization responsible for aiding in several terrorist attacks in Israel more than ten years ago. They were ordered to pay $218.5 million to the families of victims.

The decision early this week arrived on the second day of jury deliberations and after several weeks of testimony against the U.S.-based Palestinian political apparatus.

The trial began on a lawsuit filed in 2004 under the U.S. Anti-Terrorism Act, which lets American victims of international terrorism to find justice in a federal court.

The Manhattan federal court jury found that the Palestinian Authority as well as the PLO should be responsible for a number of attacks in Israel in the early 2000s, which killed over 30 individuals, and wounded hundreds of others.

Palestinian leader tried shooting down the lawsuit for years, saying the U.S. courts have no power on them. Instead, U.S. District Judge George Daniels pushed to resume trial.

Local Law School Professors Blasting Sex Assault Policy

An Ivy League university is being criticized from its own law professors regarding school procedures for dealing with sexual assault complaints against students.

More than a dozen professors from Pennsylvania Law School signed a letter objecting the university’s latest sexual misconduct policy, which they believe doesn’t protect the rights of the accused. The publicly-exposed letter comes in the heels of a similar incident by professors at the Harvard Law School.

Penn professors are also troubled that the accused students are barred from getting an attorney to cross-examine witnesses against them.

A representative from the university’s administration defended the school’s policies.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights has given instructions to schools to utilize the preponderance of evidence standard in handling sexual misconduct situations.

The Pennsylvania Law School isn’t among the number of colleges being looked into by the agency for investigation or dealing with any sexual abuse complaints. 

Lynch: Civil Approach on Police Agencies Can lead to System Changes

With Ms. Lynch awaiting a vote from the Senate, her opinion on law enforcement-community relations leaves a lot to be curious about. Such issue was a big deal for outgoing Eric Holder, the Attorney General,  whose civil right probe of a Ferguson, Mo. police department is among the cases Lynch will likely deal with.

Lynch spoke about how a civil approach against police departments can usher in new systematic changes regarding the recent widespread misconduct.

If confirmed, she would be the first black female in U.S. history to handle the job of America’s high ranking law enforcement official.

Lynch previously prosecuted police brutality claims made by Abner Louima, a victim who was sodomized in a bathroom of a Brooklyn precinct after being arrested for assaulting a police officer.

Lynch will take over the investigation of the Ferguson PD that was launched by the Justice Department in the wake of 18-year old Michael Brown’s shooting death.

Civil Libertarians Requesting Full Investigation of Officer Beating Woman

In Los Angeles, the Civil Libertarians are asking the California Highway Patrol for a full investigation of an officer videotaped repeatedly hitting a woman on the side of a busy freeway. According to the police, the woman was walking along the highway in a way which put herself and others in danger. The officer allegedly tried to restrain her when the confrontation began to escalate. Marlene Pinnock, 51 appears in the video to try to sit up while the officer continues to punch her in the face and head. An off-duty officer is seen appearing and helps get her in handcuffs. According to the ACLU of Southern California, the officers went beyond "reasonable force" which is necessary if the subject is presenting a dangerous situation. Caree Harper is the attorney who is preparing to file suit on Pinnock's behalf. The suit alleges Pinnock's federal civil rights were violated once the officer began repeatedly hitting her in the face.

Trial on Boston Marathon Bombing Begins

Accused Boston bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev informed a close friend that he had knowledge in making a bomb, a federal prosecutor said on Monday in the first trial linked to 2013’s deadly assault.

Stephanie Siegmann, a federal prosecutor said that Tsarnaev also shared his perspective with a close friend, Azamat Tazhayakov, one month prior to U.S. authorities believing Tsarnaev and his brother installed a couple bombs that injured hundreds and killed three individuals.

Tazhayakov is facing charges which include obstruction of justice for allegedly getting rid of the bag as well as evidence from Tsarnaev’s dorm after the explosion.

Tazhayakov and his friend, Dias Kadyrbayev, could face up to 20 years in jail if they’re convicted for obstruction of justice. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Siegmann implied they took the evidence to protect Tsarnaev. Tsarnaev is the only person charged for direct involvement in the attacks. He’ll face the death penalty if he ends up being convicted.

Investigation Underway of Officer For Forceful Arrest at Gay Pride Parade

Souroth Chatterji is on desk duty following a video which surfaced. The video was of the officer punching a woman during the gay pride parade and festival in Pittsburgh. The officer is to remain on restricted duty during the month long internal investigation according to Mayor Bill Peduto. In his complaint, Chatterji stated that he was attempting to break up a fight when he grabbed the female by the head and punched her in the side in order to handcuff her. Ariel Lawther fought with the officer and kicked him in the groin area. She was charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest. Some witnesses stated that the woman allegedly got into a fight with another individual who was opposing the parade and activities. The officer in question is being accused of using excessive force in the arrest. Lawther did not request medical help and the person she allegedly punched did not want to press any charges against her. 

Supreme Court Refused to hear Mosque Case

 The U.S. Supreme Court has stated that they will not hear an appeal made by a neighborhood group which is trying to block the construction of a mosque in the town of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The neighbors have thus far been unsuccessful in blocking the construction and have appealed to the Supreme Court. One of the board members from the Islamic Center stated that he hoped the Supreme Court's refusal will help bring back some unity to the small community. The argument brought up by the neighborhood has been going on since 2010. Those arguing against the mosque's construction state that there was not enough public notice given prior to the meeting of the planning commission. It was in that meeting that the approval was granted. The mosque was build anyway while the case was moving through the court systems. A lawyer which represents the opponent of the mosque stated that they have done all they can but they are now suing to prevent a cemetery on the property of the Islamic Center.

The Dream Facing Assault Charges

The Dream (not his real name), a renowned music producer, surrendered to local authorities on May 7^th as he was required for questioning on an alleged assault on his ex-girlfriend, Lydia Nam. Nam was eight months pregnant with their son during the incident.

The Dream was taken to the he Manhattan Criminal Court to be charged with harassment, reckless endangerment and assault. He was given a green light to leave on a $20,000 bail.

The producer’s lawyer told the judge his client was innocent and the accusations made against the producer were never brought up until a few years later --- as a result of child support and civil litigation matters.

Based on the complaint, the producer assaulted his girlfriend (at the time) in a New York hotel back in 2012 then threatening to kill her. It also detailed the producer to have yanked Nam by the hair, using the necklace to choke her, kicking then punching her on the head, taking her by the neck, slamming her to the wall, and then choking her.

Based on recent law enforcement information, the producer was arrested in California last June after another domestic violence report against Nam.

Elderly Woman Wins Assault Suit

On July 26, 2009 a cop and a 90-year old West Baltimore woman had a "scuffle" in her basement.  She sustained a separated shoulder among other injuries and was handcuffed.  She claims her civil rights were violated, as the police entered her home against her consent and without much probable cause.  The woman was awarded a settlement of $95,000 for alleged assault, false imprisonment and other misconduct on the part of Baltimore City Police.