KPCC: Law News

LA Superior Court announces 330 layoffs, plans to shutter courtrooms

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:25:01 -0700

The presiding judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court announced today the layoffs of 330 employees, along with plans to shutter courtrooms to help cope with a $79 million budget shortfall.

Judge OKs settlement in S. Carolina plane crash

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:56:00 -0700

A judge has approved a legal settlement for the wife and young son of former Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker's bodyguard, who was killed in a plane crash.

American Deaths Escalate Mexico's Drug War

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:35:00 -0700

Analysts say the deaths of Americans in Juarez last weekend may put more pressure on the Obama administration to act. The U.S. already gives hundreds of millions of dollars to Mexico for its drug fight.

Man hospitalized after being stabbed during Chula Vista gang fight

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:35:16 -0700

A man was hospitalized today after being stabbed on the side of his abdomen during a fight between rival street gangs in Chula Vista, police said.

ESPN reporter's stalker gets 2 1/2 years in prison

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:09:17 -0700

An Illinois insurance executive who secretly shot nude videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews was sentenced Monday to 2 1/2 years in prison after giving a tearful apology that was harshly rebuked by his victim.

Supreme Court Justice's Wife Embraces Tea Party

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:01:00 -0700

Virginia Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, has formed a new group to promote the ideals of the Tea Party movement. Although Thomas has often worked for conservative causes, her new role is raising questions about potential conflicts of interest for her husband.

Palm Springs man sentenced in unearned medals case

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:57:28 -0700

RIVERSIDE — A Palm Springs man has been sentenced to a year of probation for the unauthorized wearing of a Marine Corps uniform with medals, including the Navy Cross.

Newport Beach city attorney arrested on suspicion of domestic violence

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:29:19 -0700

NEWPORT BEACH — The city attorney of Newport Beach posted bail today after he was arrested Sunday on suspicion of domestic violence at his Santa Ana home, police reported.

Anthem Blue Cross ordered to pay $206K for liver transplant

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:04:59 -0700

Anthem Blue Cross of California was ordered today to pay $206,000 to a man who alleged he had to finance his own operation or die waiting to have it done at a location approved by the health insurer.

Former Redondo Beach police union head sentenced for embezzlement

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:02:22 -0700

A former sergeant was sentenced today to 90 days in jail and three years probation for embezzling more than $72,000 from the Redondo Beach Police Officers' Association while he was the union's president and treasurer.

Former OC Assistant Sheriff Don Haidl sentenced

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:24:58 -0700

Former Orange County Assistant Sheriff Don Haidl won't do jail time for tax evasion. A judge sentenced him today in a Santa Ana courtroom.

Southland Salvadorans commemorate murdered archbishop

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:27:02 -0700

In the next couple of weeks Salvadoran groups in Southern California plan to commemorate the assassination 30 years ago of Oscar Romero, that country’s Roman Catholic archbishop. His death marked the beginning of a bloody civil war that led to the emigration of hundreds of thousands of refugees to the United States.

Woman sentenced to 15 years to life for asphyxiating West Covina housemate

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:54:50 -0700

A 38-year-old woman was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison today for asphyxiating her housemate in West Covina nearly a year ago.

Medical marijuana advocates fall short of signatures needed for referendum

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:49:27 -0700

A coalition of medical marijuana advocates said today they have not gathered enough signatures to force a referendum on an ordinance aimed at shutting down hundreds of pot shops across Los Angeles.

Turf Battle Opens New Front In Mexico's Drug War

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:44:00 -0700

Violence has exploded in Mexico's northeastern border cities, just across the Rio Grande from South Texas, as two drug mafias engage in a vicious new fight for turf. Gunfights have killed dozens of people, and communities up and down the river fear it's just the beginning.

Sheriff Baca to patrol East LA

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:34:01 -0700

As part of an effort to cut down on overtime by deputies, Sheriff Lee Baca will go on patrol in East Los Angeles on Friday.

Deadline arrives for LA medical marijuana ordinance referendum

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:25:17 -0700

Today is the deadline for a coalition of Los Angeles marijuana collectives seeking a referendum on the city's newly approved medical marijuana ordinance to turn in 27,425 valid signatures.

Man arrested for allegedly stabbing friend to death following argument in Orange

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:23:43 -0700

A 29-year-old man was behind bars today for allegedly stabbing a friend to death during an argument in Orange.

73-year-old pedestrian killed while crossing Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:18:06 -0700

MALIBU — A 73-year-old woman was killed when she was struck by several vehicles while trying to cross Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu today.

How High Court Could Change If Stevens Retires

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:05:00 -0700

Speculation is growing that Justice John Paul Stevens, the Supreme Court's longest-serving member, will step down in June. New Yorker legal correspondent Jeffrey Toobin discusses who is likely to replace Stevens - and offers his take on how the court will rule on the future of gun control laws.