Ann Knef News
Judicial candidate Evans files with 1,403 signatures
Paul Evans, candidate for circuit judge in the 20th Judicial Circuit, has filed petitions to appear on the March 21 primary ballot with more than 1,400 signatures.
Paul Evans to run for circuit judge in St. Clair County
Paul Evans, 45, an O'Fallon general practice attorney, announced Friday that he will run for circuit judge in the 20th Judicial Circuit in November 2006.
Monroe County attorney named to Jury Instructions Committee
It's not as theatrical as an aggressive cross-examination. But often the most dramatic phase of a jury trial is the wrangling that takes place in a judge's chambers over how jurors will be instructed.
'Judicial Perspective' to air on cable
Leonard Murray, Annette Eckert, Seymour Simon, Robert K. Downs and James M. Wexstten. The Illinois Judges Association (IJA) recently completed taping a new public information program "Judicial Perspective" featuring judges and lawyers on the topic, "The Importance of an Independent Judiciary."
East St. Louis club sued under Dram Act
The mother of an East St. Louis man who was killed in a one-car accident last year is suing a night club for serving alcohol to the driver.
Top 10 stories in 2005: High court drama, local politics rule
Justice Mary Ann McMorrow From start to finish, the year 2005 has been packed with dramatic events. The Record's editorial board has selected the following as the 10 most compelling stories of 2005:
Contenders pitching candidacy for open seat in circuit
Madison County Circuit Judge George Moran's abrupt decision not to seek retention in 2006 has potential candidates positioning for favor in the March 21 primary.
Madison County Judge Moran not seeking retention
Circuit Judge George Moran Madison County Circuit Judge George Moran Jr., 57, is not seeking judicial retention in the November 2006 general election.
Byron won't discuss decision, others compelled to react
Attorney Larry Hepler A flurry of television cameras and inquiring reporters were not able to penetrate the chambers of Madison County Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron on Thursday. His bailiff, Fred Perry, said the judge would not be taking any calls regarding the Illinois Supreme Court's decision to overturn Byron's $10.1 bench verdict against Philip Morris.
Philip Morris cleared of $10.1 billion verdict
Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron The marketing of "light" cigarettes is not hazardous to the health of the largest U.S. tobacco company.
Madison County waiting on PM verdict
Stephen Tillery Poised to deliver one of the most powerful decisions in recent times, the Illinois Supreme Court will rule Thursday whether a $10 billion Madison County bench verdict is upheld or overturned.
Metro East Democrats on Election Board's fine list
Perhaps the least of East St. Louis Democrat Charlie Powell Jr.'s worries is that his campaign committee owes the state $15,675 in fines for filing late reports with the Illinois State Board of Elections.
Madison and St. Clair taken off top spots in ATRA's 'hellhole' report
Sherman "Tiger" Joyce Madison and St. Clair County Courts have been taken off the hottest spots in the nation's "judicial hellholes" list, according to the fourth annual report issued by the American Tort Reform Association.
Supreme Court to rule on Philip Morris case Thursday
The Illinois Supreme Court is expected to rule on the $10.1 billion Madison County bench verdict against Philip Morris USA on Thursday.
Judge Cueto not running for retention
Lloyd A. Cueto, a 20th Circuit resident judge in St. Clair County, is not running for retention in November 2006.
Chicago-area men claim defibrillators had defective batteries in St. Clair County suits
Two Chicago-area men filed separate lawsuits against Minnesota-based Medtronics in St. Clair County Nov. 30 over defective batteries in surgically implanted defribillators.
Belleville woman claims drug toxicity caused heart attack
Claiming she suffered a heart attack because of drug toxicity, Dolores Beckwith of Belleville has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Kevin Pritchett, M.D., Michele Neblock Lehr, M.D. and Memorial Hospital.
ATRA's 'hellhole' list due soon: Will Madison County move off top spot?
Ed Murnane On the eve of the fourth annual "Judicial Hellhole" report, a review of this year's class action lawsuits in Madison County provides a hint that the American Tort Reform Association may move the Illinois venue off the roster's top spot.
Two new Vioxx suits brought in St. Clair County
Facing its first federal trial of 7,000 such product liability cases nationwide, a Merck & Co. executive testified Tuesday that the "overhwelming majority" of company officials wanted to keep the popular pain-relieving drug, Vioxx, on the market.
Madison County jury rules for defense in weld rod trial
After deliberating two hours, a Madison County jury ruled in favor of the defense in a Cape Girardeau man's weld rod trial that lasted a month.