News from August 2006
Peel misled prosecutors during evidence search
Gary Peel Last week indicted attorney Gary Peel filed a motion to suppress evidence to prevent federal prosecutors from introducing any and all oral statements and/or admissions made by Peel in his proffer sessions of Jan. 31 and Feb. 14.
Peel's charges should not be dismissed, U.S. attorney argues
"The defense motion must fail," assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Burke wrote in response to attorney Gary Peel's July 28 motion to dismiss charges of child pornography, obstruction of justice and bankruptcy fraud.
Mental Health Court introduced in Third Circuit
Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis announced that the Third Circuit is creating an alternative Mental Health Court aimed at intervening to provide assistance and treatment to persons with mental illnesses who have committed misdemeanor crimes.
Voter ID law to be introduced in Illinois
Making voters produce a picture ID before they can cast a vote is not designed to pick on minorities, according to a veteran Illinois legislator.
Third Circuit judges reach out on ICJL survey
Circuit Judge John Knight Judicial candidates seeking retention in the Third Judicial Circuit are reaching out to voters so that in November they aren't shut out by a well educated public.
Wrongful death suit filed in Carlinville home explosion
Tammy Pocklington filed an eight-count wrongful death suit against Ameren IP and Area Heating and Air Conditioning on behalf of three people killed when their house exploded in Carlinville on Aug. 2.
Machinist claims MWFs made him sick
Gerald Seehausen, an employee of Owens Brockway Glass Container in Godfrey, filed a 12-count, $600,000 suit against his employer and Castrol Inc. claiming he was sickened from exposure to Syntilo 9918 and other "metal working fluids."
Scholz drops out of state rep race
Former Quincy mayor Chuck Scholz announced he is dropping out of a race for state representative to battle a rare and life threatening liver disease.
Aug. 21-25
360 Networks
Watch your head
Former Judge George Moran You won't find it in the administrative rules book, but sources tell Dicta that in the wake of a former judge's unfortunate brush with a sombrero and a digital camera, there's a new "unofficial" decree on Main Street.
Avery goes to the polls
Exactly one year ago, now retired Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Ann McMorrow authored the majority opinion in Avery, the court decision over generic parts in car repairs.
Hartford gasoline vapor cases compete for advantage
As two teams of attorneys struggle for the right to represent the citizens of Hartford living above an underground lake of gasoline, three related lawsuits are creating an energy crisis for three Madison County judges.
$1.39 conversion claim falls short, Wal-Mart argues
Attention Wal-Mart shoppers: "This (gift) card may not be redeemed for cash."
"Only a person hoping to manufacture a lawsuit would find ambiguity in this language," wrote a Wal-Mart attorney seeking to dismiss a Madison County class action lawsuit over a $1.39 dispute.
Maag to argue defamation claim in September
Gordon Maag Former Fifth District Appellate Court Judge Gordon Maag, who is appealing a dismissed defamation suit, will argue next month that a campaign flyer damaged his reputation to the tune of $110 million.
Avery plays starring role in Madison County class action drama
As the next scene of Madison County's class action drama begins, the actors have pulled the curtain so taxpayers cannot watch.
SMASH doctors endorse McGlynn
Appellate Court Judge Stephen McGlynn picked up the endorsement of the Statewide Medical Alliance for the Survival of Healthcare (SMASH) for a full term on the Fifth District Appellate Court today.
'Avery' power striking lethal blows to class actions
A year ago the Illinois Supreme Court walloped class action litigation by overturning a $1.2 billion Williamson County verdict, and ever since, defendants have been savoring the victory.
Allstate wants class decertified based on Avery
Allstate Insurance has asked Madison County Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron for an order decertifying a Lakin Law Firm class action just like an order Byron signed for insurer GEICO.
Bankrupt class plaintiff lacks standing, Delta Funding argues
Lakin Law Firm class action plaintiff Douglas Pichee failed to report a claim against mortgage lender Delta Funding in a bankruptcy petition he filed, according to Delta Funding attorney Robert Bassett.
Avery decision foils Madison County right of way class action
Seven days after class action attorneys proposed a three ring circus trial against cable company Level 3 Communications, they abandoned the plan and settled the suit.