News from 2006
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.
Stack dismisses extortion suit filed by Lakin
Dan Stack A lawsuit claiming Brad Lakin, Kris Lakin and the Lakin Law Firm were victims of a $50 million extortion scheme was dismissed today by Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel Stack.
Concrete ruined by negligent driver, suit claims
Keller Construction filed a civil suit against Wilma Chase of Collinsville alleging she damaged a road construction project by negligently driving on an 870-foot section of freshly poured concrete.
Crowder to teach attorneys about new Supreme Court rules
Madison County Associate Judge Barbara Crowder will teach attorneys about the Illinois Supreme Court's new custody rules fron 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17 at the Holiday Inn in Collinsville.
Intavenous site infection prompts wrongful death suit
Anderson Hospital Frederick Simon's estate filed a wrongful death suit against three doctors, a physician's assistant and Anderson Hospital in Madison County Circuit Court Aug. 7.
Jailed man sues Sheriff Justus
Mearl Justus An East St. Louis man filed suit against St. Clair County Sheriff Mearl Justus and deputy John Doe claiming he was assaulted while in custody.
Trucker's wife claims husband electrocuted in suit
The widow of a man electrocuted when his tractor trailer made contact with power lines filed a four-count civil lawsuit against Ameren IP, Freightliner Corp., Mac Trailer Manufacturing and W.M. Trailer Sales.
Laborer claims unstable ballast caused injuries
Alton & Southern Railway Deverick Ward filed a Federal Employer's Liability Act suit in St. Clair County Circuit Court Aug. 7, seeking damages in excess of $50,000, claiming Alton & Southern Railway failed to provide him a safe place to work