A punitive surprise: Alabama high court beats Legislature to tort reform punch
Article Abstract:
The Alabama Supreme Court recently announced a new procedure for trying punitive damage claims, on the eve of the governor convening a legislative session to address tort reform. All sides were surprised by the decision in Life Insurance Co v. Johnson, in which an elderly woman sold a worthless insurance policy was awarded $15 million in punitive damages. The trial court cut the award to $12.5 million, and the high court to $5 million. It also announced half of such awards will go to the state.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1996
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Rousting Miss Daisy: U.S. Supreme Court says police can order passengers out of cars during routine traffic stops
Article Abstract:
The US Supreme Court's 1997 decision in Maryland v. Wilson allows the police to order any passenger out of a vehicle during a traffic stop, a move that critics say hurts citizens' Fourth Amendment rights. The decision continues the Supreme Court's shift towards a reasonableness standard for evaluating the legality of searches. The Court majority has opted for ensuring officer safety, but may have weakened protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1997
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It's not business as usual; oil company's appeal fuels antitrust reversal of Warren Court decision on price agreements
Article Abstract:
The US Supreme Court ruling in State Oil Co v. Khan meant that manufacturers may use vertical maximum price agreements. These are limits on retail prices These are limits on retail prices often used for goods which sell for more money because they are in high demand. The suit grew out of a suit by a gasoline dealer over the price-setting in a lease with a supplier.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1998
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