The welfare challenge; states face tough choices and lawsuits under new act

Article Abstract:

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 became law on Aug 22 but has already spawned much state litigation. The law mandates many block grants to states. The largest, $16.3 bil, is for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families which replaces the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program. Most states have proceeded cautiously and plan compliance with the act by making technical changes to their guidelines for welfare eligibility. Some of the key lawsuits and the bases on which they were filed are listed.

Political aspects, California, Welfare reform, Freedom of movement, Federal-state controversies, New York (State), states

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Excuses, excuses: any old facially neutral reason may be enough to defeat an attack on a peremptory challenge

Article Abstract:

The US Supreme Court's ruling in Purkett v Elem raises the bar for attacks on peremptory challenges under the Batson v Kentucky line of cases. Many trial lawyers say it will now be very difficult to get appellate courts to reverse for Batson violations, but some say that simply forces lawyers to aggressively challenge them at the trial level. The new standard may also be a boon to defense and civil lawyers as well as prosecutors. The Court's ruling came without a full briefing or oral argument.

Laws, regulations and rules, Peremptory challenges

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Utility power plays: their defenses are winning electromagnetic field suits

Article Abstract:

Plaintiffs and their lawyers once hoped that litigation alleging the carcenogenicity of exposure to electromagnetic fields would prove as profitable as asbestos litigation, but the well-financed utility industry has been quite able to defend against such lawsuits, mainly through the lack of a definitive scientific answer. Medical research still being conducted might give the suits a chance, but definitive answers may not appear for five or six years.

Electric Utilities, Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, Electric services, Electromagnetic fields, Public utilities, Personal injuries

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