Most Open Verdict: Florida Dentist Guilty In Murder-For-Hire Plot
Wealthy Fort Lauderdale dentist Charlie Adelson was convicted of murder for ordering the hit of law professor Dan Markel, according to an article from the Tallahassee Democrat. The jury deliberated for only a few hours before coming to the unanimous decision in the case that began in 2014. Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman said the case remains open and it is unclear if anyone else will be charged for their role in the plot.
Most Impactful Verdict: Family Of Murder Victim Calls For Changes In Truancy Law After Brutal Carjacking Homicide
John Honore, of Louisiana, was found guilty of second-degree murder for killing Linda Frickey during a brutal carjacking, according to an article from Fox. The victim’s family has called for changes in state truancy law as Honore and his co-defendants committed the crime while they were supposed to be in school. He will be sentenced Friday, Jan. 12.
Most Rejected Verdict: SCOTUS Punts On $40M ‘'Forever Chemical' Ruling Leaving Award Intact
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the $40 million verdict won by an Ohio resident against E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., according to an article from Reuters. The case originated when Travis Abbott sued the company for releasing “forever chemicals” into drinking water that contributed to his cancer diagnosis. The company asked for the case to be reviewed due to the fact that a lower court restricted the company from contesting allegations of negligence that took place during bellwether test trials that could have impacted Abbott’s case.
Most Garnished Verdict: Miami Pol To Have Earnings Garnished After Political Retaliation Verdict
The City of Miami has been ordered to garnish Commissioner Joe Carollo’s wages in the wake of a $63 million civil verdict against him, according to an article from NBC. While the exact amount to be diverted is unclear at the moment, federal law states the garnishment cannot exceed 25% of his wages. Carollo said he plans to appeal the civil penalty ruling that found he used his position to engage in political retaliation.
Most International Verdict: Dupond-Moretti Escapes Abuse Of Power Charges In High-Profile French Case
French politician Dupond-Moretti was acquitted of charges he used his position to “order probes targeting magistrates who investigated him, his friends and his former clients,” according to an article from Radio France Internationale. Tried in a special court used specifically to hear cases involving alleged foul play by government officials, the two-week trial came during calls for Dupond-Moretti to resign from his position as a justice minister. If convicted, he could have faced a maximum sentence of five years’ prison time, a fine and ban from future public office.