Most Pithy Verdict: SCOTUS Rejects Challenge to Pennsylvania's New District Maps
The Supreme Court of the United States rejected Pennsylvania Republicans' request to prevent the state from using new Congressional maps, according to an article from CNN.
The court's ruling amounted to one sentence, with no dissents. New maps were released last month after the old ones were deemed in violation of the state's Constitution. One law expert said the case's focus on the state Constitution and subsequent ruling by the state's Supreme Court limits the "usual path for review" of the case. The new maps could favor Democrats in upcoming Congressional races.
Most Centennial Verdict: Man Gets 100 Years After Smashing Ex's Skull with Sledgehammer
Mark Dublino, who was recently convicted for seriously injuring three people with a sledgehammer and shovel, was sentenced to a 100-year prison sentence, according to an article from The Buffalo News.
Dublino was found guilty of attempted murder of his former girlfriend and her friend in June of 2016. He also attacked the woman's father with a garden shovel, breaking his arm. Dublino also complained about what he perceived to be insufficient representation from his attorney Joseph Terranova. He faces additional felony charges for allegedly assaulting Terranova during a meeting.
Most musical: Pharrell, Thicke Lose Copyright Infringement Appeal
After a jury found recording artists Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams, and T.I. guilty of copyright infringement, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decided, upon appeal, to leave the decision largely intact, according to an article from Pitchfork.
Thicke and Pharrell were found to have ripped off too much of Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up” in their hit "Blurred Lines." However, T.I. was let off the hook. The $5.3 million in damages and royalty rate of 50% to Gaye's family were also upheld. Further, the labels that released the song--Interscope, UMG and Star Trak Entertainment--were not found to be liable as a result of the appeal.
Most Alcoholic: Ruling Paves Way for Booze at Big Texas Retailers
A Texas law prohibiting large retailers like Costco and Walmart from selling booze was found unconstitutional, according to an article from the Texas Tribune. Free market advocates hailed the ruling. The law prevents publically traded companies from owning liquor stores, while allowing family-owned stores to operate without competition from the large corporations.
The Texas Package Stores Association, which fought to preserve the law, has vowed to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans. The ruling cited the Commerce Clause and the 14th Amendment guarantee of equal protection as cause to strike the law down, according to the article.
Most Presidential: Judge Says Defamation Suit Against Trump Can Proceed Despite Presidency
A Manhattan judge ruled President Trump must respond to a defamation suit brought by former “The Apprentice” contestant Summer Zervos, according to the The New York Daily News. Trump unsuccessfully argued presidential immunity protected him from the suit while he served as the head of state.
Zervos said Trump launched a smear campaign against her while campaigning to be president after she accused him of groping in 2007. The judge cited the Supreme Court ruling paving the way for the impeachment of Bill Clinton in her ruling.