By Martin Kosla As a law firm that defends prison and jail medical staff, the first set of documents that we usually review and analyze (after reviewing the inmate’s complaint) are the medical records maintained by the institution. As such, there is a good chance that this is also the first set of documents that…
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Policing for the Opioid Crisis: Cities and Counties Sue Pharma for Public Safety Costs
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. Now, approximately 2,000 lawsuits from state and local governments have been filed against pharmaceutical companies such as Purdue Pharma (who introduced OxyContin in the 1990s), Teva Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson, Endo Health Solutions, Insys…
Are Deputy Sheriffs Who Provide Courthouse Security Entitled to Eleventh Amendment Immunity in California?
By: Temitayo O. Peters & Gregory B. Thomas The Supreme Court Precedent In 1997, the Supreme Court had the opportunity to consider this novel question in McMillian v. Monroe County, Alabama, 520 U.S. 781 (1997). The subject lawsuit arose after employees of Monroe County, including the Sheriff of Monroe County, allegedly intimidated the plaintiff “into…
Burke Has a New San Diego Location!
Burke is pleased to announce the opening of a San Diego office. With the continued growth and expansion of our firm across the state, this new location will help us better serve our clients. Burke’s expansion into San Diego, which creates its 10th office, underscores the firm’s consistent methodical growth in top economic and employment…
How a Government Shutdown Impacts the Federal Courts
One major entity that was affected by the longest-ever government shutdown was the federal court system, where civil rights cases and prisoner petitions make up a substantial part of the docket. Although federal employees have returned to work, it is possible a shutdown may occur again and once again have an impact on the courts….
More Than Just Body Camera Footage: An Advanced Look at AB 748
On July 1, 2019, video and audio relating to critical police incidents, which are defined as officer-involved shootings and certain uses of force, will no longer be confidential under California law. In our October 2018 webinar on AB 748 and SB 1421 issues, we discussed the basics of AB 748 and how it will impact…
Webinar: Eliminating the Confidentiality of Certain Police Records
Police investigative records and body camera footage will be available for public scrutiny under two laws signed this week by Gov. Jerry Brown. SB 1421 will require agencies to disclose investigative materials relating to officer-involved shootings and other serious uses of force, while also requiring the disclosure of information regarding officers found to have provided false statements. AB 748…
As the year ends, we reflect and give thanks for the last year. Our relationship with you is one thing we treasure. Thank you for the opportunity to defend those who protect and serve the public. We wish you Happy Holidays and much success in the New Year.
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