Disabilities

UN Human Rights Chief Condemns Russian Attacks on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure, Citing Civilian Impact and Legal Violations

Pieter Gunst03 mins

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has strongly denounced the Russian Federation’s recent widespread attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, impacting numerous cities and causing widespread power outages. Describing these actions as “cruel,” Türk emphasized that they must cease, highlighting the severe toll on civilians and the breach of warfare rules as civilian infrastructure is targeted….

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Human Rights in Focus: Benin’s Upcoming Elections and the Call for Reform

Pieter Gunst04 mins

As Benin prepares for its upcoming parliamentary and municipal elections on January 11, human rights organizations are emphasizing the urgent need for candidates to prioritize human rights within their political agendas. Amnesty International, along with 13 other civil society organizations, has highlighted various concerns that require immediate attention. Key priorities include the protection of freedom…

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Eighth Circuit Court Reinstates First Amendment Challenge to Missouri School District’s DEI Training Program

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a closely divided decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has reinstated a lawsuit brought by two employees of the Springfield R-12 School District in Missouri, who allege that mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training infringed upon their First Amendment rights. The 6-5 ruling marks a significant development in the…

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Government Budget Cuts Threaten Vital Disability Rights Legal Services

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Government lawyers specializing in disability rights are facing potential budget cuts, signaling possible challenges ahead for the protection and advocacy of individuals with disabilities. These proposed reductions could have a significant impact on the enforcement of disability rights, potentially affecting the resources available for legal actions and support services. The report by Bloomberg Law highlights…

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Supreme Court to Deliberate Intellectual Disability in Death Penalty Case, Challenging Eighth Amendment Interpretations

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In the contentious case of Hamm v. Smith, the Supreme Court is faced with the complex issue of addressing intellectual disabilities within the framework of capital punishment. The crux of the matter is whether Joseph Clifton Smith, sentenced to death over 25 years ago, has an intellectual disability, and thus should be exempt from execution…

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New Jersey Court Administrator Sues West Windsor Township over Alleged COVID-19 Disability Discrimination

Pieter Gunst02 mins

The former municipal court administrator for West Windsor Township, New Jersey, has filed a lawsuit alleging that the township failed to accommodate her disability by terminating her employment instead of granting a short medical leave after she contracted COVID-19. The lawsuit contends that this action violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New…

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Supreme Court’s Autumn Docket: Key Cases Reverberate Across Legal and Political Spheres

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In recent days, the U.S. Supreme Court has become a focal point for cases with significant legal and political implications, echoing through various sectors of society. This week, the court introduced its Interim Docket Blog, which promises to deliver substantial analysis by esteemed legal scholars like Jack Goldsmith, William Baude, and Daniel Epps. This move…

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Former Law Student’s Recusal Request in ADA Bias Suit Denied Amid High Judicial Standards

Pieter Gunst02 mins

A former law student’s attempt to have a judge recused from an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) bias lawsuit has been denied, marking the latest development in a complex legal battle. The plaintiff, who alleges discrimination under the ADA, sought the judge’s removal citing perceived biases; however, the court found no substantial evidence to warrant…

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Supreme Court to Decide Role of IQ Tests in Death Penalty Exemptions for Intellectual Disability

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a pivotal upcoming session, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to scrutinize how IQ tests contribute to determining intellectual disability claims that preclude execution, as outlined in the 2002 Atkins v. Virginia decision. This contemplation arises from the case Hamm v. Smith, involving Joseph Smith, who was sentenced to death for murder and whose…

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Watkins & Letofsky Disability Discrimination Trial Set to Test Workplace Accommodation Standards

Pieter Gunst02 mins

The upcoming trial involving Watkins & Letofsky LLP presents significant implications regarding workplace disability discrimination. A former administrative worker’s allegations against the firm will soon be examined in court, making this a focal point for employment law observers. According to Bloomberg Law, the plaintiff claims that Watkins & Letofsky failed to accommodate her disabilities, which…

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Eleventh Circuit Court Upholds MetLife’s Denial of Disability Benefits in Bipolar Disorder Case

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Eleventh Circuit Court has upheld a previous ruling favoring MetLife, denying further long-term disability benefits to a former attorney diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The decision affirms that the insurer’s determination, which concluded that the attorney was no longer disabled according to the plan’s terms, was supported by a Florida federal court. This case underscores…

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Supreme Court to Weigh Eminent Domain, Disability Rights, Sex Discrimination, and Prison Reform Cases

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Supreme Court’s latest list of relisted petitions presents four new cases, each addressing significant legal questions with potential implications across various fields. The cases up for discussion include matters on eminent domain compensation, federal disability rights, sex discrimination in academia, and the pursuit of post-conviction relief. Pipeline Pay: The case of Hoffmann v. WBI…

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Digital Age Courtrooms: Navigating the Complexities of Copyright and Public Access in the Case of Ian Linkletter vs. Proctorio

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Nobody expects to face a lawsuit for sharing publicly available YouTube videos, yet that’s precisely the situation librarian Ian Linkletter found himself in. After a drawn-out legal battle spanning five years, Linkletter has finally settled a copyright infringement lawsuit that offers a spotlight on the complexities of intellectual property rights in the digital age. The…

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Mexico City’s Care System Proposal Faces Criticism Over Disability and Elderly Rights Concerns

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Human Rights Watch recently criticized the proposal for a new Public System of Care by the Mexico City government, alleging it falls short in upholding the rights and autonomy of individuals with disabilities and the elderly. Carlos Ríos Espinosa, associate disability rights director at HRW, pointed out that while the bill aims to address care-related…

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UN Report Highlights Worsening Conditions for Disabled Persons in Post-Coup Myanmar Amidst Escalating Violence

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A recently published United Nations report sheds light on the overlooked plight of disabled persons in Myanmar, revealing a distressing picture of their rights in the wake of military upheaval. According to Tom Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, the escalation of junta violence post-2021 coup has dramatically worsened the conditions for…

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Quintairos Prieto Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Unlawful Termination During Cancer Leave

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A recent legal dispute has emerged involving Quintairos Prieto Wood & Boyer, where a former partner is suing the firm, alleging unlawful termination while on cancer leave. This case highlights ongoing concerns within the legal community about employment rights and protections for those undergoing serious medical treatment. The lawsuit, filed by the former partner, claims…

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UN Experts Warn Peru’s Disability Law Amendment May Undermine Human Rights Commitments

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The United Nations has raised a significant warning concerning a proposed amendment to Peru’s disability legislation, indicating potential setbacks in the nation’s commitment to upholding human rights for people with disabilities. This amendment, currently under consideration by Peru’s Congress, has drawn concern from UN experts, including the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with…

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Legal Sector Grapples with Disability Rights as Former Edelman Financial Controller Sues Over Stroke Termination

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A former controller at Edelman Financial Engines has initiated legal action against a New York City law firm, alleging wrongful termination following a stroke. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, claims that the firm dismissed the employee shortly after he suffered a stroke, which he contends is a violation of the…

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States Challenge USDA’s SNAP Suspension Amid Government Shutdown in Pivotal Lawsuit

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a significant legal clash, twenty-six states have initiated a lawsuit against the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for suspending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amidst the ongoing government shutdown. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, challenges the USDA’s decision to halt SNAP funding, a vital program…

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Human Rights Watch and Columbia Law School Advocate for International Crimes Against Humanity Treaty by 2029

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Human Rights Watch, in collaboration with Columbia Law School’s Prevention of Crimes Against Humanity Project, has released a detailed report promoting the adoption of an international treaty focused solely on crimes against humanity. This report advocates for the future implementation of a legal framework to ensure effective prosecution of such serious offenses, building upon the…

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Settlement in Disability Discrimination Case Prompts Scrutiny of Staffing Agency Practices

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A recent development in the legal employment sector saw a former legal assistant for Burke Warren MacKay & Serritella PC conclude his legal battle against a staffing company. The lawsuit, lodged in an Illinois federal court, highlighted a significant issue concerning disability discrimination in the workplace. The legal assistant, who had been dealing with a…

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