Supreme Court won't stop gay marriages in Florida

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday refused to block gay marriages in Florida, the latest of about three dozen states allowing same-sex weddings.
  
In a one-paragraph order, the court decided not to step into the Florida case. A federal judge previously declared Florida's ban on gay marriage unconstitutional and said same-sex marriage licenses could start being issued in the state after Jan. 5 unless the Supreme Court intervened.

"This is a thrilling day for all Florida families," Daniel Tilley, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties of Florida, said in a statement. "As we explained to the court, every day that the ban remains in place, couples are suffering real harms. We are grateful that the court recognized that, and that as a result, those days are finally coming to an end."

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has fought to uphold the state's ban, said in a statement that her goal was "to have uniformity" throughout the state while various legal challenges were pursued in both state and federal courts.

"Nonetheless, the Supreme Court has now spoken, and the stay will end on Jan. 5," Bondi said.

In August, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle declared the state's ban unconstitutional, but he put his ruling on hold until after Jan. 5 pending appeals.

Like many other judges and appellate courts, Hinkle ruled the ban approved by voters in 2008 violates the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of equal protection.

Former Utah TV pitchman ordered back to court

A judge is summoning back to court a former Utah TV pitchman accused of kicking an owl in flight while riding his motorized paraglider.

Authorities say in court documents filed Tuesday that 45-year-old Dell "Super Dell" Schanze hasn't shown that he has no guns, a condition of his release.

Federal Judge Brooke Wells ordered Schanze to court Dec. 30.

Defense attorney Kent Hart says Schanze has been unable to schedule a time for officials to inspect his house.

Schanze was handcuffed this month for interrupting a court hearing in a separate case and saying it was unconstitutional to bar the defendant from having guns.

Schanze later agreed to give up weapons in his own case.

He pleaded not guilty to charges involving harassing wildlife and pursuing a migratory bird.

Aggressive Securities Arbitration Services

Conway & Conway law firm, located in New York, are impassioned about representing public customers and industry professionals all over the world with a team of devoted futures, securities, and commodities arbitration attorneys. Constantly keeping abreast of developing and current regulatory reforms, U.S. securities laws, and other topics of interest to professionals and investors, our firm is responsive and agile. We are large enough to handle many cases and simultaneously provide personalized service to each client for their futures, securities, or commodities case.

Founded in 1988, Conway & Conway has been a successful New York City securities arbitration law firm, yielding fantastic results in securities arbitration cases from their 565 Fifth Avenue headquarters.

At Conway & Conway, the firm's attorneys have the know-how to deal with litigation and business counseling. At all points of negotiation and acquisition, along with wrongful termination and other corporate matters, we have advocated on behalf of our corporate clients. In addition to corporate clients, the firm works with commercial clients in all types of commercial and business litigation as well.

In the financial services industry, Conway & Conway gives exceptional legal counsel to the public. Whether its investors in dispute or issues with registered representatives and other associates, they have the high-caliber legal counsel to help. Fraud lawyers at the firm are well-versed in all things concerning the laws that apply to the securities and futures industries.

The commodity merchant attorneys at Conway & Conway provide litigation and arbitration services for international commodity merchants related to trade disputes. Their extensive trial experience, combined with a unique familiarity with the commodities industry foreign exchange and futures markets, enables Conway & Conway dedicated commodity arbitration attorneys to resolve serious commodity trade disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner.

For international commodity merchants, the commodity merchant attorneys at Conway & Conway administer arbitration and litigation services pertinent to trade disputes.

Massachusetts Real Estate Attorney

For more than 30 years, Attorney Alan H. Segal has been lending legal expertise to the Greater Boston Massachusetts area from his Needham, Massachusetts Law Office. With great attentiveness, Alan and his associates have given legal consultation in business law, estate planning, and Massachusetts real estate law.

You can find Alan on the radio, cable, and local television sharing his ideas about current legal news. Navigating your way through the legal system can be a confusing and difficult task. He and his staff know that and want to be there for you as "YOUR LAWYER".

To visit the Law Office of Alan H. Segal, head to the intersection of Highland Ave and Route 128/95 on the Newton / Needham border, next to Staples.

Attorney Alan H. Segal has been known as a renowned Massachusetts real estate attorney for over 30 years. Sellers, buyers, and lenders of Massachusetts real estate property are all represented by his practice.

It is prudent to seek the guidance of a real estate agent like Alan to help with all real estate home buying in Massachusetts, as all such transactions have legal issues and tax consequences.

If you need an experienced Massachusetts real estate attorney contact us today for a free and confidential consultation!

San Francisco Trademark Lawyer

The Onu Law Firm will assist you with the management and securement of trademarks and trademark licensing in order to maximize your intellectual property value. Our Firm has a reputation for enforcing and protecting trademarks in Federal and State courts throughout the United States. Our reputation is also acknowledged by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

We also provide assistance with clearance searches, portfolio management, litigation, trademark applications, and other dispute resolution practices. .

In regards to trademarks, we represent our clients in the following matters: .

Fair Use Advice Structuring Licensing, Development and Distribution Agreements Canada, Madrid Protocol & Foreign Filings Filing and Registration with the US Patent and Trademark Office including the intent to use and use in commerce application Trademark Infringement Trademark Clearance Search and Selection Filing and Registration with the California Secretary of State Prosecution and maintenance of Trademark applications and registrations Trademark and Brand Strategy Trademark Advertising Counseling.

Contact our San Francisco Trademark Lawyers for effective representation for your business.

Court halts ridesharing service Uber in Germany

A court has barred ridesharing service Uber from operating in Germany, the latest shot in the popular app's fight with taxi drivers worldwide. Frankfurt state court spokesman Arne Hasse said Tuesday the decision that Uber can't offer its services without a specific permit under German transport laws applies nationwide. The injunction applies pending a full hearing of a suit brought against Uber by Taxi Deutschland, a German cab association that also offers its own taxi-ordering app. The suit is being heard in Frankfurt because it is one of the several German cities in which Uber operates. San Francisco-based Uber said in a statement it would use "all legal means" to fight the case. "It's never a good idea to limit people's choices," Uber said. "We believe that innovation and competition is good for everyone — it profits both drivers and passengers." The ruling comes after Berlin authorities last month barred Uber from operating in the capital because of safety concerns.

"The Drummond & Nelson Difference" – Aggressive Representation

Getting the right representation begins with getting the right attorney. An attorney should not be selected solely based on a billboard, slogan, or advertised alleged fee reductions. If you have been injured or charged with a crime, you need an experienced attorney who will aggressively advocate for you to get the best possible outcome in your case.

Our attorneys have extensive trial and negotiation experience in all areas of criminal defense in Clark County Justice Courts, District Courts, Las Vegas Municipal Courts, Henderson Municipal Courts, North Las Vegas Municipal Courts and Nevada Federal Court. Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in all State and Federal Courts in Nevada.

When investigating which attorney to hire, remember that there is no charge for your initial
consultation with our office to discuss your case. We work on a contingency fee basis on injury cases, meaning you don't pay us any up-front fees since we would be paid out of the amount of your recovery. If you live in Las Vegas or were a tourist or visitor when your injury or alleged criminal conduct occurred, contact us for a free initial consultation to discuss your rights and the best approach to resolving your case successfully. Hire Drummond & Nelson and you'll meet one-on-one with an attorney who will be personally involved in every aspect of your case.

Washington high court to hear charter school case

The Washington Supreme Court has agreed to consider whether the state's voter-approved charter school law violates the state constitution. Oral arguments concerning the lawsuit brought by charter school opponents have been scheduled for the afternoon of Oct. 28. A King County Superior Court judge found in December that parts of the new law are unconstitutional. Judge Jean Rietschel's decision focused on whether certain taxpayer dollars can be used to pay for the operation of charter schools. Both sides asked the Supreme Court to skip the appeals court process and directly review the case. Attorney Paul Lawrence says the briefs to the court and the oral arguments will focus on that part of the lawsuit. The state's charter school system was approved by voters in 2012.

Tenecia P. Reid - Manassas Divorce Lawyer Services

Divorce Litigation can be frustrating, confusing, and emotional. You need an attorney who listens and treats you with respect during this major life decision. You need family law and divorce attorney Tenecia P. Reid. Specializing in family law for her entire career, she is ready to guide you through the divorce litigation process.

Attorney Reid is widely experienced and has negotiatied and litigated cases that include all of the following: adultery, abuse, bankruptcy issues, business valuations, complex marital assets, tax issues, underwater joint mortgages, and even protective orders. Attorney Reid is also familiar with the laws concerning fault-based divorce cases and can help you determine whether you have one or more fault grounds against your spouse and how to prove them.

Attorney Reid is a sharp negotiator with a confident courtroom presence. She communicates with and helps her clients understand each step of the process. If you're considering divorce or have just been served a divorce complaint, consult the Law offices of Tenecia P. Reid for a confident assessment of your situation and the best possible outcome.

Place & Hanley - Securities Attorneys Florida Services

The Law Offices of Place & Hanley represents individual and institutional investors in stock broker & securities fraud. Our attorneys have filed claims against major Wall Street institutions and the nation's most prestigious brokerage firms. Most securities disputes are resolved in arbitration before the New York Stock Exchange or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.Our firm also represents investors in arbitration and mediation as well as clients in the North Carolina and Florida state courts where they resolve financial disputes among brokerage firms, customers, and other financial institutions. Our Secutirites Attorneys have experience in all the following cases: stocks, bonds, "penny" stocks, "junk" bonds, commodities, mutual funds and other investments.

The Law Offices of Place & Hanley have been successful in recovering our client's out of pocket losses and our client's have even received punitive damages and the reimbursement of their attorneys' fees in multiple cases.

Hard work, client dedication, and in-depth knowledge of the securities industry are the secrets to our success. At Place & Hanley our primary goal is to represent investors who have had their brokerage accounts mishandled. We would love the opportunity to put our knowledge and skill to work for you. If you're in need of Securities Attorneys in Florida or have any questions related to securities or commodites fraud, contact our office today.

W. Bradley Ney - Washington, DC Business Litigation Lawyer Services

Brad's combined expertise of business and accounting issues allows him to create unique arguments and solutions in several types of business disputes. His thoughtful and meticulous litigation approach regularly leads to favorable results for his clients. Brad has represented the business interests of numerous companies, officers, individuals, and boards in state and federal courts, before the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in arbitrations and mediations. He's represented both plaintiffs and defendants in trials and court proceedings. Brad understands that serving his clients' best interests sometimes requires alternative methods of dispute resolution.

Brad's primary focuses are listed below:

Business Litigation

Contract & Business Disputes

Securities Litigation

Franchise Disputes

Non-Competes & Restrictive Covenants

Insurance Disputes

Copyright Litigation

Emergency Injunctive Relief

If you're an individual, small business, or medium business, you deserve the finest legal representation. Contact the Law Offices of W. Bradley Ney for all your Washington DC Business Litigation Lawyer Service needs.

Law Office of Rita O. White - Canton Criminal & DUI Lawyers

If you're facing a legal issue and seek guidance, the Law Office of Rita O. White is here to help. Tackling any legal matter without a trained professional can negatively impact the outcome of your legal situation. Our Plymouth Canton Criminal lawyers understand the stress that comes with looming legal issues which is why we work tirelessly to support our clients no matter the situation.

We believe in giving clients our full attention and treating them with care and respect.

When you work with us, you'll get the benefit of:

Caring and knowledeable lawyers
Convenient office hours
Reasonable attorney fees

Don't risk anything! Our dedicated team of lawyers are always available to offer guidance and support. To set up an appointment today or learn more about our Plymouth Canton Criminal law practice contact us at the Law Office of Rita O. White today.

Fred Meissner - Tax Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona

Fred Meissner is a former IRS Revenue Agent with over 30 years of government and private experience. Twenty years ago, before his admission to the bar as a tax lawyer in Arizona, Mr. Meissner was an IRS agent for ten years. He has worked in corporate tax departments for Fortune 500 companies and the "Big Four" Accounting Firms. He holds a LL.M., a specialized law degree in Taxation. With this combination of education, training and experience, he provides his clients with unique insight and judgement on any tax question.

 Mr. Meissner's areas of expertise include state and federal income tax audit, sales tax audits, property tax issues, tax debt, reduction, installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, tax penalty abatements, business tax issues, tax-motivated bankruptcy, and many related difficulties.

 Mr. Meissner represents tax clients throughout the United States. He also advises on bankruptcy filing, tax planning, and estate planning and asset protection.

 At the Law Offices of Fred Meissner, we will deal with the IRS or state, offer the ability to prepare tax returns, and do a bankruptcy if necessary. We are your one stop shopping solution. If you are in need of tax consultation in Phoenix, Arizona, please contact the Law Offices of Fred Meissner for your legal needs.

Salvatore Scanio - Ludwig & Robinson PLLC.

Salvatore Scanio, Attorney

T: 202-289-7605 O: 202-289-1800 F: 202-289-1804

Mr. Scanio has extensive experience in complex domestic and international litigation and regulatory matters, involving federal and state banking, financial transactions, insurance coverage, and contract and other commercial disputes.

Mr. Scanio represents banks, insurers and other companies in cases involving negotiable instruments under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), electronic bank payments, fraud, fiduciary duty, accounting, lender liability, loan losses, lost profits, statutory and regulatory violations, professional liability, class actions, and claims against the federal government. He advises clients as to liability, defenses and loss recovery on a wide range of bank fraud and corporate fraud schemes, including check fraud, credit and debit card fraud, unauthorized electronic funds transfers (EFT) including fraudulent wire transfers and ACH transactions, identity theft, check kiting, deposit account fraud, malware attacks, cybercrime, account takeovers, loan and mortgage fraud, embezzlement, and bank insider fraud.

DiRusso & DiRusso, Attorneys At Law.

Surry County Criminal Defense Lawyers

At DiRusso and DiRusso, we are familiar with the local economy, the local employers, and the local court officials. Another advantage to hiring local counsel is availability. In larger cities, and in larger firms, the attorneys may not always be available and much of the interaction a client has may be with support staff, such as paralegals and legal assistants. At DiRusso and DiRusso, the attorneys are in regular contact with the clients, available by telephone, and regularly available for appointments.

At DiRusso & DiRusso, we have the legal knowledge and experience to protect you, no matter who or what is on the other side. We also have the compassion to know that you may be experiencing something very unpleasant and we are available to listen to you and seek solutions along the way. We are dedicated to our clients and show no allegiance to any other entity.   We not only counsel our clients on the current law, we provide statutes, rules, cases, and codes so that one may read the current law and have a deeper understanding of the relative law.

If you want to speak with a lawyer about your case, please call us today. There is never a fee for your initial consultation at DiRusso & DiRusso for Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury or Social Security Disability cases.

McKENNON LAW GROUP PC.

Insurance Bad Faith, ERISA and Business Litigation Attorneys

McKennon Law Group PC has offices throughout California, and handles cases all over the State, including the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco and the Central Valley.

When you need an attorney, choosing the right law firm is the most important decision you will make. We founded McKennon Law Group PC for one purpose: to provide our clients targeted, effective representation geared to get the best possible results. Our single-minded focus is to achieve our clients’ objectives in an aggressive yet professional manner.

We are counted among California’s leading insurance, ERISA, business, and consumer attorneys. We have arbitrated, tried, appealed, and resolved hundreds of disputes on all lines of insurance - life, health, disability, property/casualty, commercial general liability, professional liability, officers and directors liability, employment practices liability, homeowners and business owners property and liability. We have also litigated disputes involving insurance and real estate agent/broker liability, class actions, serious injury and wrongful death, and other consumer and general business matters, and we have recovered millions of dollars in judgments and settlements for our clients.

Office
20321 SW Birch St., Suite 200
 Newport Beach, CA 92660

Levin & Curlett LLC

New York - Baltimore - Washington, D.C. White Collar Criminal Defense

Levin & Curlett LLC was formed by former prosecutors who created a small, high quality litigation boutique. Levin & Curlett LLC has extensive experience in all facets of criminal and civil litigation. Whether clients are involved in contractual disputes, business litigation, or qui tam whistleblower cases, our trial experience allows the firm to work effectively with clients to achieve their goals. Similarly, extensive prosecutorial backgrounds allow the firm to represent clients who are involved in criminal proceedings as targets, subjects, witnesses, recipients of grand jury subpoenas, or defendants.

The firm puts its skills to work representing:

• clients who are targets, subjects, or witnesses in criminal investigations,
• clients who are facing criminal charges
• clients who are involved in complex civil litigation at the trial and appellate levels
• whistleblowers in qui tam and False Claims Act litigation. 

The attorneys at Levin & Curlett concentrate their practice representing individuals and businesses in criminal matters and civil litigation, and representing whistleblowers in False Claims Act and Qui Tam litigation.

Our attorneys have decades of combined experience serving as prosecutors in the Department of Justice and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and leading practices in complex civil and criminal litigation at a national law firm.

We are uniquely positioned to represent the interests of those confronting the nation’s largest corporations, insurance companies, or the power of the federal government.

The Davis Law Group, PLLC

Southfield MI Criminal Defense Lawyer

The Davis Law Group, PLLC is an aggressive criminal defense firm. We handle cases throughout the Metro Detroit area including Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. Our attorneys are former prosecutors and have handled cases ranging from minor traffic violations to homicide offenses. 

Having gone through numerous trials, our attorneys know the Metro Detroit courtrooms and the procedures they follow. This works as a major advantage for our clients as we are able to fight against the evidence and change the course of where your life is headed. We are dedicated and willing to do what it takes to get a successful outcome in your case. 

We concentrate on defending our clients’ constitutional rights both in and out of the courtroom. If you or a love one has been charged with a crime you know your freedom is on the line. You need as experienced attorney that can get results. 

Available 7 days a week 24 hours a day for free phone consultations. For urgent matters we always have at least one attorney on call.

The Davis Law Group, PLLC
27600 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 215
Southfield, MI 48034

The Law Offices of Place and Hanley, LLC

Securities Arbitration Lawyers Florida

The Law Offices of Place & Hanley, LLC is a nationally recognized securities and commodities arbitration law firm which represents investors nationwide. At Place & Hanley we represent investors in claims against their brokers, broker dealers, investment advisors, financial advisors and insurance companies. Our securities lawyers represent investors who have lost their savings when their brokerage accounts were mishandled. Our attorneys are experienced in providing focused and aggressive representation for investors who have been the victims of financial fraud, negligence and unsuitable investments.  Our firm has experience in prosecuting claims against the major Wall Street firms, including Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, UBS, Oppenheimer as well as many mid-sized broker dealers.

Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for individual investors. Our firm has experience handling group arbitration claims and class action litigation involving securities related matters. We have successfully recovered punitive damages and attorneys’ fees for our clients.  The attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Place & Hanley are committed to representing aggrieved investors who have lost money because of the negligent or willful acts of the clients once trusted financial advisor, broker and brokerage firm.

Our attorneys have represented thousands of clients nationwide who were victims of misrepresentations, commission churning, unsuitable investments, unauthorized transactions, execution failures, excessive mark-ups, disappearing funds, botched transfers, "selling away" from firms, unregistered brokers, unregistered securities, improper margin liquidations, broker bribes, fraudulent research, "boiler room" sales practices and other wrongful acts. Place & Hanley has prosecuted cases involving stocks, bonds, "penny" stocks, "junk" bonds, options, commodities, mutual funds, REIT's, limited partnerships, derivative securities, collateralized debt obligations “CDO”, auction rate securities and other investments.

Attorneys for the firm practice before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) which was created in 2007 through the consolidation of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) enforcement and arbitration divisions. The firm also represents clients in state and federal courts to resolve financial disputes between customers, brokerage firms and other financial institutions.

Our firm has been successful not only in recovering our client’s out of pocket losses, but in multiple cases our clients have received punitive damages and reimbursement of their attorneys’ fees. Please visit the verdicts and settlements page for examples of the securities & stockbroker fraud cases we have handled for our clients. Our success is attributable to hard work, client dedication and an in-depth knowledge of the securities industry.

AB & Co IP Services - Sierra Leone Intellectual Property Lawyers

The Gambia Intellectual Property Lawyers

Trademark, Patent & Intellectual Property Rights

AB & Co is a boutique trademark agency specialising exclusively in the protection of intellectual property rights for our clients in Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

Our intellectual property practice is broad and we are Trademark and Patent Attorney for principals all over the world including partner law firms that routinely instruct us on behalf of their clients on IP matters.

We provide high quality services and act as Trademark & Patent Attorneys for principals all over the world including partner law firms.

We act as attorneys for the registration of trademarks, patents, industrial designs and other intellectual property rights. We routinely conduct searches and provide assistances for renewals, change of name and address, amendments and recordal of licences.

Services

Searches
Oppositions
Trademark, Patent and Industrial Design registration
Renewals
Recordal of changes of propietor's name, address
Recordal of mergers and assignments
Recordal of licenses
Advice on non-contentious issues
Publication tracking

The Law Offices of Tenecia P. Reid, PLLC

The Law Offices of Tenecia P. Reid, located in Northern Virginia and is here to provide you the best legal service to you and your loved one. With years of experience in divorce cases and family matters, Tenecia is both strategic and aggressive. We will give you an honest assessment of your situation and together discuss the ways we could help achieve the goals and outcomes you want.

Specializing in family law for her entire career, Attorney Tenecia P. Reid stands ready to skillfully guide you through the divorce litigation process. 

Divorce litigation can be frustrating, confusing, and emotional, so it is imperative to have an attorney who both listens and treats you with respect as you face major life decisions. Widely experienced, Attorney Reid has negotiated and litigated cases that include complex marital assets, tax issues, business valuations, underwater joint mortgages, adultery, abuse, protective orders, and bankruptcy issues.

Attorney Reid is also intimately familiar with the laws governing fault-based divorce cases, and can help you to determine whether you have one or more fault grounds against your spouse and how you may prove them.

Ms. Reid will be able to confidently assess your case and situation to help you obtain the best possible results. Don't hesitate to call today!

UN court: Australia cannot use seized documents

The United Nations' highest court on Monday banned Australia from making any use of documents it seized from a lawyer working for East Timor in an arbitration case over a multibillion-dollar oil and gas deal between the two nations.

The International Court of Justice also ordered Canberra not to "interfere in any way in communications" between East Timor and its legal advisers in the arbitration or future negotiations on a maritime boundary between resources-rich Australia and its tiny, impoverished northern neighbor.

Australian agents in December raided the Canberra office of a legal adviser to East Timor and seized documents and data. That followed claims by a former Australian spy that his country bugged the East Timorese government ahead of negotiations on the Timor Sea Treaty that carves up revenue from oil and gas under the sea between the two countries.

East Timor wants to renegotiate the treaty, arguing that it is invalid because of the alleged bugging.

It went to the world court arguing the seizure was illegal. Monday's orders did not address that claim, which will be litigated later.

Court weighs securities fraud class-action cases

The Supreme Court is considering whether to abandon a quarter-century of precedent and make it tougher for investors to band together to sue corporations for securities fraud.

The justices hear arguments Wednesday in an appeal by Halliburton Co. that seeks to block a class-action lawsuit claiming the energy services company inflated its stock price.

A group of investors says it lost money when Halliburton's stock price dropped after revelations the company misrepresented revenues, understated its liability in asbestos litigation and overstated the benefits of a merger.

Justices threw out the company's first attempt to block the lawsuit in 2011. But Halliburton is now urging the court to overturn a 25-year-old decision that sparked a tidal wave of securities-related, class-action lawsuits against publicly traded companies and has led to billions in settlements.

The court's 1988 decision in Basic v. Levinson says shareholders who claim they were defrauded by false statements in securities filings don't have to prove they actually relied on the statements. Rather, the court reasoned that any misrepresentation would be reflected in the current stock price. Even if investors are not aware of the misstatements, they are presumed to be aware of them because they affect the stock price.

This presumption, known as the "fraud-on-the-market theory," has become the driving force for modern class-action securities cases. But some economists have questioned whether this theory makes sense anymore, saying it doesn't account for the sometimes random and arbitrary nature of stock trading.

High court sides with parent who fled with child

The Supreme Court has made it harder for a parent in a custody dispute to seek the immediate return of a child under an international treaty to deter child abduction.

The justices ruled unanimously Wednesday that a one-year clock begins ticking when a child is taken out of its country of residence, even if the parent left behind cannot determine where the child is living. In the one-year period, the Hague Convention on child abduction gives judges little option but to return the child to its home country.

After a year, judges have more discretion and must take account of evidence that the child is settled in its new home.

Fla. high court: Immigrant can't get law license

The Florida Supreme Court has ruled that immigrants in the country illegally can't be given a license to practice law.

The question was raised when a man who moved here from Mexico when he was 9 years old sought a license in Florida. The court said Thursday that federal law prohibits people who are unlawfully in the country from obtaining professional licenses. The justices said state law can override the federal ban, but Florida has taken no action to do so.

Earlier this year, the California Supreme Court granted a law license to Sergio Garcia, who arrived in the U.S. from Mexico as a teenager with his father. But that ruling was only after the state approved a law that allows immigrants in the country illegally to obtain the license.

Two men found guilty for selling U.S. company’s technology

A federal jury found two men guilty Wednesday of economic espionage involving the theft and sale of a U.S. company’s technology to a competitor controlled by the Chinese government.

The jury returned the verdicts against Robert Maegerle and Walter Liew.

They were accused of stealing Delaware-based DuPont Co.’s method for making titanium oxide, a chemical that fetches $17 billion a year in sales worldwide and is used to whiten everything from cars to the middle of Oreo cookies.

A federal jury found two men guilty Wednesday of economic espionage involving the theft and sale of a U.S. company’s technology to a competitor controlled by the Chinese government.

Prosecutors said DuPont was unwilling to sell its method to China, so it was stolen and sent to a company called Pangang Group Co. Ltd., according to testimony during the diplomatically dicey proceedings. The jury heard six weeks of testimony.

Prosecutors alleged that Pangang’s factory is the only facility inside China known to be producing titanium oxide the DuPont way, which uses chlorination.

Court upholds $185 million award against Argentina

The Supreme Court has upheld a British natural gas company's multimillion dollar award against the government of Argentina.

BG Group won $185 million through arbitration of a dispute with Argentina over investment in natural gas development. An arbitration tribunal said the company did not have to first submit the dispute to Argentine courts before arbitration could begin.

Argentina asked a U.S. court to throw out the award. The federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., sided with Argentina because it found that judges, not arbitrators, should decide where attempts to resolve the dispute should begin.

But the Supreme Court said Wednesday the arbitrators get to make that call and that they were correct to rule in favor of BG Group in this case.

SC Supreme Court to rule on public autopsy reports

South Carolina's Supreme Court will begin grappling with that question Wednesday, when it hears a lawsuit by a Sumter County newspaper against the county's coroner.

The Item newspaper wants the high court to toss out a lower court's ruling that said autopsies do not have to be made public because they do not fall under the state's Freedom of Information Act.

The coroner says autopsies should be considered medical records that are exempt from public view. The newspaper says autopsy reports are investigative tools, not medical records.

Open records advocates say the Sumter County case is an example of government officials making it harder to get public documents.

It's a debate that is far from settled nationally. About 15 states across the U.S. allow the public release of an autopsy report. About a half-dozen other states allow the release of reports not being used as part of a criminal investigation. The rest severely restrict what's released or don't give any information from the reports, according to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

Keeping autopsy records secret closes off an important tool to make sure police agencies do the right thing when they investigate deaths, especially people shot and killed by officials or who die in custody, said Frank LoMonte, executive director of the Student Press Law Center.

"There is any number of cases over the years where journalist watchdogs have been able to shed light on suspicious circumstances only by having access on those records," LoMonte said. "And those records don't just show culpability, they can clear someone, too."

Supreme Court Puts Utah Same-Sex Marriage on Hold

The Supreme Court on Monday put same-sex marriages on hold in Utah, at least while a federal appeals court more fully considers the issue.

The court issued a brief order blocking any new same-sex unions in the state.

The order grants an emergency appeal by the state following the Dec. 20 ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby that the state's ban on same-sex marriage violates gay and lesbian couples' constitutional rights.

More than 900 gay and lesbian couples have married since then.

The high court order will remain in effect until the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decides whether to uphold Shelby's ruling.

The state's request to the Supreme Court was filed with Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who handles emergency appeals from Utah and the five other states in the 10th Circuit. Sotomayor turned the matter over to the entire court.

The action now shifts to Denver, where the appeals court will consider arguments from the state against same-sex marriage as well as from the three gay and lesbian couples who challenged the ban in support of Shelby's ruling. The appeals court had twice rebuffed the state's plea to stop gay weddings pending appeal.