News from December 2011
Pa. Supreme Court appoints new Phila. Traffic Court administrative judge
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Monday announced the appointment of a new administrative judge at Philadelphia’s Traffic Court.
Former security guard sues Parx Casino for wrongful termination
A woman who worked security for Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pa. for a mere three months before she was terminated for reasons she contends were related to her physical disabilities has filed a complaint against her former employer in federal court.
Federal judge dismisses discrimination claim filed against company by delivery driver
A federal judge in eastern Pennsylvania has granted a delivery company’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit that had been filed against it this past spring by a former driver who alleged the company severed ties with the independent contractor for racially biased reasons.
Pa. man indicted for stealing solar cell trade secrets
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced last week that Zane Tung Pham, 46, formerly of Conshohocken, PA, and now a California resident, was indicted with theft of trade secrets and wire fraud.
Pa. prison inmate severely beaten while incarcerated receives $975,000 settlement from county
A former Lackawanna County, Pa. prison inmate who has since been convicted of possessing child pornography and sentenced to 15 years in federal prison will be awarded a near-million-dollar settlement from the county stemming from his beating by a fellow county inmate while both were incarcerated.
Former Phila. City Council aide sues over alleged religious discrimination
A former aide to Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell has filed a federal civil rights complaint against the City of Philadelphia and City Council, alleging she was discriminated against because of her religion.
Federal lawsuit filed over synthetic pelvic mesh implant
A Texas couple who alleges that the wife sustained injuries after having had a synthetic pelvic mesh product implanted into her body has filed a federal product liability complaint against two companies involved in the design and manufacture of the allegedly defective product.
Federal jury in Pa. denies Canadian motorists' claims of civil rights violations
A federal court jury in Harrisburg on Tuesday denied a Canadian man’s claims of civil rights violations that had been made against a Pennsylvania State Trooper four years ago.
'Rogue' Pa. cop who zapped teenager with Taser faces federal complaint
The mother of a young teenager from the Lehigh Valley whose tazing by an Allentown, Pa. police officer was caught on camera has filed a lawsuit against the cop in federal court.
Attorney for webcam spying litigant files motion to withdraw as counsel
The attorney for a Lower Merion high school graduate who is suing her former district amid allegations that she was spied on by a take-home laptop computer’s webcam has filed a motion to be replaced as counsel.
Environmental group protesting natural gas drilling can move forward with civil claim
An environmental protest group can move forward with its federal lawsuit against an American-Israeli anti-terrorism think tank that had been contracted by the Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security to surveil domestic groups protesting against natural gas drilling in the commonwealth, a federal judge has ruled.
Judge grants summary judgment to Pa. state police in case of job applicant's lawsuit over tattoo policy
A federal judge in Harrisburg last week granted summary judgment to the Pennsylvania State Police in a case in which an applicant seeking a job as a Liquor Enforcement Officer claimed he was discriminated against because of a tattoo.
Philly's Judge Herron appointed chairman of FJD's Administrative Governing Board
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has appointed Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge John W. Herron to a one-year term as the chairman of the Administrative Governing Board of the First Judicial District, the largest court system in the commonwealth.
Phila. man files assault and battery claim against two city police officers
A Philadelphia man who claims two city police officers violently arrested him following a verbal altercation between the three exactly two years ago has filed an assault and battery claim against the officers in state court.
Philly again the biggest 'Judicial Hellhole'
WASHINGTON – Philadelphia's civil courts system has been named the nation's worst by the American Tort Reform Foundation for a second consecutive year.
Preliminary hearing postponed for former Delaware County, Pa. ADA charged in hit-and-run
A 31-year-old, once promising former assistant district attorney from suburban Philadelphia had his hearing on hit-and-run charges postponed Tuesday, after it was decided that another proceeding would have to be held to determine if an out-of-county judge should take over the case.
Wrongful discharge complaint filed against Phila. investment firm
A Plymouth Meeting, Pa. woman who alleges she was fired from her job at an investment firm for discriminatory reasons has filed a wrongful discharge complaint against her former employer in state court.
New Jersey man files asbestos mass tort claim in Phila. courts
A New Jersey man has filed an asbestos mass tort claim in Philadelphia’s Common Pleas Court, alleging his exposure to the fiber during his working career caused him to develop lung cancer.
Cheerleading instruction business files trademark infringement complaint against competitor
A Pennsylvania company that offers cheerleading training services and tumble instruction to youngsters in the region has filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against another business that offers the same.
First Judicial District of Pa. offers electronic filing class
The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania has announced it will host a one-day class on the electronic filing system next week, a lesson that will enable private attorneys to brush up on the city’s mandatory system for filing civil complaints.