procedural guides

Forensic Scientist’s Faulty Work May Expose Wrongful Convictions, Colorado

photograph of a microscope with a slide, 2 hands with blue nitrile gloves on either side

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is undertaking a significant initiative to re-examine DNA samples from numerous criminal cases, allocating at least $7.5 million to address concerns arising from the work of former employee Yvonne “Missy” Woods. Anomalies in Woods’ DNA testing were identified last year, prompting internal and criminal investigations. Having served at CBI … Read Article

CA Socialite Found Guilty of Vehicular Manslaughter of Children

photo of 6 hands pointing a finger at the word guilty written in red on a black background. There are 2 red circles around the word guilty.

In Westlake Village, California, Rebecca Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, was found guilty of second-degree murder and additional charges stemming from a tragic crash in 2020. The incident, which occurred in Westlake Village, resulted in the deaths of two young brothers. After deliberating for about nine hours over two days, a jury composed … Read Article

Perfecting An Appeal: What Does This Mean?

black and white photo of a statute of the scales of justice

Perfecting an appeal is a crucial step in the legal process, both in civil and criminal cases. When an appeal is perfected, it means that the necessary procedural steps have been taken to initiate the appeal process effectively. This ensures that the appellate court has jurisdiction over the case and can review the lower court’s … Read Article

Citizen’s Arrests: Legal Implications and Potential Consequences

cartoon-like drawing of two gray figures attached by handcuffs

Citizen’s arrests, while often portrayed in popular media, are a complex and nuanced area of law that varies significantly across jurisdictions. While some jurisdictions recognize and regulate citizen’s arrests, others strictly limit or outright prohibit them. This blog post aims to explore the legality of citizen’s arrests, the potential consequences for those making such arrests, … Read Article

Unraveling Gerrymandering: The Curious Art of Manipulating Boundaries

Aerial photo of a neighborhood with a river running through it.

Gerrymandering, a term that sounds like it belongs in a political thriller, is a practice that strikes at the very heart of democratic principles. Its name was coined in the early 19th century and is a combination of the last name of Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry and the word “salamander.” This term aptly captures the … Read Article

What Exactly Is A Mistrial?

interior photo of courtroom

A mistrial is a declaration by the court that the trial has become invalid, and the proceedings must be halted and, in some cases, retried. This legal maneuver is a critical aspect of the justice system, affecting both criminal and civil cases. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of mistrials, exploring … Read Article