Connecticut judicial news

From Judgepedia

News about or affecting the judiciary in Connecticut.

U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear appeal against the FAA

Connecticut: The U.S. Supreme Court has declined, without comment, to hear a plea by the Alliance for Sensible Airspace Planning which opposed the FAA's new flight plan which would result in an increase in air traffic over Connecticut. Although the Alliance has exhausted legal options, but says that it will continue the fight in the political field.^[1]

Supreme Court in Connecticut rules against overturning records case

Hartford, Connecticut: The Connecticut Supreme Court has affirmed a Hartford Superior Court decision in a ruling against overturning the lower courts 7-10 decision against Vincent Valvo. Valvo is a freedom of information advocate who was trying to gain access to sealed court dockets claiming they were subject to Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act. Had the ruling been overturned it would have set a precedent by allowing public access to sealed court documents.^[1]

Connecticut judicial branch receives federal stimulus funds

Connecticut: The Connecticut Judicial Branch’s Office of Victim Services (OVS) has been awarded over $1 million in stimulus funds as part of the Fiscal Year 2009 Recovery Act.

"The needs of crime victims do not cease in poor economic times," OVS Director Linda J. Cimino said. "The federal funding will boost the OVS’ compensation program’s ability to reimburse victims of crime more quickly, as well as provide our non-profit partners with an economic boost at a time when state, local, and private funding is diminishing and the needs of crime victims are increasing."

Of the total $1,017,841 received, $285,841 will go toward reimbursing victims of violent crime directly for costs associated with having been victimized. For example, lost wages, medical expenses, funeral expenses, and counseling costs may all be compensated. The remaining $732,000 will go to fund non-profit agencies contracted with OVS to serve crime victims. Priority must be given to programs serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. The OVS will administer the allocation of all grant funds. ^[1]

Connecticut Ruling Overturns Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

(10/10/2008) High court strikes down state's civil union ban and rules same sex marriages are constitutionally legal. The ruling, which took effect on October 28, 2008, cannot be appealed.

Probe Sought Against Judge Who Allegedly Used Racial Epithet

The state's judiciary committee seeks a review of allegations that Judge E. Curtissa R. Cofield, who was charged with drunken driving last month, angrily hurled epithets at police officers during her arrest, called a black state police sergeant a racial slur and told officers she was a state judge.

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