Trump campaign loses ballot access case; Former Knicks player wins appeal
News overview
Afternoon briefings: Trump campaign loses ballot access record; Former Knicks player wins appeal
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Pennsylvania court rules against Trump campaign
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned an appeal order that gave Trump campaign watchers closer access to the vote count in Philadelphia County. The state Supreme Court’s 5-2 decision said Pennsylvania Election Law contemplates the ability to observe the tally from inside the hall, but does not set a minimum distance for observation. The case is not moot, the majority said, as the counting of the ballots continues. (November 17 opinion, the dissidents here and here)
Court of Appeal relaunches prosecution for assaulting former Knicks player
The 2nd United States Court of Appeals in New York has revived an assault and battery suit brought by former New York Knicks player Charles Oakley against Madison Square Garden. The prosecution claimed security guards used excessive force when they ejected Oakley from a 2017 game while he was a spectator. While upholding the assault and battery complaint, the appeals court dismissed the libel and forcible confinement complaints. (Law360, the Associated press, the decision Going through How attractive)
ABA calls for extended relief for student borrowers
ABA President Patricia Lee Refo sent letters to Senate and House leaders on Monday asking them to extend relief for student loan borrowers until the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Congress suspension of federal loan payments in March in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, and President Donald Trump ordered his Secretary of Education to extend the relief for another three months after the provisions expired in September. Refo said the actions “offered essential support” to recent law graduates, and new law is needed to extend the relief before it expires at the end of next month. (Letters of Refo here and here)
‘Grim Reaper’ lawyer loses beach closure appeal
A Florida lawyer who dressed as the grim reaper warning beach visitors of the need for social distancing has lost an appeal in its lawsuit to force closures statewide. The Florida First District Court of Appeals said attorney Daniel Uhlfelder had not advanced “even a defensible legal basis” to reinstate the lawsuit. The appeals court also ordered Uhlfelder to show why he shouldn’t be penalized for what appears to be a frivolous appeal. (Law360)