Courts Differ on Wal-Mart Suits

Courts in two states yesterday differed on workers’ quests for class action status in lawsuits against Wal-Mart.

A Missouri appeals court ruled that a class action suit could proceed after a trial judge revises definitions for subclasses, the Wall Street Journal reports (sub. req.).

A New York court refused to certify a class in a similar suit, saying the claims should be tried individually.

Jun 13, 2007 2:37 PM CDT

PD Who Helped Partner Tie Sham Knot Seeks Legal Immigration Alternative

A St. Louis public defender who chose to break the law rather than lose the man he loves admits he made a serious mistake. But the lack of legally recognized marriage alternatives for same-sex couples is what tempted him to transgress, Eric Affholter says. Now facing criminal fraud charges for…

Jun 13, 2007 12:48 AM CDT

Lawyer Denies Role in Prosecutor Firing

A St. Louis attorney is disputing stories that he complained about lax voter fraud prosecutions, resulting in the ouster of U.S. Attorney Todd Graves of Kansas City, Mo. Thor Hearne, a Republican activist, has battled voter fraud and worked to strengthen identification requirements for voters. But he told the St.…

Jun 6, 2007 8:28 PM CDT

PD on the Defense for ‘Sham’ Marriage

A former chief public defender in St. Louis was indicted today on charges he arranged a “sham marriage” so that his boyfriend could stay in the United States. Prosecutors announced the indictment, which was reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The former PD, Eric Affholter, 40, and his live-in boyfriend…

Jun 2, 2007 1:27 AM CDT

Flying Under the Radar

These Little-Notices Legal Developments Could be Making News This Year

Jan 8, 2006 7:48 PM CST

Rear Guard

Longtime Employee Balks at Buyout, Draws Demeaning Derriere Duty

Sep 12, 2004 5:36 PM CDT