Most Unconstitutional Verdict: Iowa ‘Heartbeat’ Law Struck Down as Unconstitutional
Judge Michael Huppert struck down an Iowa state law banning abortions once a fetal heartbeat has been detected, according to an article from Fox News.
Huppert said the ban is in violation of the state’s constitution, specifically with respect to equal protection and due process provisions. The bill was challenged by the Emma Goldman Clinic and Planned Parenthood of the Heartland.
With fetal heartbeats able to be detected as early as six-weeks into a pregnancy, the Iowa law would be one of the strictest in the nation.
Most Controversial Verdict: Chicago Cops Not Guilty in Laquan McDonald Killing 'Cover-up'
Chicago police officer Thomas Gaffney, former officer Joseph Walsh and former detective David March—who waived their right to a jury trial—were all found not guilty of conspiracy, obstruction of justice and official misconduct after being accused of trying to cover up the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald. So reports an article from NPR.
Cook County Judge Domenica Stephenson criticized the prosecution for its “heavy reliance on police reports and an infamous dashcam recording,” the article reads. Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke was convicted of second degree murder for shooting McDonald 16 times in October of 2014.
Most Involuntary Verdict: Duo Guilty of Supplying Women with Fatal Heroin Dose
A Massachusetts judge found Gilka Rolon-Arroyo and Daryn Sampson guilty for their role in the death of Rebekah Swotchak, according to an article from MassLive.
The pair was charged with involuntary manslaughter for providing Swotchak with heroin. Although the lethal heroin was found to have fentanyl, both were acquitted of possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it, as well as distribution of fentanyl charges.
There is no mandatory sentence for the involuntary manslaughter conviction.
Most Lengthy Verdict: 53-year-old Discrimination Case to Come to a Close
U.S. District Judge Marvin Aspen has formally approved an agreement that will end a 53-year-old housing discrimination case, according to an article from The Chicago Tribune. The agreement will bring the nation’s longest running housing discrimination case to an end, assuming it isn't challenged.
As a result of the agreement, the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) will take steps over the next five years to address discrimination issues facing lower-income African Americans. The CHA was accused of concentrating poor residents, limiting access to white communities and better resources.
Most Back-and-Forth Verdict: Convicted Murderer looks to appeal after $6M award stripped
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Tafoya negated a $6 million jury award for convicted killer Jayson Oslund, according to an article from The Denver Post.
Oslund was initially given a $6 million award for allegedly being beaten while in prison. Oslund lost that award before a second trial was ordered in November.
Lawyers for Oslund are planning an appeal. Oslund suffers from epilepsy and had a seizure during the beating; he had reportedly had another one earlier that day.