Joe Dodson

3 weeks ago | courthousenews.com | Joe Dodson

The three-judge panel found the statute fits with the historical tradition of preventing individuals who threaten physical harm to others from misusing firearms. RICHMOND, Va. (CN) —The Fourth Circuit held Wednesday that a statute barring people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from possessing firearms is constitutional under the Second Amendment. The 16-page opinion penned by U.S. Circuit Court Judge Steven Agee, a George W.

4 weeks ago | courthousenews.com | Joe Dodson

RICHMOND, Va. (CN) — Since his release from prison in 2023, George Hawkins has integrated himself into his community in nearly every way. He runs a bread vendor business, pays taxes and coaches youth basketball. "I impact my community," Hawkins said on the steps of the Fourth Circuit courthouse. "I'm a productive member of my society." Yet despite two applications, Hawkins — convicted of attempted murder and aggravated malicious wounding in 2010 — remains ineligible to vote.

1 month ago | courthousenews.com | Joe Dodson

RICHMOND, Va. (CN) — An experimental therapist urged the Fourth Circuit Thursday to vacate a rule regulating human interactions with spinner dolphins. Hawaii-based psychotherapist Eliza Willie and dolphin tour guide Lisa Denning argue the government failed to follow the necessary administrative steps when it issued a rule prohibiting humans from interacting with the small, acrobatic dolphins named for their practice of leaping and spinning out of the water.

1 month ago | courthousenews.com | Joe Dodson

RICHMOND, Va. (CN) — A lender argued to a Fourth Circuit panel Wednesday that his company's ties with an indigenous tribe shield him from liability in an anti-racketeering class action. Midwestern businessman Matt Martorello hopes to avoid liability after a federal judge granted summary judgment to Virginia borrowers on predatory lending claims.

1 month ago | courthousenews.com | Joe Dodson

RICHMOND, Va. (CN) —The government argued that states lack the standing to challenge mass federal layoffs at the Fourth Circuit on Tuesday. The hearing comes after a recent order from a Fourth Circuit panel granting the federal government's motion for a stay of a preliminary injunction requiring the reinstatement of thousands of federal employees.