Archive for October, 2009
Berger’s potential replacements talk
The West Virginia Record
By Chris Dickerson
October 29, 2009
CHARLESTON – Now that Irene Berger has been confirmed as a federal judge, Gov. Joe Manchin must narrow his list of seven potential replacements for her on the Kanawha Circuit Court.
The United State Senate on Tuesday unanimously confirmed Berger’s appointment to the U.S. District Court for the Southern [...]
Greear may run for Berger court seat
Charleston Daily Mail
By Ry Rivard
October 28, 2009
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Dan Greear, the Republican lawyer who nearly unseated Attorney General Darrell McGraw, is eyeing the seat soon to be vacated by Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Irene Berger.
The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Berger on Tuesday to a spot on the U.S. Southern District Court of West [...]
Senate confirms Berger as W.Va.’s first black federal judge
Charleston Daily Mail
By Ry Rivard
October 27, 2009
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The U.S. Senate on Tuesday made Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Irene Berger the state’s first black federal judge.
The Senate unanimously confirmed Berger to lifetime seat on the U.S. Southern District Court of West Virginia.
President Barack Obama nominated Berger in July to replace Judge David [...]
High Court: Law comes first
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
By Charles Owens
October 25, 2009
BLUEFIELD — While working to promote a balanced and fair interpretation of the law, members of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals also are hoping to boost public confidence in the high court.
“Frankly, our court was held in low esteem and the people felt the court was making [...]
Feds should look at W.Va. reform laws
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
October 20, 2009
Will saying “I’m sorry” really prevent malpractice lawsuits? Supporters of legislation to cap damages in malpractice cases maintain that it reduces premiums and helps insure an adequate supply of physicians. In addressing the American Medical Association, President Obama told doctors he would not support caps on malpractice damage awards. While expressing [...]
WV CALA looks to raise awareness during Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week
The West Virginia Record
By Chris Dickerson
October 19, 2009
CHARLESTON — While debates over stricter federal coal mining regulations and national health care reform have been at the forefront of state news reports in recent weeks, a statewide group wants to remind West Virginians about the ongoing problems in the state’s courts and the importance of much-needed [...]
Selecting Judges, Justices for W.Va.
Wheeling News-Register
October 14, 2009
The founders of both our nation and our state would be astounded to hear that the process of electing public servants has been described as “unhealthy.” Here in West Virginia, that very word has been used by no less than retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
O’Connor is the honorary chairwoman [...]
The public should hear the arguments
Charleston Daily Mail
October 12, 2009
Gov. Manchin appointed a commission to consider whether West Virginians should stop electing judges, and adopt a “merit selection” process instead.
In the meantime, Manchin soon will have to name a replacement for Kanawha County Circuit Judge Irene Berger, who is likely to be confirmed as a federal judge.
Such decisions have long [...]
Ohio County Judge Orders Stricter Standards in Asbestos Cases
Judge Arthur Recht says he will dismiss any claim relying solely on the medical diagnoses of Dr. Ray Harron, a now retired Bridgeport radiologist.
The State Journal
October 8, 2009
By LINDA HARRIS
Ohio Valley Correspondent
WHEELING — A series of lawsuits involving false claims of asbestosis has resulted in a new standards for people seeking to get [...]
Change is needed for W.Va. judicial selection
The Journal
October 5, 2009
In light of the significance of the changes being considered by Gov. Joe Manchin’s Independent Commission on Judicial Reform, it is understandable that your paper would urge caution when considering changes to our state’s method of judicial selection. However, it is worth noting that any change may turn out to be a [...]
