LATEST ON GIBBONS DIVORCE

Baltimoresun.com is reporting that the parties in the Gibbons divorce have agreed to stay (put on hold) their divorce case so they may attend private mediation. The State's first lady continue to accuse the Governor of infidelity and State conservatives are becoming increasingly concerned that the fiasco will hurt Republicans in the coming election. Click here to read the article.

GIBBONS DIVORCE HAVING NATIONAL IMPLICATIONS

The divorce of Governor Gibbons is now receiving national media attention which includes the New York Times. A recent Times article is detailing the allegations of infidelity that are being made in the case by Mrs. Gibbons. The article also demonstrates an opinion that the Governor's divorce fiasco may be hurting the November chances of Republican candidates as Republican voter turn out may be driven down. Click here to read the New York Times Article.

EIGHT ATTORNEYS APPLYING FOR JUDICIAL VACANCY

The Nevada Supreme Court has announced that eight applicants are hoping to fill the Family Court seat opening due to the coming retirement of Judge Gerald Hardcastle. Judge Hardcastle is retiring on July 1, 2008. Whoever fills the seat will serve out the remainder of Judge Hardcastle's term. Click here to read the Supreme Court press release regarding the eight applicants.

CALIFORNIA STRIKES DOWN BAN AGAINST SAME SEX MARRIAGE

CNN is reporting that the California Supreme Court has struck down the State's ban against same-sex marriage. In a lengthy decision, the Court held that equal protection guarantees extend to gay and lesbian couples who wish to exercise the fundamental right of marriage. Given that the opinion is based on the State Constitution, no appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court may be attempted.

Click here to read the CNN article.

GIBBONS DIVORCE TURNING NASTY

A recent Washington Post article makes look as if Governor Gibbons' pending divorce is getting ugly. The Governor's attorneys have won a Motion to seal the case while the First Lady wants the case open to the public. Also, the First Lady has apparently told a local Review Journal reporter that "her husband won't speak to her and that she doesn't know why he's divorcing her."

Given the Governor's other recent controversy, as well as criticisms over his handling of the state budget, the current media fiasco is not likely to help his political fortunes.

Click here to read the Washington Post article.

NEVADA GOVERNOR FILES FOR DIVORCE

The Associated Press is reporting that Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons has filed for divorce from the State's First Lady. The Governor and First Lady recently separated. Interestingly, Governor Gibbons, rather than his wife, has moved out of the Governor's mansion. Gibbons is reportedly living in the couple's Reno home. Given that the state supported Governor's mansion is the place in which the Governor is to keep his office, it seems odd that Gibbons, rather than his spouse, is the party who has moved out.

Click here to read the AP article.

NOEL GAGE PROSECUTION APPEARS WEAK

The Review Journal has published an article which makes it appear that the second prosecution against Personal Injury Lawyer Noel Gage may be hitting a large speed bump. Mr. Gage is being prosecuted as part of the alleged conspiracy between doctors and personal injury lawyers. The RJ column indicates that the case against Gage may be damaging the ability of prosecutors to crack down on the alleged conspiracy as a whole.

Click here to read the RJ article.

DOWNTOWN "CRACKDOWN" CRITICIZED

The Review Journal has published an article criticizing the "Downtown Initiative" which was passed roughly four years ago. Under this initiative, officers sometimes arrest individuals for minor offenses (such as jaywalking) if the person has a criminal record.

The passage of such an initiative should raise great equal protection concern however. The measure gives officers discretion as to whether or not they should enforce it. Put another way, it's up to the officer whether or not this measure will be enforced. This can lead to situations in which the laws are not equally applied and particular classes of citizens become disadvantaged.

Click here to read the RJ article.