Law

The Politics Of Raccoons At The Oregon Capitol

Chris Lehman — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:25:54 +0000

SALEM, Ore. - Depending on who you ask, raccoons are either cute little woodland critters or a menace to pets and humans alike. There’s certainly no consensus on that question in the Oregon legislature. One measure in Salem would ban the feeding of raccoons. It’s an idea that’s proven to be surprisingly controversial.

Kristy Neubo has a small dog. She calls it "Baby.

Supreme Court: EPA Rule Could Make Logging Road Case Moot

Amelia Templeton — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:40:36 +0000

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Monday in a case from Oregon over water pollution from logging roads. Amelia Templeton of EarthFix reports a last minute rule change may have made the case moot.

For Washington Supreme Court Justice, "Primary" Race Is Final

Amy Radil — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:00:47 +0000

Washington Supreme Court Justice Steve Gonzalez was appointed to the state’s high court six months ago. Now he’s up for reelection.

His opponent is Bruce Danielson, a Kitsap county attorney who has declined to campaign. The race will be decided in the August 7th primary, and Gonzalez says he’s rushing to build name recognition. KUOW’s Amy Radil reports.

Wash. Public Defender: New Caseload Standards “Absurd”

Austin Jenkins — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:34:57 +0000

Shocking cases of inadequate public defense in Washington have led the state Supreme Court to take an unusual step. The high court has imposed a mandatory cap on the number of cases lawyers for the poor can take. You might assume public defenders would be cheering – finally they’re going to get relief. But in fact some lawyers are downright offended and angry. Correspondent Austin Jenkins profiles one.

It’s a Wednesday afternoon at Lewis County District Court. Out in the hallway, attorney Joseph P. Enbody is meeting with clients.

Enbody: “Are you Ms.

Oregon Teen Killers Get New Chance At Parole

Chris Lehman — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:29:26 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – The U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday heard arguments about whether killers in their early teens can receive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Meanwhile, in Oregon, five teenage murderers are getting a chance at an earlier release date. The first of those young killers went before the Oregon Parole Board Tuesday. Salem Correspondent Chris Lehman was there.

Washington Senate Toughens Treatment of Violence in Mental Hospitals

John Ryan — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:05:58 +0000

SEATTLE, Wash. -- A bill aimed at improving the safety of workers in mental hospitals passed the Washington state senate on Monday. KUOW's John Ryan reports from Seattle.

Oregon seeks to recover $15.7 million invested with New York Bank

Rachael McDonald — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:36:56 +0000

Oregon seeks to co-lead a class action lawsuit against Bank of New York Mellon. The bank was allegedly involved in a foreign currency exchange manipulation scheme.

Investors Sue Idaho Mining Company On Heels Of Accidents

Jessica Robinson — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:20:49 +0000

The company that owns the troubled Lucky Friday Mine in north Idaho is now the subject of a new round of investigations. Only these don't come from mine safety inspectors. They're from the company's own investors. One group is even suing for what it calls “fraudulent conduct.”

Wash. Governor Signs Law Ordering State Furloughs

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:26:00 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – It will be lights out at the Washington governor's office, drivers' license offices and other state agencies on Monday, July 12th. That's because of legislation signed [today] Tuesday by Governor Chris Gregoire. But under the new furlough law, many other Washington state services will remain open that day. The legislation requires a series of furloughs, but also includes many exceptions. At the least, Gregoire hopes state employees and their unions agree to take the same day off each month.

Wash. Corrections Secretary Demands Changes To Parolee Compact

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:35:00 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. –Washington's Secretary of Corrections will make the case Wednesday for permanent changes to the interstate compact on parolees. This stems from the murders of four Lakewood police officers last November by Arkansas parolee Maurice Clemmons.