Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla successfully lobbies California legislature against ‘panic defense’

According to a press release from Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla’s office, a measure, AB 2501, was approved yesterday by the Assembly Public Safety committee. This bill ensures that criminal defendants cannot use the so-called “panic defense” claim in an attempt to lower a charge from murder to manslaughter, or to escape conviction all together. “It…

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Virginia attorney general ends defense of state’s marriage ban

In an announcement, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has said that his office will join the growing consensus of opinion in arguing that the state ban on marriage for lesbian and gay couples should be overturned.  There are two cases in federal court challenging the Commonwealth’s marriage amendment and Herring is urging the courts to rule…

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