Ruling loosens ban on owning guns after minor convictions

A federal appeals court has ruled that some people convicted of comparatively minor state crimes should get a chance to legally own guns, issuing a divided decision that reshapes longstanding rules. The narrowly divided 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday sided with two Pennsylvania residents, deeming their crimes as minor even though they could have produced jail time of more than two years.

Kindergarten teacher who let student be kidnapped isn’t immune from lawsuit, U.S. court says

A kindergarten teacher who allowed a 5-year-old student to leave school with a stranger who then sexually molested the child isn't entitled to legal immunity from a lawsuit the victim's mother filed, a federal appeals court panel ruled Tuesday. The actions of substitute teacher Reginald Littlejohn are simply too dire for an immunity shield to be extended to him or the School District of Philadelphia, Senior Judge Julio M. Fuentes concluded in the opinion by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Court denies asylum to 28 detained Latin American mothers

A court in Philadelphia has upheld a ruling that would send 28 detained immigrant mothers and their children back to Latin America despite the women's claims they would be persecuted upon return. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on Monday denied asylum to the women from Honduras, Guatemala and Ecuador, saying their fears they'd face violence at home are "not credible."

Bribe charges stick to Sen. Menendez

A federal appeals court on Friday refused to toss a corruption case against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, casting aside his argument that charges he accepted gifts in exchange for political influence should be thrown out because of a constitutional clause protecting sitting lawmakers. A three-judge panel from the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia said arguments from the indicted Democrat's attorneys that the senator's meetings with government officials were held to discuss policy matters, not to benefit a wealthy friend, should be heard at trial.

The Latest: Ruling against US Sen. Menendez will be appealed

An attorney for U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez says he will ask the full 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review a three-judge panel's ruling allowing the corruption case against him to move forward. Abbe Lowell says he will appeal Friday's decision to the full circuit court and then to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.

Cordaro sues attorneys who defended him at corruption trial

Access the Citizens' Voice e-Edition on your computer or smart device in its original print format. Home delivery subscribers can read it free! Digital Only Subscription Read the digital e-Edition of The Citizens' Voice on your PC or mobile device, and have 24/7 access to breaking news, local sports, contests, and more at citizensvoice.com or on our mobile apps.

Government Favors Open Hearing in Bridge Co-Conspirator Case

Unsealed filings in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing case released Monday show federal prosecutors sided with media organizations in seeking a public hearing for an unidentified person trying to block the publication of a list of unindicted co-conspirators. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals already ruled last Friday the June 6 oral arguments in Philadelphia are to be open.

Court opens hearing to consider release of conspirator list

A federal appeals court ruled Friday that a June hearing to consider releasing a list of unindicted co-conspirators in the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal will be public along with legal briefs previously sealed. The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that June 6 oral arguments between an unidentified person, known as John Doe, and media organizations, including The Associated Press, will now be open to the public, along with briefs that have been filed in the case.