News & Publications

On April 17, 2025, the New York Court of Appeals issued a landmark ruling in Flanders v. Goodfellow, fundamentally changing how the state handles dog bite liability. In a unanimous decision, the court eliminated the long-standing, so-called "one free bite" rule, allowing victims to bring negligence claims even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. This shift marks a major change in how responsibility is assessed and has far-reaching consequences for both dog owners [...]

Securing Court Approval of an Appeal Bond in an Amount Less than Full Judgment under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 305(a) In Illinois, when a jury awards damages to the plaintiff, the trial court enters a judgment in favor of the plaintiff and against the defendant in the amount of the jury's verdict. That judgment may be enforced during the course of the defendant's appeal unless the defendant seeks a stay of enforcement supported by the [...]

On June 5, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court held unanimously, in Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos, that the gun-manufacturer and gun-distributor defendants sued by Mexico for negligence and related torts were immune from suit under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) because the defendants' alleged conduct did not constitute aiding and abetting the illegal sale of firearms. No. 23-1141 (U.S. June 5, 2025) (Kagan, J.). Congress enacted PLCAA in [...]