Legal news covering major trials, court decisions, federal courts, appellate rulings, and notable cases in the American judicial system.
Paul Mackenzie was sentenced to 200 years in prison at Mombasa High Court for the deaths of 191 people linked to his Good News International Church. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, but the judge rejected it citing lack of deterrence for those viewing death as heaven.
Paraguay's Senate impeached President Santiago Pena over the Ueno Bank collapse that froze accounts for millions, placing him under house arrest after rejecting his resignation attempt. Vice President Pedro Alliana was sworn in to serve the remainder of the term ending in August 2028.
A London jury convicted Russell Brand of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, acquitting him on two other charges. Prosecutors described Brand as ruthless and manipulative, citing victim accounts of non-consensual acts. He faces a significant prison term at sentencing Monday.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham commended the courage of Russell Brand's victims and journalists following his conviction for rape and sexual assault. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will study rape trial procedures following Russell Brand's conviction to prevent victim-blaming. Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley described aspects of the trial as close to victim-blaming and backed calls for judicial directions on rape myths.
Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu was sentenced to four years in jail for inciting unrest but acquitted of treason due to insufficient evidence. The High Court ruled his campaign slogan encouraged disruption of the 2025 election, and he has been granted leave to appeal. British and EU lawmakers criticized the trial as politically motivated.
A Macau court sentenced former lawmaker Au Kam-san to 121.5 years for assisting hostile organizations and inciting hatred, marking the first conviction under the city's national security law. Prosecutors alleged Au collaborated with external groups over a long period to disseminate subversive political claims.
A London jury convicted British comedian Russell Brand of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women. The jury reached verdicts in less than nine hours. Police are investigating additional allegations of rape involving two other women, suggesting more victims may come forward.
President Donald Trump’s legal team argued before New York appellate justices that federal election law preempts state law and that trial evidence violated presidential immunity precedents. The five Democratic-appointed justices questioned prosecutors' reliance on Federal Election Campaign Act violations to prove the 34 counts of falsifying business records related to the 2016 election.
Prince Harry and co-claimants have lodged an appeal to challenge a High Court dismissal of their unlawful information gathering claims against Associated Newspapers. Simon Hughes is the only original claimant not joining the appeal, while the others maintain their insurance covers £16.2 million of potential liabilities.
Somalia's Supreme Court ruled that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud unlawfully extended his term and declared his dismissal of the Chief Justice null and void. The ruling deepens a power struggle, with analysts questioning enforcement amid ongoing electoral disputes and armed clashes in Mogadishu.