Category Archives: News

Kerry Kiernan announces candidacy for New Mexico Court of Appeals

by Emil J. Kiehne Posted on July 17, 2013

Albuquerque appellate lawyer Kerry Kiernan of the Sutin, Thayer & Browne law firm has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the New Mexico Court of Appeals.  If Kiernan wins that nomination, he would likely face current Judge Miles Hanisee, … Continue reading →

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Being a former prosecutor should not disqualify one from serving on the Public Defender Commission

by Emil J. Kiehne Posted on July 16, 2013

Recently, Governor Susana Martinez’s appointment of former district judge, and former prosecutor, Susan Riedel to the New Mexico Public Defender Commission has generated some controversy. Critics of the appointment have made two arguments — first, that Ms. Riedel is not … Continue reading →

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Senate confirms Wyoming AG Gregory Phillips to the Tenth Circuit

by Emil J. Kiehne Posted on July 10, 2013

The Casper Star-Tribune reports that the U.S. Senate has confirmed Wyoming Attorney General Gregory Phillips’ nomination to the Tenth Circuit by a vote of 88-0.  He will be taking the seat held by Judge Terrence O’Brien, who has taken senior … Continue reading →

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Another writ petition filed in NM Supreme Court asking that same-sex marriage be legalized

by Emil J. Kiehne Posted on July 3, 2013

The ACLU of New Mexico and the National Center for Lesbian Rights yesterday filed this petition for writ of mandamus in the New Mexico Supreme Court asking that the Bernalillo County Clerk be compelled to issue marriage licenses to the plaintiffs, … Continue reading →

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NM Supreme Court asks for response to same-sex marriage petition

by Emil J. Kiehne Posted on July 3, 2013

According to this report in the Santa Fe New Mexican, the New Mexico Supreme Court has ordered Attorney General King and the Santa Fe County Clerk to respond by July 22 to the petition for writ of mandamus filed by Rep. … Continue reading →

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U.S. Senate schedules vote for Wyoming AG’s nomination to the Tenth Circuit

by Emil J. Kiehne Posted on July 2, 2013

The Caspar Star-Tribune has this report stating that the U.S. Senate has scheduled a vote on July 8 on Wyoming Attorney General Gregory Phillips’ nomination to serve on the Tenth Circuit. H/T to How Appealing. For more information, see my … Continue reading →

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NM Supreme Court holds that closure of courtroom to protect cooperating witnesses violated 6th Amendment Public Trial Clause

by Emil J. Kiehne Posted on July 1, 2013

The Sixth Amendment provides that “[i]n all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a . . . public trial.” The Albuquerque Journal has this report about a decision the Supreme Court issued on Friday, State v. Turrietta, … Continue reading →

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Tenth Circuit rules in favor of Hobby Lobby on its challenge to HHS contraceptive mandate

by Emil J. Kiehne Posted on June 28, 2013

Yesterday the Tenth Circuit en banc issued its opinion in Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. v. Sebelius, reversing the District Court’s denial of Hobby Lobby’s request for a preliminary injunction while it challenges the contraceptive mandate, and remanding for further consideration of two … Continue reading →

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Petition for mandamus asks NM Supreme Court to recognize same-sex marriage

by Emil J. Kiehne Posted on June 27, 2013

Joey Peters has this story in the Santa Fe Reporter, reporting that State Representative Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe), who is an attorney, has filed a petition for writ of mandamus in the New Mexico Supreme Court on behalf of two … Continue reading →

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“New Mexico Supreme Court to hear gambling case against Las Cruces Internet cafe owner”

by Emil J. Kiehne Posted on June 26, 2013

Milan Simonich has this article in the Las Cruces Sun-News about the case of Michael Vento, an internet café owner who offered his customers an opportunity to win sweepstakes prizes, but ended up getting prosecuted and convicted for violation of … Continue reading →

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