A state appeals court has overturned a San Francisco man’s murder conviction for a fatal stabbing on a BART train in Hayward, saying the trial judge failed to instruct the jury properly on the man’s belief that he had the right to defend himself.

The California Supreme Court will decide whether Sonoma State University, facing an ongoing budget deficit, can be legally challenged on its decision last year to eliminate 22 academic programs and its entire intercollegiate sports program and fire numerous faculty members.

(Subscription required) A Los Angeles County jury awarded $52 million to a motorcyclist severely injured when a semi-truck turned into his path, rejecting the defense argument that the trucking company was insulated from liability because the driver was an independent contractor.

(Subscription required) Judicial ethics committee seeks comment on draft opinion finding judges generally may appoint a colleague's attorney spouse as minor's counsel without disqualification or mandatory disclosure.