A trial judge did not err in declining to award more than $1.6 million in attorney fees based on the theory that a non-profit environmental group catalyzed a public benefit by pursuing legal recourse against a state agency charged with nuclear testing cleanup where the relief sought by the petitioning parties was only voluntarily provided after the merits of the case had been fully litigated, the Third District Court of Appeal held yesterday.

(Subscription required) Even under that pressure, the tone in Knish's courtroom remains calm and controlled. He attributes that tone partly to preparation. He works through a checklist -- exhibits, witness lists, discovery, motions -- before jurors enter the box. Once trial starts, objections are handled quickly. "They give their objection, they give the name, I rule from the bench, and we move on," Knish said.

The Yolo County Public Defender’s Office will launch a new program to support people who may be eligible for pretrial mental health diversion using grant funding accepted by the county last month. Defendants are eligible for pretrial mental health diversion if a mental illness contributed to the charged crime, provided they have certain mental health diagnoses and are not considered a safety risk.

(Subscription required) A Los Angeles judge denied Johnson & Johnson's motions to overturn a $40 million talc verdict, rejecting claims of juror misconduct and ruling the jury was properly instructed on substantial-factor causation.