A judge, after a police officer referred in testimony to the defendant’s “moniker,” properly admonished the witness, outside the presence of the jury, to use, instead, the word “nickname,” Div. Eight of the Court of Appeal for this district said yesterday, holding that this sufficiently guarded against further prejudice and that declaring a mistrial—on the theory that the term that was used connotes gang membership—was not required.

(Subscription required) As AI commoditizes the technical skills that have dominated legal education for over a century, lawyers are rediscovering what Abraham Lincoln always knew: clients seek wisdom only humans can provide.

(Subscription required) The justices cited tightened proof standards for gang allegations. The unanimous ruling marks the third time in 10 days the high court has invoked the statute to undo gang-related sentences.

The California Supreme Court has approved a revised application form for use by attorneys seeking appointment by the court to represent indigent defendants in capital appeals, as well as a new, shorter application form for use by attorneys who seek an additional appointment.