Category Archives: Lawsuits

Building Opposition

Protestors aim for the top

For over a year, a portion of Center City Philadelphia residents who fear an interruption to neighboring Chinatown have battled against the $1.3 billion proposed construction of a new 76ers arena.  While the residential criticism has remained consistent, a new revitalization effort has sparked additional scrutiny.  In the beginning of August, 76 Devcorp disclosed the plan to construct next to the arena a high-rise building, which would offer multiple functions and a section for housing.  Of the 395 units projected, about 20% of them would be marketed as affordable to the community. 

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A True Blind Side

Unable to see the reality

Although Sandra Bullock’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy in the movie The Blind Side was inspirational and heartfelt, the real-life version of her character is now depicted in a lawsuit as deceitful and untrustworthy.  The storyline of the 2009 movie focuses on a Tennessee family’s encouragement and support of a young man who did not benefit from familial stability but did possess strong athletic talents.  Backed by the Tuohy family, the real Michael Oher succeeded as an All-American at Ole Miss and was drafted into the NFL, in which he played for eight seasons. 

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Copy That!

Stolen fashion designs?

Headquartered in Singapore, the online fashion retailer Shein has been under legal scrutiny for its apparent knockoff items that look exactly like the creative works produced by known fashion designers.  Three US designers have filed a lawsuit, accusing the company of committing copyright infringement at such a remarkably destructive rate that it embodies racketeering.  Although the amount of compensatory damages sought has not formally been disclosed to the public, the designers are asking for an injunction to cease the infringement and prevent the business activity from continuing.  They claim that Shein is in violation of the RICO Act.

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Fight for Freedom

Technological impacts

In Texas, a newly introduced TikTok ban and its apparent subsequent restraints on the ability to exercise full academic freedom is the subject of a recent lawsuit filed by the group, The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University.  Academic freedom not only affords the opportunity for professors to conduct research and teach an array of topics and ideas without the fear of censure, but also allows students to engage in thought processes and debates without the anxiety of potential retaliation.  The lawsuit names Texas Governor Greg Abbott and additional state entities and public university personnel as defendants. 

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Rideshare with Care

A fatal mistake

The family of a slain 21-year-old has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the ridesharing company, Uber.  In the claim, the family accuses the Uber driver of negligently leaving the area where their son exited the vehicle.  On the early morning of May 21, 2023, 21-year-old Cory Hunter was one of five passengers in the car.  He had fallen asleep during the trip, however, around 2:30 am he was asked to leave the vehicle to allow another passenger to vomit outside.  Unfortunately, Hunter never hopped back into the car. 

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