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CASES OF NOTORIETY

People v. Inez Garcia, Monterey County Superior Court, 1977. On a self-defense theory, Inez Garcia was acquitted of killing the man who raped her.

People v. Emily Harris, U. S. District Court for the Northern District of California and Alameda County Superior Court, 1978. Involved the defense of Emily Harris, who was charged with kidnapping Patricia Hearst.

People v. Judi Bari and Darryl Cherney, Alameda County Superior Court, 1990. This case, which reached only the investigation stage, focused on Judi Bari and Darryl Cherney as suspects in the bombing of their own vehicle. Defendants were not charged.

In re 1993 Superior Court Elections, Mendocino County. A highly charged ballot recount arising out of the election by a 3 vote margin of a controversial supervisor. Election results upheld.

Tamara A. v. Berkeley Unified School District, United States, District Court for the Northern District of California, 1995-96. A lawsuit on behalf of 12 minor plaintiffs and their mothers against the Berkeley Unified School District for violation of civil rights arising out of sexual molestation and sexual harassment by an elementary school teacher. Case settled

United States of America v. Ukiah Cannabis Buyers Cooperative, United States District Court for District of Northern California, 1998. The attempt by the United States Government to shut down marijuana dispensaries, functioning under the authority of state statute Prop 215. Injunction granted against Cooperative.

People of the State of California v. Sara Jane Olson [Kathleen Soliah], Los Angeles Superior Court, 1999-2002. This case involved the defense of Sara Jane Olson, captured after 23 years, alleged to be a member of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), charged with conspiracy to bomb police officers. Defendant entered pleas of guilty.

Sarah Roncskevitz et al. v. Benicia Unified School District et al., United States District Court for District of Eastern California, 2000. A lawsuit on behalf of three minor plaintiffs and their parents against the Benicia Unified School District for violation of civil rights arising out of sexual molestation and sexual harassment by a middle school teacher, the band leader. Case was tried. Plaintiffs were awarded damages.

United States of America vs. Ukiah Cannabis Buyers Club, Ninth Circuit Court of
Appeal, filed 2002. In this appeal, appellants are seeking to overturn the decision of the District Court, upholding the government’s right to close distribution outlets for medical marijuana, as authorized by State law.

Chevalier v. Wharff, Mendocino County Superior Court.
Croplife America, representing agri-businesses including Monsanto Chemical Corporation, sued the proponents of the anti-GMO (genetically modified organisms) Measure H to alter the ballot language. The proponents prevailed in Court, and the Measure was passed by the voters of Mendocino County in March 2004.

Copyright © 1977 - 2004
Susan B. Jordan
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