The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled yesterday that some legal rights of same-sex couples predate the state’s approvals of civil unions in 2005 and gay marriage in 2008, WATE reports. The 6-0 decision — which gay rights supporters call the first of its kind in the country — overturns two lower court rulings and allows a widow to sue a doctor in a medical malpractice case for the death of her spouse and the loss of her spouse's companionship and income.

Utah officials have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to temporarily block a lower court's order that the state formally recognize hundreds of same-sex marriages performed earlier this year. In an emergency appeal filed late Wednesday and addressed to Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Gov. Gary Herbert and Attorney General Sean Reyes said the issue of whether the state's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional remains pending in the courts. The court is expected to rule on the issue in the next year or so, WCYB has more.

The state Comptroller’s Office recently released the review of funds administered by district attorneys general and judicial district drug task forces in Districts 1 through 31 for the fiscal year that ended June 30. According to the annual report, auditors had findings in five of the judicial districts. The Daily Times has more.

The American Bar Association International Criminal Court Project today launched a new and comprehensive website to coincide with International Criminal Justice Day. According to the ABA , the website is an interactive resource that educates visitors about the International Criminal Court, which is the world’s only permanent tribunal with a mandate to investigate and prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The Knoxville Bar Association Board of Governors will consider whether to pass a resolution in support of Amendment 2 at its Aug. 20 meeting. In November, voters will be asked whether they approve Amendment 2, which provides that the governor will select appellate judges, subject to approval by the legislature. Sitting judges will then sit for retention elections every eight years. Email KBA President Wade Davies  to share your views on this issue.

The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) and the League of Women Voters of Knoxville/Knox County will hold a forum to inform voters about their choices among judicial candidates competing in the general election. All candidates have been invited to participate in the forum, which will take place tonight from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the South College Auditorium, 400 Goodys Lane, Knoxville. Seating is limited. RSVP online at the KBA website.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, and congressional Democrats are targeting predatory lenders with new legislation aimed at capping high fees and interest rates than can eclipse 300 percent. The Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act would limit interest rates and fees at 36 percent for all consumer credit transactions, a rate cap that currently applies only for military personnel and their families. The Memphis Business Journal has more.

Nashville-based author and lawyer Lewis Laska has sent 20,000 postcards to voters in Senate District 7 encouraging them not to vote for incumbent Sen. Stacey Campfield in the Aug. 7 primary election. Laska says he believes Stacey Campfield is not fit to hold public office. Campfield, who is running against Knox County Commissioner Dr. Richard Briggs, issued a statement in response, saying Laska simply wants to defeat those responsible for proving conservative policies work. WATE has the story.

U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney ruled yesterday that California’s death penalty violates the U.S. Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment, the LA Times reports. Carney called the California death penalty system “dysfunctional," with the result being an inordinate and unpredictable period of delay preceding an actual execution.

Friends and family gathered today for the formal investiture ceremony to install Justice Jeffrey Bivins as the newest member of the Tennessee Supreme Court. Chief Justice Gary Wade was joined by Justices Connie Clark, William Koch and Sharon Lee at the ceremony at the Franklin Theatre. Gov. Bill Haslam administered the oath of office. TBA President Jonathan Steen was on hand to present a gavel to Justice Bivins.