Legal News

West Virginia Supremes to Rehear Massey Case

By Peter Lattman

Let’s close out the day by updating you on the fracas at the West Virginia Supreme Court. In a 5-0 decision, the Mountain State Supremes decided today to reconsider its reversal of a $76.3 million judgment against Massey Energy, in a case roiled by a conflict of interest allegation directed at state’s chief justice. Click here, here and here for prior Law Blog coverage.

The decision erases a November high court 3-2 ruling that had overturned the verdict won by a group of mining companies that had sued Massey, accusing the coal giant of illegally squeezing them out of business.

Chief Justice Elliott Maynard recused himself from today’s decision after the emergence of photos of him gallivanting around Monaco with Don Blankenship, Massey’s chief executive, while the case was pending before him. The court will hear arguments in the case March 12.

Replacing Maynard on the bench today was Hampshire County Circuit Judge Donald Cookman.

Law Blog YouTube Video of the Day: Almost heaven, West Virginia/Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River/Life is old there, older than the trees/Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze. Click here and enjoy John Denver’s finest.

Full post as published by Law Blog - WSJ.com on January 24, 2008 (boomark / email).