Could the Medical Marijuana Amendment Be Repealed By the General Assembly? Possible Repercussion From Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas v. Matthew Andrews

2/5/2018 DDH News
By Randy Bynum

In its recent decision in Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas v. Matthew Andrews, the Arkansas Supreme Court gave a literal interpretation to Article 5, § 20 of the Arkansas Constitution which states: “The State of Arkansas shall never be made defendant in any of her courts.” The result of this literal interpretation was that Matthew Andrews could not sue his state employer under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act, overturning long-standing precedent by the Supreme Court allowing the legislature to waive sovereign immunity by statute. (For a complete analysis of the Court’s ruling see Adrienne Griffis’ commentary) [More]

Adrienne Griffis Sits Down With ABC7 to Discuss Arkansas’ Sovereign Immunity

2/2/2018 DDH News
On January 18, in Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas v. Matthew Andrews, 2018 Ark. 12, the Arkansas Supreme Court refused to enforce a state employee’s right to be paid for overtime by holding that the employee could not sue the state, even in its capacity as his employer.

On Thursday, Of Counsel Adrienne Griffis spoke with ABC7-KATV on how the decision impacts all Arkansans. She said the Supreme Court has interpreted the constitution essentially a blanket ban on any statute that would allow a lawsuit against the state. [More]

Dover Dixon Horne Mourns the Loss of Allan W. "Dick" Horne

1/23/2018 DDH News
We are sad to report the passing of Dover Dixon Horne name partner Allan W. "Dick" Horne.

Known for his contributions to the insurance industry, early in his long career, Mr. Horne was appointed Insurance Commissioner by Governor Winthrop Rockefeller, a position he held for three years. As Insurance Commissioner, he served on various committees of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, including Chairman of the Securities Committee. In 1970 he was appointed judge of the Little Rock Municipal Court, a position he held from 1970-1971. He served as principal contact and attorney for the Arkansas Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association, a position he held since the founding of the Association in 1990. [More]

“The King Can Do No Wrong”: Arkansas Supreme Court Removes Citizens' Right to Sue the State

1/18/2018 Adrienne Griffis
By Adrienne Griffis

Today, in Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas v. Matthew Andrews, 2018 Ark. 12, the Arkansas Supreme Court refused to enforce a state employee’s right to be paid for overtime by holding that the employee could not sue the state, even in its capacity as his employer. On its face, this case may appear to affect only the tens of thousands of Arkansas citizens employed by hundreds of Arkansas state agencies; however, this Draconian decision unfortunately reaches far beyond the context of employee-employer relationships. If you live or work anywhere in Arkansas, this decision affects your ability to enforce many rights, privileges, and protections guaranteed by Arkansas law. [More]