Where Justice Meets Perspective
Welcome to the Vegas Verdict, your new go-to podcast for legal insights and verdicts on the most compelling local and national issues. Host Gerard Ramalho, alongside a roster of esteemed guests like former judge Tony “the Tapper” Abbatangelo, delves into the intricacies of legal battles, safety concerns in courtrooms, and the impact of mental health on justice. Through engaging discussions and expert commentary, Vegas Verdict sheds light on the intersection of law, safety, and societal challenges, offering unique perspectives and, ultimately, a verdict on matters that resonate both within and beyond the vibrant streets of Las Vegas.
Nevada currently has a closed-primary system. This means that only voters who are registered with a specific political party can vote in that party's primary election. This November, Nevada voters will get to choose if they want to move forward with Ranked-choice voting (RCV) . This is a voting system where voters rank candidates by preference instead of choosing just one. If no candidate receives a majority of the first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and votes for that candidate are redistributed to voters' next choices. This process repeats until a candidate wins with more than 50% of the vote.
Guests:
Dr. Sondra Cosgrove, Professor of Social Sciences, CSN
Emily Persaud-Zamora, Executive Director- Silver State Voices
23 Sept 2024
Tryeek Hill Restrained - Was It Excessive Force?
NFL Superstar wide-receiver Tryeek Hill was pulled over and detained by Miami-Dade Police shortly before his opening season football game on Sunday. Several videos of the incident, including police body-cam footage detail the events that took place following the traffic stop. The officers involved are on paid-suspension pending an investigation. All major parties involved, including the NFL, Police, Police Unions, etc have issued statements. Hill’s agent says the restraining officer should be released from his job. Vegas Verdict is asking that question also: Should the restraining officer be fired?
Host: Gerard Ramalho
Guests: Patty Davidson,Host, betmoneyhoney.com (http://betmoneyhoney.com) & Tony Abbatangelo, The Vegas Lawyers
23 Sept 2024
Is It Time for “Rent Control” in Nevada?
Renters in our state will tell you affordable apartments are scarce, and because of inflation many residents are being priced out. The Biden administration expressed interest in a federal form of rent control, capping annual rent-increases at 5-percent. Would that type of measure stabilize our market, and would it protect low and fixed-income families? What about the lack of inventory in Southern Nevada? Would a rent-control mandate discourage developers from building new properties? Our Vegas Verdict panel will debate pros and cons.
Host: Gerard Ramalho
Guests: Francesca Gilbert, The Gilbert Team, Real Estate Advocate & Ryan Hamilton, Clark County Commission Candidate, Dist. A
23 Sept 2024
Should Driving the Wrong Way Be Considered a Misdemeanor?
Did you know in Nevada driving the wrong way on the highway is considered a civil matter? Assemblyman Brian Hibbetts has submitted a bill draft request (BDR) to make the crime a misdemeanor. How is this not a crime already? There have been more than a half-dozen wrong way fatal crashes in Nevada so far this year (2024). Why does this keep happening, and will tougher laws help to preent further tragedies?
Host: Gerard Ramalho
Guests: Tony Abbatangelo, The Vegas Lawyers & Brian Hibbetts, Assemblyman (NV) Dist. 13
16 Aug 2024
Is Nevada Ready for Voter ID?
After receiving the number of signatures required, the Voter ID Initiative sponsored by Repair The Vote NV (PAC) will appear on this November’s ballot. Proponents argue it’s needed in order to ensure the voting process is transparent, and only those eligible are allowed to vote. Opponents argue this unfairly disenfranchises certain groups, minorities, the elderly, etc… who may not have an ID or the means to obtain one. How big an issue is this for Nevada’s immigrant community? How will Nevada vote?
Host: Gerard Ramalho
Guests: Patrick Lindemann, Immigration Attorney BestImmigrationLawyer.com (http://BestImmigrationLawyer.com) & Dave Gibbs, Repair The Vote NV (PAC)
22 Jul 2024
Did The Supreme Court Get It Right Ruling In Favor of Presidential Immunity?
In a historic decision, the Supreme Court ruled that former presidents have at least some immunity from criminal prosecution for “official acts” in office, no matter their “politics, policy, or party,” but stipulated that that protection doesn't cover everything. Should presidents be immune?
Host: Gerard Ramalho
Guests: Paul Padda, Paul Padda Law & David Orentlicher, Dir., UNLV Boyd School of Law
1 Jul 2024
Should Restrictions on Short Term Rentals in Las Vegas Be Lifted?
In Las Vegas there are (some say extreme) licensing and “conditional use verifications” required, which means not everyone can use their home/condo as an Aibnb. Some see these regulations as a violation of personal property rights? There is speculation that the hospitality/casino lobby in Nevada is forcing municipalities to impose harder restrictions because they are concerned about competition. How do short term rentals affect property values?
Host: Gerard Ramalho
Guests: Robert Lauer, Developer & Tony Abbatangelo, The Vegas Lawyers
1 Jul 2024
Should the Clark County School District Be Broken Up?
CCSD is the 4th largest school district in the country and has been notoriously low achieving (if not at the bottom) for academic performance for decades. Many believe it’s time to break-up the district, but that could create other problems, such as division of Las Vegas Strip tax revenue. How would the tax money be divided? Would Henderson still be included? Do you offer more tax money to districts/areas with poorer performing schools? Will more districts simply create more bureaucracies?
Host: Gerard Ramalho
Guests: Erin Phillips, President, Power to Parent & Gil Murillo, Special Education Advisor & Philanthropist
31 May 2024
Las Vegas’ Tunnel Community - Should the Vegas “Tunnel Dwellers” Be Removed?
There are upwards of 1500 people living in the tunnels beneath the Las Vegas Strip. Local lawmakers, police and other authorities are all aware of this growing community. There’s even a local non-profit called, “Shine A Light” foundation dedicated to helping and supporting the tunnel community. But does this effort contribute to more homelessness? Are we only enabling bad behavior? These tunnels are known for illegal activity, including violence and drugs. So what should be done? And where will these individuals end up if we force them out? Guests: Victoria Seaman, Las Vegas City Councilwoman Rob Banghart, Outreach Director, Shine A Light Foundation
2 May 2024
Is It Time for the Federal Government to Draw up Regulations for AI Technology?
AI technology is arguably outpacing laws that protect individuals' rights, including privacy and identity protections. There's a debate on whether it's time for the federal government to step in and issue laws directly addressing AI, or if current laws are adequate to handle potential advanced technology-related crimes. Will there come a time when the average person can't differentiate between reality and artificiality? And how can we police AI related crimes that initiate in other countries?
Host: Gerard Ramalho
Attorney: Tony Abbatangelo
Guest: Dr. Aya Shata
2 May 2024
Should Popular Diabetes/Weight Loss Drugs Such as Ozempic Come with Stricter Warnings?
In recent months, lawsuits connected to popular weight loss drugs such as Ozempic have skyrocketed, with plaintiffs claiming that the warnings for side effects weren’t properly indicated. While it can be argued that television commercials promoting these drugs fall short in describing “every" potential side effect, the printed inserts that come with the prescriptions are typically very detailed. We debate this issue, including potential legal cases that could be made against the drug makers, and also whether patients are properly using the drugs for their intended purpose.
Host: Gerard Ramalho
Attorney: Tony Abbatangelo
Guest: Dr. Daliah Wachs
22 Apr 2024
Should Tik Tok be banned?
The House approved legislation that would ban TikTok if its Beijing-based parent company (ByteDance) doesn’t divest from the popular social media platform. Those in favor of a ban argue Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over data on the 170 million Americans who use TikTok. The issue will head to the Senate where opinions are divided. Opponents argue the measure stifles free expression. Locally, some social influencers believe a ban could kill, or at least harm the “influencer” industry. Our guest was: Miranda Lopez a social media expert who manages "influencer” clients.
Host: Gerard Ramalho
Attorney: Tony Abbatangelo
Guest: Miranda Lopez
29 Mar 2024
Is Vegas Ready For Shrooms?
There's a movement to decriminalize psilocybin, aka “shrooms”, for therapeutic use in states across the country. We speak with some Nevada advocates about the potential medicinal benefits, and discuss possible pitfalls, including whether irresponsible users will be driving while “tripping”. How close are we to some form of legalization in Nevada, and are we only steps away from Shroom Lounges? The Vegas Verdict asks, Is Vegas Ready For Shrooms?
Host: Gerard Ramalho
Attorney: Tony Abbatangelo
Guests: Jon Dalton, Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicines & Kate Cotter, Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicines
22 Mar 2024
Is It Time To Increase Courtroom Security Measures?
When Las Vegas Judge Mary Kay Holthus denied parole to defendant Deobra Redden, Redden impulsively lunged at the bench, assaulting her. The incident, caught on tape, quickly garnered national attention. Both the judge and a court security officer received minor injuries, prompting scrutiny of courtroom security measures nationwide. The Vegas Verdict asks, Should Courtroom Security Protocols Be Strengthened?
Host: Gerard Ramalho
Attorney: Tony Abbatangelo
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