Arizona Supreme Court

A small town fight over a plan to overhaul a downtown area that made its way all the way to the Arizona Supreme Court has led to a new ruling making it much easier for residents across the state to block locally approved projects at the ballot box.

Schools aren't responsible for keeping students safe when they're enroute to school -- or even just outside the school boundaries -- the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.

Justice Cruz grew up in Yuma, attended Kofa and Yuma high schools and Arizona Western College and later began her legal career here. She was back this week for oral arguments and an investiture ceremony.

Visit is a homecoming for newest Justice Maria Elena Cruz, who began her legal career in Yuma County.

Store owners have a legal responsibility to keep their shops "reasonably safe'' for customers, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.

While Hobbs is free to choose who she wants, the commission clearly has a favorite: Maria Elena Cruz, currently a judge on the state Court of Appeals. The Yuma Democrat previously served as a judge for the Cocopah Indian Tribe and the Yuma County Superior Court.

The state's high court on Wednesday agreed to narrow the ability of those not directly involved in legal matters to pursue ethics complaints against lawyers despite concerns it will lead to less transparency.

Two Arizona Supreme Court justices have survived efforts to oust them over their votes on a controversial abortion measure.

A total of 17 judges and attorneys have put in their bid to be the first state Supreme Court justice appointed by Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Robert Brutinel to retire next month, two other justices are fighting to remain on the court.