Twelve Cass County jurors awarded Billy Ray Johnson more than $9 million Friday in a civil lawsuit that stemmed from injuries he sustained during an assault more than three years ago. His attorney, Morris Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center in Alabama, said the judgment sent a message about the dignity of life, regardless of a persons race or social status. ‘This courthouse is like a church, this is a temple of justice’ said Dees in his closing remarks. ‘Your duty to return a just verdict is just as sacred as if you were worshiping God. Johnson, who is black, was assault...

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