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 NPR Topics: Legal Affairs
Calif. Requires Hybrid Cars To Make Some Noise
Electric hybrid cars are quiet, and all-electric cars are even quieter. While all that's nice for passengers, it can be dangerous for pedestrians. California's legislature has passed a bill to ensure that the vehicles make enough noise that they'll be heard by sight-impaired people crossing the street. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:19:00 -0400
FBI Details Science Tying Ivins To Anthrax Mailings
The FBI has revealed new details about the scientific findings that led them to suspect Army scientist Bruce Ivins was responsible for the 2001 anthrax mailings that killed five people. Ivins committed suicide last month. The case against Ivins rests in part on a complex genetic technique. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:47:00 -0400
FBI Reveals Case Against Ivins
The FBI has revealed details of the science that led it to believe Army scientist Bruce Ivins was behind the 2001 anthrax mailings. Ivins committed suicide last month. At a news conference, the FBI connected the dots in the case against Ivins. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:40:00 -0400
Exactly How Legal Is Medical Marijuana?
California's medical marijuana law conflicts with federal law, which says the growth and sale of the drug is illegal. But taxing marijuana could provide hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for state and federal governments. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0400
Parents, Social Services Implicated in Child Neglect
Gruesome photographs of the scarred and starved body of Danieal Kelly, a Philadelphia girl who suffered from cerebral palsy, sparked citywide outrage when she died in 2006. Now, her parents face criminal charges related to her death, and so do social service workers who allegedly ignored warning signs. Philadelphia reporter Elizabeth Fiedler says the city is taking a second look at its attentiveness to children at-risk. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0400
Are Medical Marijuana Riches Just a Pipe Dream?
At Oaksterdam University in Oakland, Calif., students learn how to cultivate, sell and use medical marijuana the "safe way." A day in an intro class shows that this often requires thinking like a lawyer while acting like a drug dealer. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:04:00 -0400
Lenders, Service Members Clash Over Law
Attorneys say disputes over the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a World War II-era law designed to protect active duty service members from foreclosures, repossessions, evictions and other financial misfortunes, are becoming more common. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:11:00 -0400
Knights Templar 'Heirs' Sue Pope For Billions
A group of people claiming to be the heirs of the legendary Knights Templar are suing Pope Benedict XVI, seeking more than $150 billion for assets seized by the Catholic Church seven centuries ago. Fiona Govan, who wrote about the lawsuit for London's Daily Telegraph, discusses the case. Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:01:00 -0400
Is It A Real Gun, Or Is It Airsoft?
Airsoft guns are the hottest new type of toy replica guns. They shoot lightweight plastic BBs and are designed to look as real as possible — so real that police, teachers and parents often can't tell the difference. Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:01:00 -0400
Town Declares Curfew In The Face Of Violence
When violence in a neighborhood in Arkansas boiled over last week, the mayor declared a curfew. The city council supports the motion. But civil rights groups say this is a violation of the Constitution. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 11:23:00 -0400  Law: News & Videos about Law - CNN.com
Sudan Pres. Denies Darfur Genocide
Sudan's indicted president denied Wednesday that his regime is orchestrating genocide in the troubled western region of Darfur Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EDT
Gay ex-governor to pay no alimony, judge rules
Former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey will not have to pay his ex-wife alimony, a judge ruled Friday in granting the couple's divorce. Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:45:00 EDT
Mexican government protests Texas execution
The United States violated international law by putting a Mexican national to death in Texas, the Mexican government said Wednesday. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:13:00 EDT
A-Rod: Marriage over, affairs claims irrelevant
Alex Rodriguez said he agrees with his wife on two things: Their marriage is over, and she's a good mother to their two daughters. But A-Rod said allegations of infidelity shouldn't bear on their divorce. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:35:00 EDT
Road trip retraces civil rights history in Alabama
A trip through sweltering Alabama to experience some of the civil rights movement's most important sites brought history books to life for my family and me. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:47:00 EDT
Legendary DA's convictions thrown out by DNA testing
As district attorney of Dallas for an unprecedented 36 years, Henry Wade was the embodiment of Texas justice. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:05:00 EDT
Sudan's leader contemptuous of genocide indictment
Sudan's president says he would not be cowed by his indictment on genocide charges nor allow it to distract him from the search for peace in troubled Darfur. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:19:00 EDT
Zakaria: China, Russia may be forced 'out of the closet' on Sudan
The International Criminal Court announced this week it is seeking an arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:07:00 EDT
Call to suspend Darfur war crime case
The African Union will ask the U.N. Security Council to suspend action for a year on the indictment of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Darfur genocide charges, Nigeria's foreign affairs minister said on Monday. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:54:00 EDT
Arab League to Mull Charges Against Sudan's Prez
Arab foreign ministers are expected to discuss a proposal Saturday calling on Sudan's president to hand over two Darfur war crimes suspects to an international tribunal in an effort to fend off the longtime leader's own prosecution Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT  NYT > U.S.
The Evidence Gap: Drug Makers’ Push Leads to Cancer Vaccines’ Fast Rise
Drug makers call the rapid deployment of a vaccine against cervical cancer education, but their critics call it marketing.
Club’s Plan to Sell Land Shatters a Baltimore Neighborhood’s Serenity
One of the oldest planned communities in the country is facing the development of an expansive new home for the elderly in the middle of this neighborhood’s 30-acre country club.
Tropical Storm Fay on Florida’s Coast
Tropical Storm Fay moved north along the Florida coast on Wednesday, as residents in Florida and Georgia prepared to endure the storm.
Court Rejects E.P.A. Limits on Emissions Rules
The federal appeals court ruling is the most recent in a series of judicial setbacks to the Bush administration’s efforts to reshape federal policies under the Clean Air Act.
Higher Costs Are Taking a Toll on Business
Businesses have been passing the costs on to consumers, just as joblessness expands and spending power shrinks.
Judge Orders Girl in Sect to Foster Care
A 14-year-old girl believed to have been married at age 12 to the jailed polygamist sect leader Warren S. Jeffs with her parents’ blessing was ordered back into foster by a Texas judge.
Texas Panel Rejects Plea to Halt Execution of Accomplice in 1996 Murder
Jeffrey Lee Wood is sentenced to die this week for the murder of a store clerk during a robbery, even though he was sitting in a truck outside the convenience store when it happened.
Cellmate Describes Pain of Detainee Who Died
Complaints about health care at a detention center in Rhode Island are similar to accounts of how the center treated a Chinese New Yorker who died in immigration custody.
After Kite Boarder’s Accident, Some Say Winds Were Too Much
Experts said that Tropical Storm Fay brought conditions to the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., that resulted in a kite surfer’s critical injury.
Florida Man Is Held in Killing of Woman After Fender-Bender
Police say the man arrested claimed to be high on crack when he slashed and stabbed a young couple and then ran over and killed a woman.  washingtonpost.com - Courts, Judiciary
Legal Logjam May Be Ahead
Lawyers representing many of the 265 detainees at Guantanamo Bay say they are heading for a unexpected logjam that could delay federal court hearings: a shortage of interpreters. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT
'CSI' gets its man: Laurence Fishburne joins cast
LOS ANGELES -- "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" has solved the mystery of who will replace departing CBS series star William Petersen: It's Laurence Fishburne. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:58:54 EDT
Man at Center of Gun Lawsuit Gets Permit
A 66-year-old security guard whose lawsuit overturned the District's handgun ban is now officially authorized to keep a revolver in his Capitol Hill home.
McCain's New Hope
It is now clear why Barack Obama has refused John McCain's offer of joint town hall appearances during the fall campaign. McCain is obviously better at them. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT
Sharing stage, Obama and McCain split on abortion
LAKE FOREST, Calif. -- Presidential contenders Barack Obama and John McCain differed sharply on abortion Saturday, with McCain saying a baby's human rights begin "at conception," while Obama restated his support for legalized abortion. Sun, 17 Aug 2008 07:54:48 EDT
Key Constituency Is at Play At Candidates' Faith Forum
LAKE FOREST, Calif., Aug. 16 -- Barack Obama and John McCain made their first joint appearance of the general election Saturday night, breaking away from the debates over national security and the economy that have dominated the campaign in recent weeks to court evangelical voters at an Orange County megachurch. Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT
I'm Home, but Still Haunted by Guantanamo
I've covered the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, since 2004 as military correspondent for The Post. Jumah al Dossari first caught my attention in October 2005, when I heard the story of his gruesome suicide attempt during a visit from his lawyer. Then known as Detainee #261, Dossari clearly was making a public plea for help. Though the U.S. military has said many times that all detainees at Guantanamo are treated humanely and that Dossari had been getting the help he needed, detention in Guantanamo apparently became more than he could bear. His wish to die humanized the desperation of many detainees held indefinitely at the facility.
Jack Landau; Founded Reporter Group
Jack Landau, 74, a founder of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, died Aug. 9 of complications from emphysema at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington County. He was a longtime Falls Church resident. Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT
Sex offender laws in Nevada face court challenge
LAS VEGAS -- Eager to protect children from sexual predators, Nevada and other states across the nation are adopting laws that publicize the names of offenders on the Internet. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 07:18:06 EDT
US Legal News - JURIST
DC Circuit strikes down EPA ban on state pollution monitoring
[JURIST] The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit [official website] on Tuesday vacated [decision, PDF] a 2006 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [official website] rule [Federal Register notice] prohibiting state and local governments from monitoring air pollution below acceptable levels set by the EPA for "stationary" sources such as power plants and factories. The court 2008-08-20T09:18:00-04:00
Ninth Circuit upholds school policy on observation of special education children
[JURIST] The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit [official website] on Tuesday upheld [opinion; PDF] a California public school district's policy that parents may only observe their disabled children in the classroom for twenty minutes in order to evaluate the school's proposed education plan. The parents of a student (L.M.) with autism [advocacy site] filed suit after the psychologist 2008-08-20T09:18:00-04:00
Ninth Circuit rules people on 'no-fly' list can challenge status in federal courts
[JURIST] The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit [official website]?ruled [decision, PDF] Monday that those placed on the government's "no-fly list" can challenge their inclusion on the list in federal district courts. The issue came before the court in a case brought by a woman on the list, in which a district court had ruled that it lacked jurisdiction because of a law [statute text] 2008-08-20T09:18:00-04:00
Senate Judiciary Committee calls for delay of new FBI guidelines
[JURIST] US Senate Judiciary Committee leaders Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) [official websites] sent a letter [PDF text; press release] to Attorney General Michael Mukasey on Monday, calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to postpone implementation of new?Federal Bureau of Investigation?(FBI) [official websites] guidelines until Congress has had a chance to review the changes 2008-08-20T09:18:00-04:00
Russia to file complaint against Georgia with International Criminal Court
[JURIST] Russian officials on Monday confirmed that the nation will file a complaint against Georgia with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and said that the government is considering filing another complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) [official websites]. The filings would be related to war crimes allegedly committed against ethnic Russians in the breakaway region of 2008-08-20T09:18:00-04:00
California court rules doctors cannot deny treatment to gay patients on religious grounds
[JURIST] The Supreme Court of California [official website] ruled [decision, PDF] Monday that gay and lesbian patients cannot be denied medical treatment because of doctors' religious beliefs. The issue came before the court in a case where a lesbian couple who were denied an artificial insemination procedure by a clinic claimed the refusal violated anti-discrimination provisions in California's 2008-08-20T09:18:00-04:00
DOJ preparing to charge Blackwater guards in Iraq killings: report
[JURIST] The US Justice Department has sent so-called target letters [backgrounder] to six Blackwater USA [corporate website; JURIST news archive] guards involved in the September 16 killings of 17 Iraqi civilians [JURIST report], the Washington Post [media website] reported Sunday. Sources told the Post that the letters, which provide an opportunity for the recipients to contest grand jury 2008-08-20T09:18:00-04:00
Hearing postponed for US soldier charged in death of Iraqi detainee
[JURIST] The US-led Multi-National Force-Iraq (MNF-Iraq) [official website] announced Saturday that the first hearing of a US soldier charged in connection with the death of an Iraqi detainee will begin on September 5 [press release]. Staff Sgt. Hal M. Warner, who was stationed about 130 miles north of Baghdad, was charged [press release; JURIST report] early this month with premeditated murder, 2008-08-20T09:18:00-04:00  FindLaw News - Top Stories
Saying Goodbye to Your Cellphone Carrier Just Got Cheaper, Thanks to a California Ruling: Why the Court's Decision was Correct, but Is Only Part of a Longer Story
(FindLaw's Writ) - Saying Goodbye to Your Cellphone Carrier Just Got Cheaper, Thanks to a California Ruling: Why the Court's Decision was Correct, but Is Only Part of a Longer Story By ANITA RAMASASTRY Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008 ...
If the Government Plans to Hold Salim Hamdan Indefinitely, Despite His Sixty-Six Month Sentence, What Was the Point of Putting Him on Trial?
(FindLaw's Writ) - If the Government Plans to Hold Salim Hamdan Indefinitely, Despite His Sixty-Six Month Sentence, What Was the Point of Putting Him on Trial? By MICHAEL C. DORF Monday, Aug. 11, 2008 ...
A Federal Appeals Court Invalidates the Federal Communications Commission's Massive Fine for the "Nipplegate" Super Bowl Incident: The Decision and Its Implications
(FindLaw's Writ) - A Federal Appeals Court Invalidates the Federal Communications Commission's Massive Fine for the "Nipplegate" Super Bowl Incident: The Decision and Its Implications By JULIE HILDEN Monday, Aug. 04, 2008 ...
Why A Federal Judge Was Right to Dismiss Former Congressman Gary Condit's Most Recent Defamation Suit Against Journalist Dominick Dunne For Comments Relating to Chandra Levy's Murder
(FindLaw's Writ) - Why A Federal Judge Was Right to Dismiss Former Congressman Gary Condit's Most Recent Defamation Suit Against Journalist Dominick Dunne For Comments Relating to Chandra Levy's Murder By JULIE HILDEN Friday, Jul. 17, 2008 ...
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Approves An "Informed Consent" Requirement for Abortions: The Slippery Quality of Statutory Definitions
(FindLaw's Writ) - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ei ghth Circuit Approves An "Informed Consent" Requirement for Abortions: The Slippery Quality of Statutory Definitions By SHERRY F. COLB Wednesday, Jul. 9, 2008 ...
Merrill Lynch Built $40B 'House of Cards,' Subprime Suit Says
(Andrews) - New York investment bank Merrill Lynch is facing a class-action lawsuit accusing it and top executives of deceiving investors last year by hiding a $40 billion exposure to risky subprime mortgage loans.The amended suit, filed by the Ohio State Teachers' Retirement System, consolidates seven securities fraud complaints pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. It alleges that thousands of investors, relying on Merrill Lynch's "false ...
The Southern Baptist Convention's Unconvincing Claims as to Why It Cannot Effectively Report or Prevent Clergy Child Abuse ?????? and How Insurance Companies Can Exert Pressure to Ensure Better Systems
(FindLaw's Writ) - The Southern Baptist Convention's Unconvincing Claims as to Why It Cannot Effectively Report or Prevent Clergy Child Abuse ?????? and How Insurance Companies Can Exert Pressure to Ensure Better Systems By MARCI HAMILTON Thursday, Jun. 12, 2008 ...
Last Phase of HP's $6.3M Settlement Over Spy Scandal OK'd
(Andrews) - A Delaware state court judge has approved the final phase of a $6.3 million settlement of shareholder suits over a boardroom spying scandal at Hewlett-Packard Co. following the ouster of CEO Carly Fiorina and the acquisition of Compaq Computer Co. Vice Chancellor John Noble dismissed the consolidated suits in the Delaware Chancery Court and awarded $2.5 million in attorney fees to the plaintiffs. Hewlett-Packard in April paid $3.8 million ...
No Probable Cause - No Bank Records, Wis. High Court Rules
(Andrews) - A divided Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that bank records the police obtained without probable cause and incriminating statements a woman made after being confronted with the documents cannot be used in court.In a 5-2 vote the high court said suppression was appropriate even though applicable state law does not expressly provide for exclusion of the evidence. According to the record, Michelle Popenhagen worked at a Wisconsin grocery store. While investigating ...  ABA Journal Top Stories
As ???Girls Gone Wild??? Founder Sues Over Settlement, Bigger Legal Troubles Loom
The founder of the ???Girls Gone Wild??? videos has announced he is filing suit to rescind a settlement agreement reached with three underage girls after he was jailed by a federal judge in Florida. The Los Angeles suit claims U.S. District Judge Richard Smoak of Panama City
Researcher Testifies Job Offer Rescinded After Sex Change Disclosed
A terrorism researcher testified yesterday that her job offer with the Library of Congress was rescinded after she disclosed she was planning to undergo a sex change. Diane Schroer choked back tears during her testimony in a Washington, D.C., federal courtroom, the Washington Post reports. "I honestly???
Texas Pardons Board Turns Down Getaway Driver???s Death Penalty Petition
A Texas death-row inmate who was sitting in a truck when his accomplice shot and killed a gas station cashier has failed to persuade a Texas pardons board to commute his sentence. Yesterday the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously rejected the petition filed on behalf of Jeffrey Lee???
A Look at the Legal R??sum??s of Potential VPs
One potential vice presidential candidate failed the bar exam twice. Two others???one a Republican and the other a Democrat--are Harvard law grads like Barack Obama. The American Lawyer takes a look at the legal r??sum??s of some potential vice presidential candidates that are often mentioned as leading???
Malpractice Suit Against Kirkland & Ellis Claims Errors in Patent Case
A technology company says in a lawsuit that it would not have needed to settle an infringement case for $18.75 million if its law firm, Kirkland & Ellis, had discovered prior art and misconduct that called a patent into question. Magnetek Inc. sued the law firm last week in county???
Billable Hour Concerns Helped Kill Nixon Peabody Merger, Motion Says
A dozen lawyers from Taylor Wessing's French office have given notice that they intend to move to Nixon Peabody, despite their initial concerns about the workload, according to a motion filed in the legal fight between the two law firms that were once considering a merger. The 12 lawyers who???
Judges Still a Divisive Issue for Pakistan???s New Leaders
Even as a suicide bombing that killed perhaps 25 people served as a tragic reminder of the need for decisive leadership in Pakistan, those in charge of the country's ruling coalition continued to wrangle today over whether some 60 appellate judges removed from office last year by now-former President Pervez???
Judge Sides With MIT Students, Lifts Gag Order in Transit Case
A federal anti-hacking law wasn't intended to prohibit the disclosure of public information about computer security flaws and hence doesn't prohibit three MIT students from discussing with fellow academics how they learned to circumvent the Boston transit fare system, as part of a class project. That's what a federal judge???
FBI is Investigating LA City Attorney
Criticized for allegedly using his office for personal benefit, the Los Angeles city attorney is now reportedly the target of a federal criminal investigation. Rockard "Rocky" Delgadillo, 48, is being investigated by FBI agents working out of San Francisco, "in what appears to be a wide-ranging probe," reports the
Another Perry Mason Moment in LA, as Police Testimony is Contradicted
For the second time in little over a month, contradicted testimony by a Los Angeles police officer has given a criminal defense lawyer the opportunity to take a dramatic Perry Mason approach at trial. Detective David Friedrich was a key prosecution witness in the attempted murder trial of Saul Eady,???  WSJ.com: Law Blog - WSJ.com
Chicken-of-the-Sea Headed Back to Court Over Mercury Poisoning
Tired of preemption in the medical device context? Let’s try tuna. Tri-Union Seafoods, maker of Chicken-of-the-Sea brand tuna, took a hit yesterday when the Third Circuit Circuit Court of Appeals revived a class action brought against it by consumers who say they were never warned that excessive consumption could lead to mercury poisoning. The appeals [...] August 20, 2008, 10:24 am
Settlements Reached in Yearning for Zion Ranch Cases
Barbara Jessop, front, along with her attorney are shown before Judge Barbara Walther, May 19, 2008, in San Angelo, Texas. (AP Photo/Brigitte Woosley) As we follow the tug-o-war between the Yearning for Zion Ranch and Child Protective Services, we never know what the day’s news will bring. Yesterday, we noted that in Texas District Judge Barbara Walther’s [...] August 20, 2008, 9:21 am
Remembering Jack Landau, ???First Amendment Guerrilla???
Lawyer, E. Barrett Prettyman left, with Jack Landau, director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, after Prettyman argued that judges were subjecting the press to unconstitutional gag orders, April 19, 1976. (AP Photo/Harvey Georges) Jack Landau, a journalist, a lawyer and a leader of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, died [...] August 20, 2008, 9:17 am
Fried Frank Trimming ???Less Than 10 Percent??? of Firm???s Staff
Staff layoffs have hit Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson’s New York and Washington offices, according to a report in the National Law Journal. A firm spokeswoman says the cuts, which amount to less 10 percent of the firm’s 730 staffers firmwide, affect primarily floating secretaries, part-time assistants and paralegals and library personnel. News of the [...] August 20, 2008, 9:10 am
Another Look at Fred Baron, the Man at the Middle of the Edwards Flap
As Fred Baron, a big Democratic fundraiser and one of the kings of asbestos litigation, found himself increasingly in the spotlight for his moving of John Edwards’ mistress across the country, his explanations became more confusing and his memory became more faltering. See his comments in this interview with the NYT. Now, he appears to [...] August 19, 2008, 6:00 pm
Student Hackers Free to Speak on Security Flaws, Federal Judge Rules
Last week, we posted on a situation involving a group of MIT students who were enjoined from giving a talk at a hackers conference, called Defcon. In the talk, the students planned to expose security flaws in the automated fare system used by the subway system in Boston, and describe how to get free rides. To [...] August 19, 2008, 4:51 pm
For Employment Law, Pfizer Turns to One Firm: Jackson Lewis
For years, the nation’s biggest companies have been working to winnow their outside counsel rosters. For companies like DuPont and General Electric, using fewer law firms to handle their myriad legal issues has meant fewer logistical headaches and, perhaps more importantly, the ability to drive better deals and cut costs. Now pharma giant Pfizer, it [...] August 19, 2008, 3:36 pm
Doping Cases: Merely Maintaining the Credibility of the Spectacle?
Fani Chalkia from Greece tested positive for the banned steriod Methyltrienolone (AP Photo/ Czarek Sokolowski ) With a host of Olympians having tested positive for drugs, we turn our attention back to Beijing. Today’s question: Do athletes have a fair shot at defending themselves against doping charges? No is the short answer, lawyers say. Yesterday, the [...] August 19, 2008, 12:28 pm
No-Fly? No Worries, You Can Sue in Trial Court
For those of you who’ve been nabbed coming home from Cuba, or have otherwise fallen into disrepute with U.S. travel authorities and found yourself on a no-fly list, there’s some good news out of the Ninth Circuit: You can challenge your no-fly status in federal court. Here’s a story from the San Fran Chron. A [...] August 19, 2008, 10:52 am
In First, Former Marine to Stand Trial in Civilian Court for War Crimes
Former Marine Sgt. Jose Luis Nazario speaks about his trial at one of his attorney’s offices in Irvine, Calif., Aug. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Sean Dufrene) Today will mark the first time that a former Marine will stand trial in civilian court for crimes said to have occurred during the fog of war. Under the Military Extraterritorial [...] August 19, 2008, 9:24 am
LLRX.com - Legal and Technology Articles and Resources for Librarians, Lawyers and Law Firms
Technology Tools for Information Management
Roger V. Skalbeck and Barbara Fullerton's fast paced presentation of 19 practical, low cost and innovative tech tools they respectively use on a regular basis. So if you are looking for ideas to improve your use of Outlook, RSS, Adobe, and enhance your presentations and collaborative goals, this article is a must read. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:48:37 -0700
FOIA Facts: Expanding the FOIA
Scott A. Hodes highlights the recent introduction of legislation that would eliminate the FOIA shield for the Smithsonian Institute, and the continued lack of transparency when dealing with other federal agencies. Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:49:02 -0700
Law of the Pacific Islands: A Guide to Web Based Resources
Ruth Bird's guide is expertly updated by Dianne Thompson and Anna Matich, each of whom possess comprehensive legal research expertise on this topical area. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:40:00 -0700
Commentary: Immunity for Telecom Eavesdropping
Beth Wellington's commentary tracks the legislative path of retroactive immunity for telecom eavesdropping. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:23:04 -0700
Reference from Coast to Coast: Summer Musings
Jan Bissett and Margi Heinen provide a timely and valuable refresher on a range of well-sourced, reliable, topical websites, guides, print and program materials useful for summer associate legal research training. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:30:52 -0700
A Review of Zotero, the free, Firefox extension to assist in collecting, managing and citing research sources
Stacy Bruss focuses on specific and practical examples of using this flexible application to organize and manage current collections of resources as well as citations to documents, web sites, and blogs. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:24:00 -0700
Criminal Justice Resources: Sex Offender Residency Restrictions
Ken Strutin's guide collects recent court decisions, research papers and reports that have addressed the efficacy of exclusionary zoning laws and the impact of these restrictions on sex offenders reentering their communities. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:12:24 -0700
E-Discovery Update: Lessons From An E-Discovery Disaster
Conrad J. Jacoby examines the recent case of Southern New England Telephone Company (???SNET???) v. Global NAPS, Inc. as an example of how stonewalling and committing perjury, especially with respect to electronic discovery matters that can be independently validated, remains a poor litigation strategy. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:20:57 -0700
The Goverment Domain: Government Topics at the SLA 2008 Conference
Peggy Garvin's article focuses on key speakers and significant issues, services and websites that hightlighted issues, initiatives and services significant to the government documents arena. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:45:14 -0700
E-Discovery Update: Precision, Accuracy, and Relevance
Conrad J. Jacoby discusses the challenges and ramifications inherent in an evironment where litigants have increasingly come to rely on computerized search queries rather than free-form document review to identify potentially relevant documents. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:17:42 -0700  Law.com - Newswire
Dozen 'Stolen' Taylor Wessing Partners Headed to Nixon Peabody
The feud between Taylor Wessing's French office and Nixon Peabody is getting nastier. As first reported by The Am Law Daily, Taylor Wessing's 55-lawyer Paris outpost sued Nixon, claiming the U.S.-based firm violated a 2007 agreement not to recruit Taylor Wessing attorneys if merger talks between the two firms fell apart. Those talks ended in November. Now, in an attempt to halt a dozen lawyers' departures, Taylor Wessing has filed a new motion and is also asking the Paris Bar Association to step in.
2nd Circuit Refuses to Boost Milberg's Fees in Nortel Class Action
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has shot down class action law firm Milberg's bid to boost its attorney fees from the settlement of shareholder litigation against Nortel Networks Corp. On appeal, Milberg said the lead plaintiff in the case had consented to an 8.5 percent award -- or about $101 million -- and, citing a 2005 decision by the 3rd Circuit, the firm argued that the 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act holds such negotiated fees to be presumptively reasonable.
Convention Cattle Call for Legal Veeps
With the Democrats' convention just days away and the GOP's following soon after, potential vice presidential candidates are the fodder for round-the-clock media speculation. As pundits weigh the relative political merits of each possible second-in-command, eyeing regional flavor, age and religious ties, The Am Law Daily turns instead to an evaluation of their legal resumes. How do they stack up?
The Ugly Side of Big-Firm Divorce
Associates leave big firms every day without fanfare. The automatic deposit of paychecks stops, their names are deleted from firm directories and their computers are reassigned to replacement associates. No biggie. But when an equity partner leaves -- and takes a few others along -- the drama kicks into high gear, says humor columnist The Snark. It's just not that simple to sever the ties that bind true partners to each other. When you mix in the really big bucks, you get a high-profile, scandalous divorce.
Black Hat 2008 Aftermath
The Black Hat 2008 conference was full of up-to-the-minute information on computer security research and vulnerabilities. Consultants Brian Dykstra and Keith Jones look at the news and events from the show, including zero-day exploits and DNS and VPN insecurities.
D.C. Circuit Bolsters State Monitoring of Air Pollution
Ruling against the Environmental Protection Agency and the American Petroleum Institute, a federal appeals court on Tuesday rejected a Bush administration rule that restricted states' ability to supplement monitoring requirements of the Clean Air Act. The D.C. Circuit left open the question of whose opinion wins when state authorities and the EPA conflict over whether a given requirement is sufficient to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act.
Staff Layoffs Reported at Fried Frank
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson is reducing administrative staff in New York and Washington. The reductions, which a spokeswoman said were less than 10 percent of 730 staffers firmwide, resulted from the law firm's review of its administrative resources and staffing requirements.
Hedge Fund Founder to Pay Nearly $300 Million
A federal court has ordered the former president and founder of a hedge fund to pay nearly $300 million for defrauding clients. The government had accused Paul Eustace of stealing $200 million from clients of Philadelphia Alternative Asset Management between 2001 and 2005, and creating false account statements, hiking management fees based on false profits and transferring clients' money to himself.
3rd Circuit Revives Mercury-in-Tuna Class Action
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has revived a class action suit against the manufacturer of Chicken-of-the-Sea brand tuna brought by consumers who say they were never warned that excessive consumption could lead to mercury poisoning. The unanimous three-judge panel found that a lower court improperly dismissed the suit on the grounds that it was pre-empted by U.S. Food & Drug Administration regulations.
2nd Circuit Upsets Witness-Tampering Conviction Over Defense Attorney's Potential Conflict
The 2nd Circuit has vacated a witness-tampering conviction on the grounds that the defense lawyer may have been conflicted through his apparent law partner. In appealing his conviction, James Ventry claimed Anthony J. Lana gave ineffective counsel because he was law partners with Thomas J. Eoannou, whose improper advice led to the witness-tampering charge. The court ordered the case remanded for an evidentiary hearing on the nature of the professional relationship between Lana and Eoannou. |
