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 NPR Topics: Legal Affairs
Sen. Stevens Wins Alaska's GOP Primary
Six Republicans have fallen short in their attempt to unseat Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens. Stevens won the GOP primary with 63 percent of the vote. He faces what looks like a tough challenge from the mayor of Anchorage in November. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:44:00 -0400
Investigators Downplay Alleged Obama Threat
Officials say there was no "credible threat" to Barack Obama from a man arrested on weapons and drug charges Sunday in Denver. Obama will be in the Mile High City this week to accept the Democratic nomination for president. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:45:00 -0400
Doctors Fear Effects Of Illegal Immigrant's Arrest
The recent arrest of a popular woman who happens to be an illegal immigrant has some North Carolina doctors concerned. The woman's immigration status apparently was turned over to authorities after she received medical care. Doctors worry that illegal immigrants will be afraid to seek care, which might lead to public health problems. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:09:00 -0400
Appeals Court OKs Oil Firms' Billion-Dollar Award
A federal appeals court has affirmed a ruling awarding oil companies a billion dollars for breach of contract. The case involves leases off the California coast that were sold to the oil firms a quarter of a century ago. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:00:00 -0400
Civilian Trial For Marine Starts
Former Marine Sgt. Jose Luis Nazario began standing trial for manslaughter in Riverside County, Calif. It's the first time that a former service member has stood trial in a civilian court for crimes said to have occurred during the war in Iraq. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:28:00 -0400
Future Of Brutalist-Designed Church Not Concrete
Members of a Christian Science church are suing Washington for declaring their sanctuary a historical landmark, preventing them from tearing it down to build a new one. The city wants to preserve the building as an example of Brutalist architecture. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:40:00 -0400
Sen. Stevens' Bid To Move Trial To Alaska Fails
Sen. Ted Stevens has lost a bid to move his corruption trial from Washington to his home state of Alaska. The Republican lawmaker had said both the witnesses and his campaign for re-election were in Alaska. The trial is due to start next month. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:27:00 -0400
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  Law: News & Videos about Law - CNN.com
Student News Learning Activity: MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech
Students will examine Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Also, they will compose written responses to Dr. King in which they compare his historic vision of racial equality in the United States to the reality of present-day life. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:57:00 EDT
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
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
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
U.N. peacekeeper slain in Darfur
Another U.N. peacekeeper has been killed in the Darfur region of Sudan, the United Nations said Wednesday. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:25:00 EDT  NYT > U.S.
Obama Wins Nomination; Biden and Bill Clinton Rally Party
A unanimous vote made Senator Barack Obama the first African-American to become a major party nominee for president.
New Orleans Girds for Another Storm
Tropical Storm Gustav crept toward New Orleans through the Caribbean, two days before Hurricane Katrina’s third anniversary.
Indicted Senator Wins G.O.P. Primary
Senator Ted Stevens’s victory came weeks after he was indicted for concealing gifts from an oil services company.
As Arctic Sea Ice Melts, Experts Expect New Low
The coverage of sea ice in the Arctic could break the record low from last September, scientists said.
Less Prison Time for Abramoff?
The Justice Department recommended a reduction in jail time for the disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who became a crucial witness against lawmakers and Congressional aides.
Researchers Report Advances in Cell Conversion Technique
Biologists at Harvard have converted cells from a mouse’s pancreas into the insulin-producing cells that are destroyed in diabetes.
Purdue, Citing Research Misconduct, Punishes Scientist
An appeals committee at Purdue University has upheld findings of misconduct by Rusi P. Taleyarkhan.
Obama Campaign Wages Fight Against Conservative Group’s Ads
Senator Obama’s campaign is waging a forceful campaign against a new conservative group running ads linking him to the 1960s radical William Ayers Jr.
Man in the News: For a New Political Age, a Self-Made Man
Even before he entered public life, Barack Obama began honing his political, mental and emotional skills.
McCain Has Made His Pick and Is Set to Tell on Friday
Senator John McCain is expected to reveal his choice for vice president at a rally in Dayton, Ohio, at 11 a.m. Friday.  washingtonpost.com - Courts, Judiciary
Religion news in brief
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. -- The pastor of one of Minnesota's largest churches said an IRS investigation into his ministry's finances is "politically motivated." Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:24:14 EDT
Vermont courthouses may close a half day a week
MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Lawmakers have approved a round of budget cuts designed to respond to sagging state revenues. Among the results: Vermont's courthouses likely will close for a half day each week. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:52:47 EDT
McCain Is Said to Be Set to Unveil Running Mate Tomorrow
SEDONA, Ariz., Aug. 27 -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain has settled on a running mate, and the pair will appear together on Friday at a rally in Dayton, Ohio, according to Republican sources outside the campaign. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT
Mr. Obama and the Clintons
NO DOUBT, when Sen. Barack Obama pictured the ideal nominating convention, he did not cast his wife and himself as bookends for Hillary and Bill Clinton. But that, at least from a scheduling perspective, is how things have turned out. Despite Mrs. Clinton's stirring appeal for Democratic unity last night, which the former president is likely to echo tonight, the focus on them and the persistent questions about party divisions are, if nothing else, a distraction from the story Mr. Obama would like to be presenting.
Speakers at the Democratic convention on Wednesday
-- A look at Wednesday's speakers for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:02:56 EDT
Ohio man sentenced for writing racial hate letters
CLEVELAND -- A man who wrote hundreds of threatening letters over 20 years to black and mixed-race men _ including Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter _ was sentenced Tuesday to three years and 10 months in prison. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:54:23 EDT
Calif. AG: Some medi-pot dispensers may be illegal
SAN FRANCISCO -- Medical marijuana dispensers that operate for-profit likely violate California law, according to guidelines that may encourage local police to join a federal crackdown against the enterprises. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:34:09 EDT
LG Elec ends 8-year PC patent row with Quanta
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's LG Electronics Inc <066570.KS> said on Tuesday it had agreed with Taiwan's Quanta Computer Inc <2382.TW> to end PC-related patent disputes that had lasted for eight years and started negotiating royalties.
Obese Ohio death row inmate asks state for mercy
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A death row inmate who says he's too fat to be executed received poor legal help during his trial and later when he appealed the death sentence, his lawyers said Monday during a clemency hearing. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:21:44 EDT
For Senator, Another Comeback
As they watched Joseph R. Biden Jr. step on stage in Springfield, Ill., yesterday, a 65-year-old with white hair jogging to the lectern, many of his longtime friends and colleagues experienced a touch of deja vu: Once again, Biden had resurrected a career that appeared destined for decline. Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT
US Legal News - JURIST
'Visual voicemail' inventor sues telecoms for patent infringement
[JURIST] Inventor Judas Klausner filed a patent infringement suit Tuesday against nine companies, including Google, Inc., Verizon Communications, and LG Electronics [corporate websites], alleging that they infringe on his visual voicemail technology patent. The technology involves providing a visual list of voicemail through which a user can view and retrieve individual messages. In 2008-08-27T17:18:00-04:00
Washington non-consensual organ-harvesting case to be resolved by state court
[JURIST] The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit [official website] has asked the Washington Supreme Court [official website] to determine whether the sister of a man whose bodily tissues were harvested for medical research without consent may sue for damages. In an order [PDF] issued Tuesday, a Ninth Circuit panel found that plaintiff Robinette Amaker had raised dispositive issues of 2008-08-27T17:18:00-04:00
Ninth Circuit finds Falun Gong members eligible for asylum
[JURIST] The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit [official website] on Tuesday ruled [opinion, PDF] that a Chinese couple are eligible for asylum because they reasonably feared persecution as members of the Falun Gong sect [group website; BBC backgrounder]. Zhao and Duan came to California in 2001, several months after an incident in which Chinese police had entered their home, arrested 2008-08-27T17:18:00-04:00
Kansas church to defy federal appeals ruling upholding funeral protests ban
[JURIST] Followers of the Kansas-based fundamentalist Westboro Baptist Church [JURIST news archive; BBC report] plan to stage a protest at the funeral [press release] for late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) [profile] Thursday, despite a federal appeals court ruling last week that upheld an Ohio law limiting funeral protests. The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit [official 2008-08-27T17:18:00-04:00
Federal court upholds charges against ex-US soldier in Mahmudiya killings case
[JURIST] A federal judge has rejected constitutional challenges to civilian charges against former US Army Pvt. Steven D. Green in connection with the rape and killing of a 14-year-old girl [JURIST news archives] and the killing of her family in Mahmudiya, Iraq (also "Mahmoudiya"). US District Judge Thomas Russell [official profile] of the Western District of Kentucky [official website] ruled 2008-08-27T17:18:00-04:00
Federal judge unseals 8 more Rosenberg grand jury transcripts
[JURIST] A judge in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York [official website] on Tuesday ordered the federal government to release eight more grand jury transcripts from the Julius and Ethel Rosenberg espionage case [trial transcript, PDF; JURIST backgrounder]. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein [official profile] emphasized the historical value of the testimony, given in 1950 2008-08-27T17:18:00-04:00
Russia recognition of Georgia territories violates international law: NATO
[JURIST] The North Atlantic Council (NAC) [NATO backgrounder], made up of representatives from 26 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) [official website] member nations, urged Russia [JURIST news archive] to reverse its recognition of the independence of two Georgian territories [AP report] on Wednesday. The representatives denounced the decision as violative of international law, and 2008-08-27T17:18:00-04:00
Guantanamo Bay detainees transferred to Algeria
[JURIST] The US Department of Defense (DOD) [official website] on Tuesday announced [press release] that two Guantanamo [JURIST news archive] detainees have been transferred to Algeria. The DOD hailed the move as proof of the effectiveness of its review processes, and stated that another 65 detainees are scheduled for transfer. Plans for the transfer were first made public [press release; JURIST 2008-08-27T17:18:00-04:00
States sue EPA over Clean Air Act compliance for oil refineries
[JURIST] New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo [official website] announced on Monday that twelve states have filed suit [press release] against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [official website] for its alleged failure to enforce provisions of the Clean Air Act [text; EPA materials] requiring oil refineries to adopt measures curbing the pollution contributing to global warming. 2008-08-27T17:18:00-04:00
District court upholds Massachusetts law mandating abortion protester 'buffer zone'
[JURIST] US District Judge Joseph Tauro [official profile] held [PDF text] Friday that a Massachusetts statute [text] establishing a 35-foot buffer zone outside facilities which perform abortions [JURIST news archive] does not violate protesters' constitutional rights. Tauro found that the law does not unconstitutionally burden First Amendment rights or the guarantees of equal protection or due 2008-08-27T17:18:00-04:00  FindLaw News - Top Stories
The Ninth Circuit, Sitting En Banc, Attempts to Clarify the Definition of "Substantial Burden" Under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA): The Navajo Nation Decision
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
If the Government Plans to Hold Salim Hamdan Indefinitely, Despite His Sixty-Six Month Sentence, What Was the Point of Putting Him on Trial?
A Federal Appeals Court Invalidates the Federal Communications Commission's Massive Fine for the "Nipplegate" Super Bowl Incident: The Decision and Its Implications
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
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Approves An "Informed Consent" Requirement for Abortions: The Slippery Quality of Statutory Definitions
Merrill Lynch Built $40B 'House of Cards,' Subprime Suit Says
 ABA Journal Top Stories
Columnist Arrested for Briefly Leaving Son at McDonald???s After Argument
A columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram apologized in a column for briefly leaving his 11-year-old son at a McDonald???s after an argument. But the mea culpa did not persuade police in Watauga, Texas. Writer Dave Lieber was charged with child abandonment with intent to return and???
Former Spokeswoman for War Crimes Court Charged with Contempt
A former spokeswoman for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia has been charged with contempt for disclosing confidential information in a book and an article. The contempt charge doesn???t specify the confidential information that Hartmann is accused of disclosing, report the Irish Times and
Judge Threatens Sanctions Over Lawyer???s Retirement Inquiry
A Los Angeles judge who lost a $21 million lawsuit for injuries suffered in an escalator fall has threatened a lawyer with contempt for asking him to address rumors that he would retire from the bench. U.S. District Judge George Schiavelli didn???t answer the???
9th Circuit Overturns Morrison & Foerster Fee Sanction
A federal appeals court has ordered a trial judge to award Morrison & Foerster reasonable attorney fees for its work in a civil rights case and overturned a sanction against a lawyer in the case. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed with a trial judge???s assertion that the???
Thousands of Pakistani Lawyers Protest Over Judges
Thousands of Pakistani lawyers blocked roads in several cities today to protest the country's failure to reinstate most of the judges removed from office by former President Pervez Musharraf. Lawyers dressed in black suits blocked roads in all major cities, Reuters reports. They chanted slogans and waved flags???
Joe Biden & Relatives Have Ties to Asbestos Law Firm
An Illinois law firm that specializes in plaintiffs asbestos litigation reportedly has close ties with Sen. Joe Biden, the expected running mate of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, and several of Biden's relatives. A brother and son of Biden obtained a $1 million investment from SimmonsCooper in???
FBI Foresaw Massive Mortgage Fraud, But Did Little to Forestall It
An FBI official foresaw in 2004 that mortgage fraud was a ticking time bomb. But the agency didn't devote enough resources to protect the nation's economy from what has proved to be a devastating crime wave that is still growing exponentially. Despite efforts to tighten lending standards, a survey shows???
Idaho Family???s Killer Gets Death in Federal Child Kidnapping and Murder Case
A federal jury in Boise, Idaho, decided today that a man convicted of killing four members of a northern Idaho family should be sentenced to death for kidnapping, torturing and murdering a 9-year-old boy from that family in 2005. Joseph Edward Duncan III had pleaded guilty in the case late???
Only 8 of 60 Ousted Pakistan Judges Return to Office; Lawyers Outraged
There were some 60 appellate judges removed from office in November last year by the president of Pakistan after he declared a state of emergency criticized by the legal community as unconstitutional and imposed what many considered to be martial law. Now, "in a move that has outraged the legal???
Court Battle Likely Over LPGA???s New English-Fluency Rule
In a decision that is already creating controversy, the LPGA announced this week that the tour would require players to speak English, starting in 2009. The new rule brings to the fore a developing body of case law concerning English-only workplace rules, reports Sports Illustrated. And, according???  WSJ.com: Law Blog - WSJ.com
ExxonMobil Case Involving Indonesia Killings Can Move Forward
Associated Press Indonesian soldiers patrol at Exxon Mobil Oil Indonesia in Lhokseumawe, Indonesia, May 18, 2003. ExxonMobil is in some hot water over its Indonesia operations. In 2001, eleven Indonesian villagers filed a suit against the company claiming that it’s liable for alleged killings, torture, rape and kidnappings committed by Indonesian soldiers [...] August 27, 2008, 6:10 pm
Fraudulent Male Enhancement Drug Gets Company Founder 25 Yrs.
In Cincinnati, the marketing of a male sexual enhancement product called Enzyte, which reportedly used ads featuring “Smiling Bob,” a happy man with an exaggerated smile (pictured), has led to a whopping jail sentence for the founder of Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals. Today, U.S. District Judge S. Arthur Spiegel sentenced Steve Warshak [...] August 27, 2008, 3:43 pm
If the Law Firm Hiring Process is Broken, Why Stick With It?
“Over the course of the summer, leaders at the country’s biggest law firms have come to an unpleasant realization: They’re about to employ more lawyers than they need.” That’s the opener to a column in today’s paper, entitled “No Joke: Law Firms Hire More Lawyers Than Needed,?? by our very [...] August 27, 2008, 1:11 pm
Biden Didn???t Disclose Son???s Asbestos Work But Don???t Blame Him For Bork
Joe Biden, front, with his son, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, at the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 25, 2008. (AP/Paul Sancya) We’ve mentioned Joe Biden’s tie to Mississippi’s legal community, in particular its famed plaintiffs lawyer Dickie Scruggs. But just how deep is Biden’s connection to the trial bar? USA Today takes [...] August 27, 2008, 10:43 am
Seinfeld???s ???The Wig Master??? Figures in Tom Clancy Decision
Jerry Seinfeld attends the premiere of “Sex and the City” at Radio City Music Hall in New York. (AP/Evan Agostini) The judges of the Maryland Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, are “Seinfeld” fans. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Yesterday, in a 50-page ruling on a dispute between author [...] August 27, 2008, 9:47 am
Hollywood???s Perry Mason Pleads Not Guilty in Campaign Contribution Case
Plaintiffs’ attorney Pierce O’Donnell listens to testimony in a San Diego court in 2005. O’Donnell represented consumers in the class action lawsuit against Sempra Energy and its two utilities. Photo: AP Pierce O’Donnell, the L.A. trial lawyer who’s been called Hollywood’s Perry Mason, pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges that he [...] August 27, 2008, 9:17 am
Heller???s Attorneys Go Large, Request Hourly-Rate of $1,069
Robert Levy, center, and Alan Gura, right, June 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) If D.C. v. Heller, the landmark Second Amendment case decided in June, is the most significant Supreme Court decision of the century, how should that impact the fees taken home by the winning legal team? The Legal Times’ BLT [...] August 27, 2008, 9:15 am
Barbie Wears Black: Mattel???s Damages Come in Way Low
We’re not sure what John Quinn’s litigation bill amounts to for his work on the Barbie-Bratz spat, but we hope that Mattel’s $100 million verdict covers it. A federal jury in Riverside, Calif., just returned a $100 million verdict for Mattel, according to an early Reuters report, about $1.9 billion [...] August 26, 2008, 5:28 pm
In Campaign Ad Spat, Obama Lawyer Calls on AG???s Office
When we visited the nation’s capital a couple months back we called on Bob Bauer, Barack Obama’s campaign lawyer at Perkins Coie, to see if he could meet and chat a bit about the campaign and election law. But Mr. Bauer never returned our calls (why didn’t you call back, [...] August 26, 2008, 3:14 pm
Biden???s Future as a Con Law Prof in Limbo Through Campaign Season
While we’re on the topics of Joe Biden and law schools, now’s as good a time as ever to point out some of his ivory tower cred. At Opinio Juris, Peter Spiro discusses a 1988 law review article, entitled “The War Power at Constitutional Impasses,” that Biden (U. of Delaware, [...] August 26, 2008, 1:36 pm
LLRX.com - Legal and Technology Articles and Resources for Librarians, Lawyers and Law Firms
The Kindle for Professional Researchers
DC based journalist Cheryl Miller offers seven good reasons to buy this gadget seemingly tailor-made for dedicated readers, but she also provides caveats worth your attention. Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:05:38 -0700
The Government Domain: Back to School for Constitution Day 2008
E-gov expert Peggy Garvin guides researchers, educators and librarians to key online resources available for teaching, training and educational activities associated with the September 17, 2008 celebration of Constitution Day in the United States. Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:05:39 -0700
Guide to Financial Sources on the Internet
Marcus P. Zillman's guide is a bibliography of a well vetted, reliable sites free and low-fee based internet services for researchers, focused on the following topics: Corporate Conference Calls Resources, Financial Sources, Financial Sources Search Engines, and Venture Capital Sources. Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:01:01 -0700
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  Law.com - Newswire
Settlement Over Target's Web Site Marks a Win for ADA Plaintiffs
Resolving a lawsuit that caught the attention of online retailers across the United States, Target Corp. will pay out $6 million in damages and make its Web site fully accessible to blind customers as part of a class action settlement filed on Wednesday. Attorneys involved in the litigation called it a "bellwether case" that will "send a message to the entire Internet industry."
Split Panel Supports Trial Judge in His Use of 'Ultimate' Sanction
A divided appeals panel has backed the decision of an exasperated trial judge who threw an attorney and her former employer out of court after both parties "willfully" disobeyed discovery orders despite repeated warnings and sanctions. Three justices held that then-New York Supreme Court Justice Rolando T. Acosta had acted within his discretion when he dismissed the complaint nearly a year after warning both sides that he had reached the limit of his patience for the first time in "eight years as a judge."
Vioxx Settlement Judge Caps Legal Fees at 32 Percent
The judge overseeing much of the massive litigation over withdrawn painkiller Vioxx has capped fees for plaintiffs attorneys at a relatively low 32 percent of the $4.85 billion settlement. Altogether, 871 law firms are involved in the litigation. A much smaller group of firms that pulled together thousands of documents under a pre-trial discovery process that the judge coordinated will receive additional fees above the 32 percent. But the extra amounts will come from the other attorneys, not from claimants.
Firms Step Up IP-Related Training for Associates
Worries about associate turnover and billing efficiency pressures from clients are prompting more law firms to pull IP associates away from their caseloads for specialized training. Some firms, such as Boston-based Ropes & Gray, are offering new internal training programs or revamping existing ones. Learning by watching other lawyers doesn't work anymore because associates want more guidance and mentoring, and clients want to keep billable hours in check, says Ropes & Gray partner Mark Bloomberg.
Small Firms Team Up for a New Growth Strategy
At San Francisco's Brydon, Hugo & Parker, about 70 percent of firm revenues come from product liability litigation. To help diversify, partner John Brydon is looking to expand the firm's bad-faith insurance coverage and commercial trucking litigation work. Rather than merge the 32-lawyer firm into a bigger one to get the benefits of geography and resources -- something its leaders are not interested in doing -- Brydon Hugo magnified its reach by joining a network of similar-size firms with similar goals.
Much Ado About Text Searching
Two recent decisions should help guide parties to avoid costly case outcomes due to certain e-discovery miscues by collaborating on search methodology. An agreed-upon plan provides control and predictability over one of the most significant and potentially expensive aspects of discovery.
Outside Counsel Take Seat at Boardroom Table
Along with increased emphasis on laborious corporate compliance details, greater independence of corporate directors and heightened pressures on general counsel comes another post-Sarbanes-Oxley Act trend: more lawyers in the boardroom. While some boards retain outside counsel to attend all meetings and advise them on an ongoing basis, others do so on a more limited basis. The trend highlights the potential for tension in the boardroom with the presence of both directors' lawyers and general counsel.
Comptroller: Attorneys Owe New York $700,000 in Pensions
Two New York attorneys who were improperly listed as employees by government agencies that they advised owe the state close to $700,000 in pension funds, New York Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said Wednesday. DiNapoli called the actions of Lawrence W. Reich and Albert D'Agostino "the most egregious examples" uncovered to date in the state's probe of excess pension payments. The comptroller's office has so far revoked pension fund membership or retirement service credit for 33 lawyers.
Judge Rejects Summary Judgment in Human Rights Lawsuit Against Exxon
A federal judge Wednesday said there is sufficient evidence for a jury to decide whether Exxon should be held liable for actions of Indonesian soldiers who, while guarding Exxon assets, allegedly beat, shot, tortured and raped villagers eight years ago. Exxon's lawyers argue there is no evidence that the soldiers who reportedly injured the plaintiffs were the same guards assigned to protect gas fields and not among the thousands of other troops the Indonesian government deployed to keep order in the region.
Chinese Bank Denies Claims That Negligent Wire Transfers Helped Terrorists
Officials of the Bank of China are denying charges that the bank negligently transferred money to terrorists in Israel. The claims stem from a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of more than 100 family members of Israeli terror victims. The suit charges the bank with "intentionally, recklessly, and negligently providing extensi ve banking services to the Palestine Islamic Jihad and to Hamas, which caused, enabled, and facilitated terrorist attacks." |
