Category: Law
Boston Marathon and Hurricane Sandy show Lawyer Reputation Undeserved
In a recent poll reflecting how the public views the ethical standards of various professions, lawyers ranked in the 19th percentile. Lawyers came in slightly below business executives in the 21st percentile and well below medical doctors, which rank in the 70th percentile. Unfortunately, it is not only unfair for the public to generalize groups […]
May 6, 2013
Even Australian Lawyers suffer with Lawyer Jokes
Three people were in a lifeboat after their ship sank. They were surrounded by sharks. One courageous person took charge of the situation, dove into the water and swam ashore. To the surprise of the survivors on the life boat, the sharks allowed the person to grab their fins for a tow ashore. Once safely […]
April 22, 2013
Will the Legality of Recess Appointments Be Decided by the U.S. Supreme Court?
The U.S. Supreme Court may likely decide the legality of the long-standing practice of recess appointments. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit recently made headlines when it invalidated President Obama’s nominations to the National Labor Review Board. Under the U.S. Constitution, the President and the Senate both play a role […]
April 1, 2013
Should the Public Be Able to Watch the Supreme Court’s Upcoming Same-Sex Marriage Arguments?
The U.S. Supreme Court will take up two same-sex marriage cases next month. While the oral arguments are expected to garner wide media attention, there will no television cameras inside the Supreme Court courtroom. Although cameras are now allowed in courtrooms across the country, the Supreme Court justices maintain that they have no place in […]
March 22, 2013
The Internet Killed the Video Store
When is the last time you got in your car to drive to a video store to rent a movie? Only a few short years ago, venturing to Blockbuster on a Friday or Saturday night would have taken at least an hour to battle the crowds, check if new releases were in stock and explore […]
March 11, 2013
Fighting Irish Lose Off Field Battle Against Contraception Mandate
In addition to losing a tough battle on the football field, the Fighting Irish did not fare very well in the courtroom either. The University of Notre Dame, a Catholic University, recently attempted to challenge part of the new federal healthcare reform on religious grounds. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Patient Protection […]
March 4, 2013
Google Pushing For Updated Privacy Laws that Reflect Digital Age
Companies like Google receive hundreds of requests per week from co and government agencies seeking access to private user account information. Although Google complies with valid subpoenas, court orders, and warrants, the company has also expressed concern about overly broad requests and the need for new data privacy laws that reflect Digital Age. In a […]
February 18, 2013
Can You Become a New York Lawyer in Two Years?
The traditional law school model is arguably in dire need of a makeover. But the legal community can’t seem to agree what a modern legal education should look like. Most recently, a proposal to allow law school students to eliminate their third year and sit for the New York bar exam is gaining traction. Meaning […]
February 6, 2013
Justice Clarence Thomas’s Silence Makes Headlines, But Does He Have the Right Idea?
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas recently made headlines when he spoke during oral arguments. While this may not seem like news, it was the first time that the justice had spoken from the bench in nearly seven years. Even though the four words he uttered had no direct bearing on the case, but rather […]
February 6, 2013Proof That Arcane Laws Can Cause Serious Modern Day Problems
Arcane New Jersey laws that are still on the books often make for fun trivia or fodder for legal blogs. However, a recent California case reminds us that some of these laws can have real, and often unintended, consequences. Julio Morales was charged with rape after he snuck into the bedroom of an acquaintance and […]
January 21, 2013