In what may be the year’s most bizarre and horrific criminal case, Chytoria Graham has been sentenced to 10 years after she was convicted of using her four-week-old baby as a weapon by holding it by the feet and swinging it at her boyfriend. Continue reading ‘Pa. Women Gets 10 Years for Use of 4-Week-Old Baby as Weapon’
Archive for December, 2007
Pa. Women Gets 10 Years for Use of 4-Week-Old Baby as Weapon
Published 1, December 12, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law 1 CommentLadies Nights and Specials Being Challenged Across Country as Gender Discrimination
Published 1, December 12, 2007 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Lawyering , Politics 5 CommentsAcross the country, men are challenging specials for women at bars,athletic clubs, and other establishments as discrimination based on gender. They have a point and feminists may now be in a tough position: choosing between supporting popularspecials and opposing gender discrimination. Nevertheless, these cases pose some very novel questions. Continue reading ‘Ladies Nights and Specials Being Challenged Across Country as Gender Discrimination’
Lawyer Mary Roberts Convicted in Blackmailing of Former Lovers
Published 1, December 12, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering 3 CommentsIt did not take long for a jury in Texas to convict San Antonio lawyer Mary Roberts on felony charges that she helped her husband blackmail four of her former lovers. Her husband, Ted H. Roberts was previously convicted in the scheme that netted $155,000 from four married men who had affairs with his wife. Continue reading ‘Lawyer Mary Roberts Convicted in Blackmailing of Former Lovers’
Father Strangles Daughter for Not Wearing Traditional Hijab, or Scarf, Over Head
Published 1, December 12, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice Leave a CommentIn a Toronto suburb, a father, Muhammad Parvez, 57, is accused of strangling to death his 16-year-old daughter because of her refusal to wear a hijab. Continue reading ‘Father Strangles Daughter for Not Wearing Traditional Hijab, or Scarf, Over Head’
Iraq Orders All Policewomen Disarmed as Un-Islamic
Published 1, December 11, 2007 Bizarre , Justice , Politics Leave a CommentThe United States has been working to guarantee equal opportunity for women in the new Iraq. However, this effort conflicts with the recent decision to allow sectarian groups greater powers (particularly Muqtada al-Sadr) in the government. Now, the Iraqi government has quietly ordered all women in the police force to turn over their weapons to men in an apparent bow to religious extremists. Continue reading ‘Iraq Orders All Policewomen Disarmed as Un-Islamic’
Doctors Leave Medical Objects Inside 1500 Patients Each Year
Published 1, December 11, 2007 Bizarre , Torts 8 CommentsMedical studies have found that a shocking 1500 patients each year have medical devices (often sponges) left inside of them by doctors. Continue reading ‘Doctors Leave Medical Objects Inside 1500 Patients Each Year’
Ohio Attorney Admits that She Fabricated Kidnapping Story
Published 1, December 11, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering Leave a CommentKaryn McConnell Hancock, 35, a pregnant attorney in Toledo has admitted under police questioning that she fabricated a story that she was abducted last week outside a juvenile court building in Toledo and dropped off three days later near Atlanta. Continue reading ‘Ohio Attorney Admits that She Fabricated Kidnapping Story’
Radio Show Host Bernie Ward Indicted on Child Pornography Charges — Claims Novel Research Defense
Published 1, December 11, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice Leave a CommentBernie Ward, a San Francisco radio talk show host and former Catholic priest, has been indicted on federal child pornography charges. Ward, 56, is raising an interesting defense that could have an impact on researchers and journalists in future cases. Continue reading ‘Radio Show Host Bernie Ward Indicted on Child Pornography Charges — Claims Novel Research Defense’
Pa. Woman Who Killed Her Two Children Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
Published 1, December 11, 2007 Criminal law , Justice 1 CommentMeghan Lippiatt has been found not guilty by reason of insanity in a Lancaster court. Lippiatt admitted suffocating her infant son and drowning her 2-year-old son in 2004. Continue reading ‘Pa. Woman Who Killed Her Two Children Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity’
If You Like Pina Coladas and Walks in a Prison Yard: Lawyer’s Case Goes to Jury for Bilking Thousands from Former Lovers
Published 1, December 11, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering Leave a CommentThe bizarre case of Texas Lawyer Mary Roberts has captivated the bar and, with her testimony, did not disappoint those following the sordid details of the efforts by Roberts and her husband Ted Roberts. It is now before the jury and Mary Roberts may soon join her husband, Ted, in jail. Ted was previously convicted and given five years for his role in extracting tens of thousands of dollars from Mary’s four lovers. For members of the bar, these two could not be put away too soon. Continue reading ‘If You Like Pina Coladas and Walks in a Prison Yard: Lawyer’s Case Goes to Jury for Bilking Thousands from Former Lovers’
CIA Interrogator Admits Publicly that Torture was Used on Suspects
Published 1, December 11, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics 6 CommentsIn an extraordinary interview, former CIA officer John Kiriakou has come forward to publicly admit that he led the raid, which captured the al Qaeda operative Abu Zubaydah, and witnesses the waterboarding of the suspect. He further admits that waterboarding is torture — a fact already established by U.S. courts. Continue reading ‘CIA Interrogator Admits Publicly that Torture was Used on Suspects’
CIA Interrogation Tapes: “Bad” is Hardly the Word — Call it Criminal
Published 1, December 10, 2007 Columns , Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics 21 CommentsBelow is today’s column in Roll Call on the potential basis for criminal prosecution in the destruction of CIA interrogation tapes. Continue reading ‘CIA Interrogation Tapes: “Bad” is Hardly the Word — Call it Criminal’
Halliburton/KBR Accused of Cover-Up in Gang Rape
Published 1, December 10, 2007 Bizarre , Congress , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics 4 CommentsABC News is reporting a shocking story of an woman who claims to have been ganged raped and then held in a container box by Halliburton/KBR in Iraq. The story of Jamie Leigh Jones is shocking and demands a congressional investigation into whether this contractor and the Justice Department covered up a heinous criminal act. Continue reading ‘Halliburton/KBR Accused of Cover-Up in Gang Rape’
Huckabee Called for Faithful to “Take This Nation Back for Christ”
Published 1, December 10, 2007 Constitutional Law , Politics 4 CommentsIn Utah, Gov. Mike Huckabee told Southern Baptist pastors that his election would “take this Nation back for Christ” and revealed his deeply held view that the government needed to turn to faith-based institutions to solve its problems. The comments reveal that, if elected, Huckabee, an ordained Southern Baptist minister, would likely expand President Bush’s controversial faith-based initiatives. Continue reading ‘Huckabee Called for Faithful to “Take This Nation Back for Christ”’
Wash. Post: Democrats, including Pelosi, Told of Waterboarding in 2002
Published 1, December 10, 2007 Congress , Criminal law , Justice , Politics 14 CommentsThe Washington Post has disclosed sources saying that Democratic leadership, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, were told of waterboarding in secret briefings in September 2002. While some have already denied any recollection of the discussion of waterboarding, the Post is reporting that such briefings occurred in 2002 and the only objection heard from members of Congress was whether the torture technique was harsh enough. Continue reading ‘Wash. Post: Democrats, including Pelosi, Told of Waterboarding in 2002′
Bravo: Biden Calls for Special Counsel
Published 1, December 10, 2007 Congress , Criminal law , Justice , Politics 6 CommentsIn the immediate aftermath, one of the most curious responses of the Democrats has been the almost uniform call for an investigation of the destruction of the CIA tapes by the Bush Administration itself. Now, at least Sen. Joe Biden is calling for a special counsel. Continue reading ‘Bravo: Biden Calls for Special Counsel’
If You Like Pina Coladas and Walks in a Prison Yard: Lawyer Explains Her Effort to Extract Thousands from Former Lovers
Published 1, December 9, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering 2 CommentsThe bizarre case of Texas Lawyer Mary Roberts has captivated the bar and, with her testimony, did not disappoint those following the sordid details of the efforts by Roberts and her husband Ted Roberts. Both were rightfully labeled as two of the worst human beings to put a J.D. after their names (a tough competition). Remarkably, Mary Roberts still believes that it was perfectly legal to hold up her lovers under threat of public disclosure of their affairs. However, until she cited Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” in her testimony, I was not sure of the depth of her depravity. Continue reading ‘If You Like Pina Coladas and Walks in a Prison Yard: Lawyer Explains Her Effort to Extract Thousands from Former Lovers’
South Dakota Supreme Court Rules that Suicide Case Not Subject to Reasonable Person Standard for Contributory Negligence
Published 1, December 9, 2007 Bizarre , Lawyering , Torts 4 CommentsIn light of the Larry Manzanares suicide case in Denver, this South Dakota case for a couple years ago may be illustrative. It got very little attention but should have. The South Dakota Supreme Court has ordered a new trial in the suicide case of Kristi Dodson. At issue is an interesting question of the standard to apply to a suicidal mind and the concept of contributory negligence. Continue reading ‘South Dakota Supreme Court Rules that Suicide Case Not Subject to Reasonable Person Standard for Contributory Negligence’
Family of Former Judge and Denver City Attorney Sue District Attorney Over Suicide
Published 1, December 9, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics , Torts 1 CommentThe family of former judge and Denver City Attorney Larry Manzanares announced their intention to sue Jefferson County district attorney, Scott W. Storey, his deputy and an investigator for contributing to her husband’s death. It is a case that raises disturbing questions over the causes of suicide and the increasing tendency of prosecutors to play to the media in high-profile cases. Continue reading ‘Family of Former Judge and Denver City Attorney Sue District Attorney Over Suicide’
Justice and CIA Launch Investigations into Destroyed Tapes
Published 1, December 8, 2007 Congress , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering 15 CommentsOn a Saturday, the Justice Department and the CIA announced that they would conduct internal investigations of the destruction of the CIA interrogation tapes. The announcements are clearly designed to forestall an effort to have an independent counsel or independent investigation, which is clearly called for in this instance. Continue reading ‘Justice and CIA Launch Investigations into Destroyed Tapes’
Video: Child Rapist Destroys Courtroom After Sentencing
Published 1, December 8, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice Leave a CommentAs a general rule, it is good form not to destroy the courtroom during sentencing for a crime — a helpful hint for any future appearance of Antonio Rosales. Continue reading ‘Video: Child Rapist Destroys Courtroom After Sentencing’
Chicago to Pay $20 Million for Men Tortured by Police
Published 1, December 8, 2007 Criminal law , Justice Leave a CommentChicago has agreed to pay roughly $20 million to four former death row inmates who claimed they were tortured by Chicago police and wrongly convicted. Continue reading ‘Chicago to Pay $20 Million for Men Tortured by Police’
White House Knew of Plan to Destroy CIA Interrogation Tapes
Published 1, December 8, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics 7 CommentsWhile the President insists that he has “no recollection” of being told about the plan to destroy CIA interrogation tapes, the White House admitted late Friday that former White House Counsel Harriet Miers knew. Continue reading ‘White House Knew of Plan to Destroy CIA Interrogation Tapes’
Germany Takes Major Step Toward Ban of Scientology
Published 1, December 8, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice 5 CommentsAs noted earlier, Germany is moving toward a ban of Scientology. Now, both federal and state interior ministers have joined the effort to ban Scientology as a danger to the country and its citizens as a cult and criminal enterprise. Continue reading ‘Germany Takes Major Step Toward Ban of Scientology’
Lesbian Couple Loses Effort to Divorce in Rhode Island
Published 1, December 8, 2007 Constitutional Law , Politics Leave a CommentA lesbian couple has been denied the right to divorce in Rhode Island — seeking to dissolve a license from Massachusetts. While some could claim that anti-gay marriage advocates are now preserving such a union, the Rhode Island Supreme Court has ruled that there is no marriage to dissolve since in that state only men and women can marry. Continue reading ‘Lesbian Couple Loses Effort to Divorce in Rhode Island’
New York Detective Nailed on Perjury Charge By Teen MP3 Recording
Published 1, December 7, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering 3 CommentsTeenager, Erik Crespo, used his MP3 player to secretly recorded an abusive interrogation by a New York Detective, Christopher Perino, that may not land the detective in jail for perjury. Continue reading ‘New York Detective Nailed on Perjury Charge By Teen MP3 Recording’
Prosecution Finally Considered For Cyber-Bullying in Megan Meier Case: To Protect Lori Drew, the Alleged MySpace Hoaxster
Published 1, December 7, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Torts 4 CommentsIt appears that there may finally be prosecution for cyber-bullying in the infamous Megan Meier case, but not to protect the Meier family, but the woman accused of triggering her suicide: Lori Drew. Continue reading ‘Prosecution Finally Considered For Cyber-Bullying in Megan Meier Case: To Protect Lori Drew, the Alleged MySpace Hoaxster’
Shock Video: Two Miami-Dade Officers Suspended for Beating Suspect
Published 1, December 7, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice Leave a CommentA video shows officers beating a suspect after a car chase after he had clearly surrendered and was not resisting. Two officers have been suspended. Continue reading ‘Shock Video: Two Miami-Dade Officers Suspended for Beating Suspect’
Court of Appeals Rejects Necessity and Innocence Defenses to Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
Published 1, December 7, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Torts Leave a CommentThe Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has handed down an interesting decision that rejects a defense of innocent possession of ammunition by a felon. James Baker of Wichita claims that he was in possession of a speed loader with bullets because he found it on the ground outside of a party and was in the process of turning it in. Continue reading ‘Court of Appeals Rejects Necessity and Innocence Defenses to Unlawful Possession of Ammunition’
Democrats Admit Knowledge of the CIA’s Plan to Destroy Tapes
Published 1, December 7, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics 13 CommentsTwo leading Democrats, Jane Harman and Jay Rockefeller admitted that they knew that the CIA intended to destroy the tapes of interrogations of a leading al-Qaida figure, but never knew for sure that the destruction was carried out. The startling news raises serious questions of acts of malfeasance by the Bush Administration and nonfeasance by Democratic members. Continue reading ‘Democrats Admit Knowledge of the CIA’s Plan to Destroy Tapes’
U.S. Held on to Teenager at Guantanamo for Years After U.S. Concluded that He Was Innocent
Published 1, December 6, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics 4 CommentsAs the Supreme Court deliberates on the most recent Guantanamo Bay cases and whether detainees can be denied of access to a real court, the Washington Post is reporting that American officials held a teenager for years despite their knowledge that he was innocent. Indeed, only months area the U.S. seized Murat Kurnaz in Pakistan, it concluded that he was not guilty. However, he sat for four more years in Cuba. Continue reading ‘U.S. Held on to Teenager at Guantanamo for Years After U.S. Concluded that He Was Innocent’
California Parents Suing Police for Release of Decapitated Daughter Found on Internet and MySpace
Published 1, December 6, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Torts 1 CommentThere is an extremely interesting case developing in California over the release of graphic photos ofNicole “Nikki” Catsouras, 18, who was decapitated in a two-car crash on a toll road near Lake Forest, California. Continue reading ‘California Parents Suing Police for Release of Decapitated Daughter Found on Internet and MySpace’
Homeland Security to Train Firefighters to Help Identify Terror Suspects
Published 1, December 6, 2007 Constitutional Law , Criminal law 34 CommentsThe Bush Administration is proceeding with its plan to train firefighters to help identify terror suspects in a move that could threaten not just civil liberties but the firefighters themselves. Continue reading ‘Homeland Security to Train Firefighters to Help Identify Terror Suspects’
New York Residents Demand Equality in Christmas Tree to Menorah Ratio
Published 1, December 6, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics 6 CommentsThe season for fights over holiday displays on government property has begun. In addition to the usual constitutional problems of separating church and state, there are more practical problems like the one in Long Beach, New York: avoiding a race to build the biggest or brightest symbol for one faith. Continue reading ‘New York Residents Demand Equality in Christmas Tree to Menorah Ratio’
Two Lawyers Criminally Charged in Bilking Wife’s Lovers in a Novel Pay-to-Play Scheme
Published 1, December 6, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering Leave a CommentTwo attorneys have been criminally charged in novel cases charging theft of coercions and deception after Mary S. Roberts had affairs with men who were later allegedly shook down by her husband for hush money. Continue reading ‘Two Lawyers Criminally Charged in Bilking Wife’s Lovers in a Novel Pay-to-Play Scheme’
Testimony on Prisoner Reform and Older Prisoners before the House Judiciary Committee
Published 1, December 6, 2007 Uncategorized 10 CommentsBelow is the written testimony on prison and sentencing reform before the House Judiciary Committee scheduled for December 6, 2007. Continue reading ‘Testimony on Prisoner Reform and Older Prisoners before the House Judiciary Committee’
Older Prisoners and Overcrowding
Published 1, December 6, 2007 Columns , Congress , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Testimony 5 CommentsGiven my testimony today in the House Judiciary Committee on prison reform and older prisoners, I thought this previous column may be of interest. Continue reading ‘Older Prisoners and Overcrowding’
Shock Video: Honolulu Police Department Beat a Fan Who Ran on to Football Field
Published 1, December 5, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Torts 1 CommentOne of the key lessons for avoiding prosecution for brutality is to avoid doing it in front of a camera or thousands of witnesses, or in this case, both. The Honolulu Police Department has opened a criminal investigation after an officer was videotaped beating a man who simply ran onto the field at Aloha Stadium field after a big win of the University of Hawaii football team over Washington. Continue reading ‘Shock Video: Honolulu Police Department Beat a Fan Who Ran on to Football Field’
Cop Fired After Suing a Victim for a Slip and Fall
Published 1, December 5, 2007 Bizarre , Justice , Lawyering , Torts 1 CommentCasselberry Police Chief John Pavlis has fired Sergeant Andrea Eichhorn for her lawsuit against a victim in a frivolous slip-and-fall lawsuit. Now, the termination raises additional interesting questions in this sordid affair. Continue reading ‘Cop Fired After Suing a Victim for a Slip and Fall’
Dennis Quaid and Wife Sue Baxter Healthcare for Overdose of Newborn Twins
Published 1, December 5, 2007 Bizarre , Justice , Torts Leave a CommentActor Dennis Quaid and his wife have sued the makers of heparin for the overdosing of their newborn twins after they were given massive doses of the blood thinner at an Indianapolis hospital. Strangely, they have not sued the hospital which clearly erred in selecting the dosage. However, the hospital is not likely to escape litigation since Baxter Healthcare may bring it in as a co-defendant. Continue reading ‘Dennis Quaid and Wife Sue Baxter Healthcare for Overdose of Newborn Twins’
Lawyer Sues DontDateHimGirl.com for Allegations of Unfaithfulness and Loathsome Diseases
Published 1, December 5, 2007 Bizarre , Congress , Torts 3 CommentsPittsburgh criminal defense attorney Todd Hollis is suing the popular website Dontdatehimgirl.com for defamatory entries made by women who claim that he is unfaithful and carried sexually transmitted diseases. Continue reading ‘Lawyer Sues DontDateHimGirl.com for Allegations of Unfaithfulness and Loathsome Diseases’
Pa. Murder Case: Drinking and Confessing Do Not Mix
Published 1, December 5, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice Leave a CommentFrank Rusek, 69, is accused of killing his wife Erna Sue Rusek, 68, with a shotgun on Feb. 28 and gave two incriminating statements to police. His attorney is now seeking to have the statements suppressed due to the fact that his client was drunk when he waived his rights under Miranda. Continue reading ‘Pa. Murder Case: Drinking and Confessing Do Not Mix’
Senate Judiciary Vote on Criminal Contempt for Rove and Others Set for This Week
Published 1, December 5, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Politics 4 CommentsSenate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) has put a criminal contempt vote on the schedule for Thursday in a move that could ultimately call for the prosecution of White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten, former White House political director Sara M. Taylor, former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove and White House Deputy Political Director J. Scott Jennings in their failure to appear or turn over material on the U.S. attorney firings. Continue reading ‘Senate Judiciary Vote on Criminal Contempt for Rove and Others Set for This Week’
Supreme Court Hears Important Product Liability Case
Published 1, December 5, 2007 Constitutional Law , Justice , Torts 8 CommentsThe Bush Administration has switched the government’s position on an important product liability question in a case that could have profound effects for all Americans. At issue in Riegel v. Medtronic Inc., No. 06-179, is whether citizens are preempted or barred from suing a company for a product that was approved for sale by the Food and Drug Administration. Continue reading ‘Supreme Court Hears Important Product Liability Case’
Jefferson Moves for Delay in January Trial Due to Diminishing Funds
Published 1, December 4, 2007 Congress , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics Leave a CommentRep. William Jefferson has filed a motion for a delay in his trial — currently scheduled for January 13, 2008. Continue reading ‘Jefferson Moves for Delay in January Trial Due to Diminishing Funds’
Police Enter Home on False Alarm and Then Taser a Hearing-Impaired Man Getting Out of the Bathtub
Published 1, December 4, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law 8 CommentsPolice departments appear to be vying for who can claim responsibility for the most outrageous abuse of a taser. This week’s winner: The Wichita Police Department. Continue reading ‘Police Enter Home on False Alarm and Then Taser a Hearing-Impaired Man Getting Out of the Bathtub’
The Sizzler: Is a Common Amusement Ride Defective?
Published 1, December 4, 2007 Bizarre , Torts Leave a CommentThe Sizzler is a favorite carnival ride produced by Wisdom Industries. It also seems to have a tendency to kill some children, but neither the company nor the U.S. government appears particularly eager to deal with the matter. Continue reading ‘The Sizzler: Is a Common Amusement Ride Defective?’
Scientists Identify Two Emerging Threats to the Planet: Kudzo and Canadian Beer Drinkers
Published 1, December 4, 2007 Bizarre , Environment 5 CommentsIn different studies, scientists have recently identified two major sources of global warming: Kudzo and Canadian beer drinkers. Continue reading ‘Scientists Identify Two Emerging Threats to the Planet: Kudzo and Canadian Beer Drinkers’
Germany Moves to Ban Scientology As a Threat to Human Rights
Published 1, December 4, 2007 Constitutional Law 14 CommentsGermany has long investigated Scientology as a cult and a criminal organization. It may now formally ban the organization under a proposal out of Hamburg. Continue reading ‘Germany Moves to Ban Scientology As a Threat to Human Rights’
Cantwell Fires Staffer Arrested in Child Sex Sting
Published 1, December 4, 2007 Bizarre , Congress , Criminal law , Politics 4 CommentsJames McHaney, a 28-year-old staffer to Senator Maria Cantwell has been fired. McHaney was arrested in a sting during his lunch hour for trying to arrange for a sexual encounter with a 13 year-old boy. Continue reading ‘Cantwell Fires Staffer Arrested in Child Sex Sting’
Michael Savage Sues Muslim Group and Attacks Islam
Published 1, December 4, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Torts 8 CommentsTalk show host Michael Savage has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against the Council on American-Islamic Relations in an action that threatens journalistis and bloggers and advocacy groups that use material from broadcast and radio programs. The filing seems calculated more to allow Savage to defame an organization than to seek real legal relief. Continue reading ‘Michael Savage Sues Muslim Group and Attacks Islam’
Iowa Prison Program that Saves Prisoner “Pagans” is Ruled Unconstitutional
Published 1, December 4, 2007 Constitutional Law 5 CommentsThe 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that an evangelical program at Iowa’s Newton Newton Correctional Facility violates the First Amendment by using state funds to support a particular religion. Continue reading ‘Iowa Prison Program that Saves Prisoner “Pagans” is Ruled Unconstitutional’
Aide to Senator Cantwell Arrested
Published 1, December 3, 2007 Bizarre , Congress , Criminal law , Politics 1 CommentJames McHaney, a 28-year-old staffer to Senator Maria Cantwell has been arrested in a sting during his lunch hour for trying to arrange for a sexual encounter with a 13 year-old boy.The sting was arranged through a cooperating witness. Continue reading ‘Aide to Senator Cantwell Arrested’
No Criminal Charges Against Lori Drew in Megan Meier MySpace Suicide
Published 1, December 3, 2007 Criminal law , Justice , Torts 2 CommentsThe prosecutors have made public that they will not charge Lori Drew in the infamous Megan Meier case in which a teenager committed suicide after Drew allegedly created a false and ultimately abusive personality on MySpace. Continue reading ‘No Criminal Charges Against Lori Drew in Megan Meier MySpace Suicide’
Studies on Teen Brains Leads Some States to Reconsider Laws Charging Them as Adults
Published 1, December 3, 2007 Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Torts 3 CommentsStates have been increasingly charging teens as adults in response to public pressure for tougher laws. Now, however, science appears to question the basis for such laws — showing that the teenage brain is still forming in substantial ways. Continue reading ‘Studies on Teen Brains Leads Some States to Reconsider Laws Charging Them as Adults’
Latest Debt Figure: $30,000 Per Family; Grows $1 Million Per Minute
Published 1, December 3, 2007 Bizarre , Politics 3 CommentsPresident Bush has been criticized by members of both parties as something of a spendthift. With $1.7 trillion for the Afghanistan and Iraq wars alone, his administration has left a soaring debt, that now amounts to $30,000 per family. Continue reading ‘Latest Debt Figure: $30,000 Per Family; Grows $1 Million Per Minute’
Sudan Grants a Pardon of Remaining 6 Days to Teacher in Mohammad Teddy Bear Case
Published 1, December 3, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice 1 CommentThe President of the Sudan announced that he has shown mercy and will pardon Gillian Gibbons, the teacher at the center of the Mohammad Teddy bear case. Continue reading ‘Sudan Grants a Pardon of Remaining 6 Days to Teacher in Mohammad Teddy Bear Case’
Canada Finds Asbestos in Chinese CSI Fingerprinting Kit Made for CBS
Published 1, December 3, 2007 Bizarre , Torts Leave a CommentThe latest toy from the good people of the Chinese fun shop: a CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit that uses asbestos. Continue reading ‘Canada Finds Asbestos in Chinese CSI Fingerprinting Kit Made for CBS’
Black Firefighter Allegedly Planted Baltimore Noose Picture and Rope
Published 1, December 2, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics Leave a CommentThe Baltimore Sun is reporting that the recent discovery of a rope and picture of a noose was a hoax, allegedly planted by African-American fire fighter and paramedic Donald Maynard. Continue reading ‘Black Firefighter Allegedly Planted Baltimore Noose Picture and Rope’
Talk Show Host Michael Savage Sues Muslim Advocacy Group CAIR for Copyright Infringement
Published 1, December 2, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Lawyering , Politics , Torts 18 CommentsTalk show host Michael Savage has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against the Council on American-Islamic Relations in an action that threatens journalistis and bloggers and advocacy groups that use material from broadcast and radio programs. Continue reading ‘Talk Show Host Michael Savage Sues Muslim Advocacy Group CAIR for Copyright Infringement’
Bush Administration Claims New Privileges in Renewed Effort to Conceal Contacts with Jack Abramoff
Published 1, December 2, 2007 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics 2 CommentsThe Bush Administration is seeking to use a new privilege argument to try, again, to withholding records of the visits of convicted lobbyist jack Abramoff to the White House. The new claims mirror the so-called secret service privilege that failed during the Clinton Administration. Continue reading ‘Bush Administration Claims New Privileges in Renewed Effort to Conceal Contacts with Jack Abramoff’
U.S. to British Court: We Have the Right to Kidnap Your Citizens if Your Courts Do Not Extradite Them
Published 1, December 2, 2007 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Lawyering 2 CommentsIf a court statement that confirmed every stereotype of the United States as a rogue nation, the lawyer representing the U.S. in a British Court in a case involving Stanley Tollman, a former director of Chelsea football club and a friend of Baroness Thatcher, and his wife Beatrice. Continue reading ‘U.S. to British Court: We Have the Right to Kidnap Your Citizens if Your Courts Do Not Extradite Them’
Colorado Court Orders Police to Return Couple’s Pot After Illegal Search
Published 1, December 1, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Torts Leave a CommentA court in Fort Collins has ordered the police to return the property taken in an unlawful search and seizure of James and Lisa Masters last summer, including their marijuana. Continue reading ‘Colorado Court Orders Police to Return Couple’s Pot After Illegal Search’
A man in Nassau County was found to be liable for child support after he said that he donated sperm to a female co-worker as a friend. The case adds another controversy to the field where a court recently held that a mother could put a child up for adoption without informing the father of the birth. Continue reading ‘Sperm Donor Found Liable For Child Support’
Francis Morrissey, Lawyer to Brooke Astor, Indicted
Published 1, December 1, 2007 Criminal law , Lawyering Leave a CommentFrancis X. Morrissey Jr., 65, a New York attorney formally turned himself in to face criminal charges related to the alleged bilking of philanthropist Brooke Astor’s $198 million estate — with the alleged cooperation of her son Anthony Marshall. This is not the first time Morrissey has faced such allegations. Continue reading ‘Francis Morrissey, Lawyer to Brooke Astor, Indicted’
French Developing Air Drone to Shoot Tasers into Crowds
Published 1, December 1, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice 1 CommentFor those of us concerned about the expanded use and abuse of taser technology, we have not seen anything yet. A French company is developing a flying drone that can shoot tasers at people in large crowds. Continue reading ‘French Developing Air Drone to Shoot Tasers into Crowds’
Protesters Call for the Death of the Teacher in the Mohammad Teddy Bear Case
Published 1, December 1, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice Leave a CommentLarge crowds in Sudan are calling for British teacher Gillian Gibbons, 54, to be put to death for allowing her young students to name a teddy bear “Mohammad.” Continue reading ‘Protesters Call for the Death of the Teacher in the Mohammad Teddy Bear Case’
Officers Accused of Protecting Fellow Officers From Criminal Charges in Illinois and Georgia
Published 1, December 1, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice 1 CommentPolice have been accused of protecting fellow officers in the high-profile Peterson and Crane cases in Georgia and Illinois. Continue reading ‘Officers Accused of Protecting Fellow Officers From Criminal Charges in Illinois and Georgia’
Recent Comments