Archive for July, 2008

Federal Court Rules Against Bush Administration on Subpoenas

Published 1, July 31, 2008 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 23 Comments

For months, many experts (including myself) have been arguing that the Bush Administration’s claim of privilege in the congressional investigations (and the refusal to comply with subpoenas) is untenable, if not laughable. Nevertheless, Attorney General Mukasey has refused to allow a grand jury to see the evidence of the criminal contempt by Bush Administration officials. Now, a federal judge has ruled against the Administration. Judge John Bates has found that the Administration must comply with the subpoenas in the cases of he president’s chief of staff, Josh Bolten, and former legal counsel Harriet Miers on the firing of nine U.S. Attorneys. The decision not only puts pressure on Mukasey to stop his obstruction of the process, but it clearly reaffirms the view of many that Karl Rove is also in flagrant contempt.

Continue reading ‘Federal Court Rules Against Bush Administration on Subpoenas’

Speaker Pelosi Declares That There is No Evidence of Any Crime by President Bush

Published 1, July 31, 2008 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Media , Politics , Society 57 Comments

After blocking any serious investigation or impeachment hearings on crimes committed by President Bush, Speaker Nancy Pelosi finally addressed the allegations of presidential crimes on that forum of deep intellectual and legal thought: the television show The View. She agreed to answer a question from Joy Behar, who will have to suffice as a substitute for Peter Rodino. In a perfectly bizarre moment, Pelosi stated that there is simply no evidence of any crime committed by the President despite the findings of the International Red Cross, various international groups, and a legion of constitutional experts. It seems that America has now had its impeachment hearing before the august body of Whoopi Goldberg, Barbara Walters, Joy Bahar, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. If you feared that our democracy is de-evolving into a caricature of itself, just watch this video.

Continue reading ‘Speaker Pelosi Declares That There is No Evidence of Any Crime by President Bush’

Afghan Journalist Faces Death if Convicted of Blasphemy — and Death If He Is Acquitted

Published 1, July 31, 2008 Uncategorized 16 Comments

In Afghanistan, journalist Ghaws Zalmay faces the death penalty for printing a translation of the Koran (Qur’an) in in Dari, one of Afghanistan’s official languages. Yet, even if he is acquitted religious leaders are promising that he will still be put to death for his blasphemy as required under Sharia law. It is certainly a good thing that we got the Taliban out of power.

Continue reading ‘Afghan Journalist Faces Death if Convicted of Blasphemy — and Death If He Is Acquitted’

Evangelical Preacher Arrested for Murder of Wife Found in Freezer

Published 1, July 31, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 9 Comments

In a scene reminiscent of Robert Duvall’s character in The Apostle, Evangelist Anthony Hopkins, 37, was preaching on forgiveness when the police arrived to arrest him for the murder of his wife. The arrest in Mobile, Alabama, came after a relative alerted police to a body in a freezer in his home with eight children. His wife 36-year-old Arletha Hopkins hasn’t been seen for three years.
Continue reading ‘Evangelical Preacher Arrested for Murder of Wife Found in Freezer’

High Caliber Entertainment: Disney Loses Challenge to Florida Gun Law: Employees May Start to Bring Guns to the Magic Kingdom

Published 1, July 31, 2008 Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 24 Comments

A federal judge in Jacksonville, Florida has ruled against Disney in its effort to block employees from bringing guns to work under a new state law. However, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle did uphold the right of the company to bar customers from bringing guns. This means that Grumby can now pack a sidearm as the ultimate disgruntled employees arrives each morning for work.
Continue reading ‘High Caliber Entertainment: Disney Loses Challenge to Florida Gun Law: Employees May Start to Bring Guns to the Magic Kingdom’

Jail Bait High: Texas High School to Force Troublemakers to Wear Prison Jumpsuits

Published 1, July 30, 2008 Academics , Bizarre , Society 20 Comments

Gonzales High School educators seem to believe that outfitting their students like prisoners is good training for American society in the twenty-first century. They have purchased the jumpsuits for violators of the school dress code. The biggest surprise is that the school was not named after former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales but the Texas town itself.

Continue reading ‘Jail Bait High: Texas High School to Force Troublemakers to Wear Prison Jumpsuits’

Police Officers Honored After Raiding Wrong Home and Shooting Up House Occupied by a Family of Eight

Published 1, July 30, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 8 Comments

One can certainly understand why the Khang family is a bit confused. This week the Minneapolis police department gave awards to eight police officers who raided the wrong home last year and exchanged gunfire with the father of six who thought that the house was being burglarized. The police have apologized for shooting up the home containing Khang, his wife, and six children aged 3 to 15. It didn’t help much. The house was destroyed and they could not afford to fix it up — and ultimately lost the house altogether.

Continue reading ‘Police Officers Honored After Raiding Wrong Home and Shooting Up House Occupied by a Family of Eight’

Pool Company President Criminally Charged in Death of Six-Year-Old Boy From Drain Accident

Published 1, July 30, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 3 Comments

There is an interesting criminal case in Connecticut that falls on the borderline between criminal law and torts. The president of a residential pool company was criminally charged with manslaughter for the death of six-year-old Zachary Cohn, who drowned after having his arm caught in a pool drain. Prosecutors allege that David Lionetti, president of Shoreline Pools, knew of the problem with the drain. This is only the latest tragic death involving such drains in pools, click here.

Continue reading ‘Pool Company President Criminally Charged in Death of Six-Year-Old Boy From Drain Accident’

Shock Video: Police Officer Under Investigation After Video Shows Him Body-Checking Bicyclist

Published 1, July 30, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 6 Comments

A New York City officer is under investigation after the video below showed him body-checking a bicyclist at a Times Square demonstration called the Critical Mass Ride. What is astonishing is that The biker, Christopher Long, of Hoboken, N.J., was arrested because he was obstructing traffic in the heart of Times Square, a criminal complaint said. He was charged with attempted assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. The officer has now been identified as Patrick Pogan, a 22-year-old rookie cop. click here. Continue reading ‘Shock Video: Police Officer Under Investigation After Video Shows Him Body-Checking Bicyclist’

AYSOS: Father and Three Men Kidnap and Torture Teen Over Mistaken Belief that He Sent Harassing Text Messages to Daughter

Published 1, July 30, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 15 Comments

In England, James McPhilbin (the first pictured man) was facing a common concern as a father. He was told that a teen boy was sending his daughter harassing text messages. Where most dads would call the parents or even speak to the boy, James’ nephew, Anthony McPhilbin, and two men (Alex Duff and Anthony Morton — shown above) decided to kidnap the kid. He was then taken to an apartment, torturing and stabbed with a knife. The 17-year-old proved to be innocent and the four men proved the value of AYSOS as a text message.
Continue reading ‘AYSOS: Father and Three Men Kidnap and Torture Teen Over Mistaken Belief that He Sent Harassing Text Messages to Daughter’

Senator Ted Stevens Indicted — At Last

Published 1, July 29, 2008 Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 20 Comments

For many years, Ted Stevens has been the virtual symbol of corruption in Washington, making himself a multimillionaire while serving in Congress. Despite detailed accounts of the shady dealings of Stevens and his family, Alaskans continued to return him to Washington where he and colleagues like Don Young tarnished the reputation of both houses. He is now a criminally indicted defendant, though the current allegations constitute small change in comparison to some of the past controversies surrounding the Stevens clan. The Stevens indictment is below.

Continue reading ‘Senator Ted Stevens Indicted — At Last’

Federal Court Upholds Sentences of Border Agents Ramos and Compean

Published 1, July 29, 2008 Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 25 Comments

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has upheld the controversial sentences of former Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean for the shooting of an unarmed illegal immigrant and admitted drug smuggler — and then lying about the incident. While the court vacated the convictions on tampering with an official proceeding, it left the rest of the case intact — upholding the lengthy sentences for both men.

Continue reading ‘Federal Court Upholds Sentences of Border Agents Ramos and Compean’

Ohio Re-Opens Notorious Murder Case: Charges Morgue Employee for Sexual Assault of Corpse

Published 1, July 29, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 9 Comments

A truly bizarre case has been docketed in Cincinnati where Ohio citizens (and family members of a victim) are having to revisit one of the state’s most heinous murders. Kenneth Douglas, 55, has been charged with sexual assault of a corpse in 1982 when he worked as a morgue attendant. He was discovered through DNA evidence in an obviously disgusting case but one that raises some pretty difficult legal questions. It is also a case where police assumed that the man who murdered Karen Range must have been the same person who raped her but the evidence did not match his blood type. It turned out far worse than they imagined.
Continue reading ‘Ohio Re-Opens Notorious Murder Case: Charges Morgue Employee for Sexual Assault of Corpse’

Make Love Not War: France Deals With a Outburst of Affection at Vimy Memorial

Published 1, July 29, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 13 Comments

France is dealing with a uniquely French crime wave: people stripping or having sex at the World War I memorial to the Battle of Vimy Ridge. As with a growing number of cases in the United States of crimes caught on YouTube, the latest couple was caught after they posted their liaison on the Internet.
Continue reading ‘Make Love Not War: France Deals With a Outburst of Affection at Vimy Memorial’

Uncle Sam Wants You, or Else: Media Catches Military Recruiter Lying and Threatening Teenager

Published 1, July 29, 2008 Bizarre , Military , Society 21 Comments

Irving Gonzalez signed a non-binding contract with the Army that allowed him to back out of joining the military at any time before appearing for boot camp. However, Army recruiter Sgt. Glenn Marquette was not going to lose a sale to a little act of free will, so he lied to the teenager — threatening jail time if he didn’t show up. The Army responded quickly. They reprimanded Marquette and then later quietly promoted him.
Continue reading ‘Uncle Sam Wants You, or Else: Media Catches Military Recruiter Lying and Threatening Teenager’

Report: Bush Administration Officials Violated Federal Law and Politicized Hiring at the Justice Department

Published 1, July 28, 2008 Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 42 Comments

The Justice Department Inspector General Office has completed its review of allegations of violations of federal law by Bush officials in the hiring of prosecutors and immigration judges. The 140-page report found that former Alberto Gonzales aides Monica Goodling or former Gonzales chief of staff Kyle Sampson broke federal law and used politics rather than merit to select both attorneys and immigration judges. This will be the subject of my discussion tonight on MSNBC Countdown, click here.

Continue reading ‘Report: Bush Administration Officials Violated Federal Law and Politicized Hiring at the Justice Department’

Marital Splat: Man Charged with Driving Around With Wife on Roof

Published 1, July 28, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 16 Comments

Now this makes for an interesting vehicular assault charge: the victim was not in front of the car or even under the car, but on its roof. Diamond Mircea, 29, of Islip Terrace, N.Y., is charged with assault and drunk driving when he took off with his wife, Monica Mircea, 25, on the roof of his car. She fell off a block later. They were only recently married though the minister may have left out the reservation of “Till Brakes Do Us Apart.”

Continue reading ‘Marital Splat: Man Charged with Driving Around With Wife on Roof’

Getting Right with God: Church Shooter Allegedly Targeted Knoxville Church Due to its Liberal Views

Published 1, July 28, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 158 Comments

Knoxville, Tenn. police has released a statement that a letter in the car of church shooter Jim D. Adkisson reveals that he targeted the congregation due to its liberal views on civil liberties and women’s and gay rights. Adkisson killed two people at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in the middle of a children’s performance.

Continue reading ‘Getting Right with God: Church Shooter Allegedly Targeted Knoxville Church Due to its Liberal Views’

U.S. Military Admits to Killing Three Innocent Iraqis By Spraying Their Car with Hundreds of Rounds

Published 1, July 28, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Military , Society 19 Comments

It is certainly becoming more and more clear why the Iraqi government wants a date for the withdrawal of our troops from their territory. The U.S. military has admitted that it killed a man and two women on their way to a bank by spraying their car with hundreds of rounds. Moreover, it is now clear that the military gave false information after the killings to the public and the media. Iraqi officials are now calling it murder while the military insists that the soldiers acted correctly.

Continue reading ‘U.S. Military Admits to Killing Three Innocent Iraqis By Spraying Their Car with Hundreds of Rounds’

Correctional Fluid: Omaha Drunken Driver Tries to Hide Intoxication by Drinking White Out at Station

Published 1, July 28, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments

In Omaha, Nebraska, Juan Briceno had a sudden flash of brilliance. Before the police administered his breathalyzer, he downed a bottle of Wite-Out on the officer’s desk. It turns out that white out does not affect the alcohol in your system. It does, however, turn your tongue and lips white. The video is linked below.
Continue reading ‘Correctional Fluid: Omaha Drunken Driver Tries to Hide Intoxication by Drinking White Out at Station’

Serbia Refuses to Extradite Basketball Star Accused of Brutal Assault on College Student

Published 1, July 28, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 10 Comments

The United States Senate is getting involved in a growing conflict between the United States and Serbia over the unlawful flight of Miladin Kovacevic, a star basketball player who was on bail for an assault on college student, Bryan Steinhauer. Both were students at Binghamton College. Steinhauer has been in a coma since the attack and now weighs only 100 pounds.

Continue reading ‘Serbia Refuses to Extradite Basketball Star Accused of Brutal Assault on College Student’

Show Stopper: Iran Hangs 30 People

Published 1, July 27, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 23 Comments

Iran will impress the world today with a demonstration of its technical abilities by hanging 30 people for a variety of crimes from drug possession to simple felonies, including disturbing public safety and security, being a public nuisance while drunk and being involved in illegal relationships. Iran is second only to China in its rate of execution. China currently has the lead with 470 last year to Iran’s 317. This will, however, make a bent in the deficit.
Continue reading ‘Show Stopper: Iran Hangs 30 People’

Shock Video: Toledo Minister Beaten and Tasered After Alleged Joke to Security Guards

Published 1, July 27, 2008 Criminal law , Society 36 Comments

Rev. Al Poisson may be looking for some new material. The minister claims that he merely made a passing joke to a security guard when he was dragged out of a hospital, beaten, and tasered. Regardless of the catalyst, the video below has raised some serious questions on the level of force being used on this 66-year-old minister.
Continue reading ‘Shock Video: Toledo Minister Beaten and Tasered After Alleged Joke to Security Guards’

Outraged by Picture of Israeli Soldiers Shooting of Handcuffed Palestinian, Israeli Commentator Objects to Palestinians Being Given Cameras

Published 1, July 27, 2008 Bizarre , Justice , Media , Military , Politics , Society 51 Comments

Prominent journalist and radio host Uri Orbach has a curious sense of outrage. In a column, Orbach describes the outcry after the release of a recent picture of a handcuffed Palestinian being shot by an Israeli soldier with a rubber bullet at close range. Instead of decrying the need for better training or calling for justice, however, Orbach is infuriated that Palestinians have been given cameras to allow them to record such abuses.
Continue reading ‘Outraged by Picture of Israeli Soldiers Shooting of Handcuffed Palestinian, Israeli Commentator Objects to Palestinians Being Given Cameras’

Bermudan President’s Son and Well-Known Doctor Arrested for Sexual Assault

Published 1, July 27, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 2 Comments

Dr. Kevin Antario Brown is a well known figure in high society. He is the son of was Bermuda Premier Ewart Brown and runs a medical charity. Now, he is accused of molesting eight patients, including a 15-year-old teenager. The case is particularly serious given the use of an undercover agent — an element that heavily influences a jury.

Continue reading ‘Bermudan President’s Son and Well-Known Doctor Arrested for Sexual Assault’

4COL d00d! Man Arrested After Hitting and Killing Pedestrian While Texting and Driving

Published 1, July 27, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments

In York, Pa., Brian Widmayer, 21, has been charged with a crime for our times: killing a man by running over him while text messaging. David Peters, 43, was walking across the street when Widmayer was responding to a text message and driving through an intersection.
Continue reading ’4COL d00d! Man Arrested After Hitting and Killing Pedestrian While Texting and Driving’

Not-So-Noble Savage: Court Dismisses Michael Savage’s Lawsuit Against Islamic Group

Published 1, July 26, 2008 Bizarre , Courts , Religion , Society , Torts 26 Comments

In an earlier blog, we discussed a clearly meritless lawsuit by rabid radio take show host Michael Savage, here. A federal judge in San Francisco dismissed the conservative commentator’s lawsuit against Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, for copyright infringement.

Continue reading ‘Not-So-Noble Savage: Court Dismisses Michael Savage’s Lawsuit Against Islamic Group’

Using Tasers Over Mace: Police Taser Teenage Boy With Broken Back Up to 19 Times

Published 1, July 26, 2008 Uncategorized 52 Comments

In Ozark, Missouri, a family is wondering why their 16-year-old son Mace Hutchinson was hit by tasers up to 19 times after he fell (or jumped) from an overpass and broke his back.

Continue reading ‘Using Tasers Over Mace: Police Taser Teenage Boy With Broken Back Up to 19 Times’

McCain Proposes American Version of the Prime Minister Question Session

Published 1, July 26, 2008 Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 37 Comments

Sen. John McCain has proposed the adoption of an American version of the Prime Minister Question Session where he would appear before the Senate regularly for unscripted exchanges. I have long advocated such a tradition in the United States and it was the subject of a NPR story.

Continue reading ‘McCain Proposes American Version of the Prime Minister Question Session’

Clipped: Wisconin Man Arrested After Shooting Lawn Boy

Published 1, July 26, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 3 Comments

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Keith Walendowski, 56, was upset with his lawn mower, which refused to start. In classic Bill Mauldin fashion, he then proceeded to shoot the lawn boy. He is now charged with a felony for possession of a short-barreled shotgun or rifle and a misdemeanor for disorderly conduct while armed.

Continue reading ‘Clipped: Wisconin Man Arrested After Shooting Lawn Boy’

Dial M for Martini: Women Charged With Killing Husband With Cocktail Glass

Published 1, July 26, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 7 Comments

In Robert Dahl’s essay, Lamb to the Slaughter, the wife kills her husband with a frozen leg of lamb and then destroys the evidence by feeding it to the investigators. In Newark, N.J., 76-year-old Marlene Mackenzie was certainly as creative but not nearly as successful: she killed 80-year-old Robert Mackenzie by throwing a cocktail glass at his head.
Continue reading ‘Dial M for Martini: Women Charged With Killing Husband With Cocktail Glass’

National Enquirer Reporters File Criminal Complaint in Edwards Controversy

Published 1, July 25, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society , Torts 22 Comments

National Enquirer reporters Alan Butterfield and Alexander Hitchen have filed a criminal complaint with the Beverly Hills Police Department against the security staff of the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The paper is also not backing off from its story — virtually daring Edwards to file a defamation lawsuit.

Continue reading ‘National Enquirer Reporters File Criminal Complaint in Edwards Controversy’

Last Lecture: Professor Randy Pausch Dies

Published 1, July 25, 2008 Academics , Society 9 Comments

Carnegie Mellon University professor Dr. Randy Pausch, 47, died of pancreatic cancer today. Pausch inspired the nation with his “last lecture,” a moving discussion of his life and his approaching death. This story became the subject of a best seller and his lecture below was viewed by millions.

Continue reading ‘Last Lecture: Professor Randy Pausch Dies’

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Accused of Assault on Police Deputy

Published 1, July 25, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 12 Comments

Detroit politicians continue their almost daily contributions to the criminal blogs and blotters. Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is now being investigated for allegedly assaulting a deputy accompanying an investigator for the Wayne County prosecutor at the home of the mayor’s sister. The officers were attempting to serve a subpoena on Bobby Ferguson, a city contractor and close friend of Kilpatrick. The mayor’s sister, Ayanna Kilpatrick, is married to Daniel Ferguson, a cousin of Bobby Ferguson.
Continue reading ‘Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Accused of Assault on Police Deputy’

L.A. Times Bars Bloggers From Covering Edwards Affair Story

Published 1, July 25, 2008 Uncategorized 22 Comments

In an extraordinary act of self-censorship, the Los Angeles Times has asked its bloggers not to discuss the Edwards story about his alleged affair and child with Rielle Hunter. The story was broken by the National Enquirer after allegedly catching Edwards at a hotel with the woman.

Continue reading ‘L.A. Times Bars Bloggers From Covering Edwards Affair Story’

The Thin Blog Line: Memphis Police Chief Godwin Sues to Learn Identity of Anonymous Bloggers

Published 1, July 25, 2008 Criminal law , Politics , Society 6 Comments

Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin and the city of Memphis appear to have such excess of amounts of money and time that they have decided to pursue Internet bloggers critical of their work. They have filed to try to learn who has been filing critical entries under MPD Enforcer 2.0.
Continue reading ‘The Thin Blog Line: Memphis Police Chief Godwin Sues to Learn Identity of Anonymous Bloggers’

“Spam King” Eddie Davidson Escapes from Jail Then Kills Wife, Daughter, and Himself

Published 1, July 25, 2008 Uncategorized 4 Comments

“Spam King” Edward ‘Eddie’ Davidson, his wife and 3-year-old daughter escaped recently from the minimum-security federal prison in Florence, Colorado. He has now been found dead after shooting his wife and three-year-old daughter.
Continue reading ‘“Spam King” Eddie Davidson Escapes from Jail Then Kills Wife, Daughter, and Himself’

Bad Habit: Nebraska Nun Sentenced for Embezzlement; Seeks to Withdraw Plea

Published 1, July 25, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 7 Comments

There is the Flying Nun and now there is the Embezzling Nun. Sister Barbara Markey, 73, apparently was never quite comfortable with her vow of poverty. She pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $250,000 from the Omaha archdiocese. After she was sentenced to three to five years in prison by an irate Nebraska judge, she asked Judge Thomas Otepka let out of the plea and go to trial.

Continue reading ‘Bad Habit: Nebraska Nun Sentenced for Embezzlement; Seeks to Withdraw Plea’

The Bybee Memo: How to Torture and Avoid a Criminal Charge on Technicality

Published 1, July 25, 2008 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Military , Society 26 Comments

The Bush Administration has released torture memos that reveal the extent to which officials laid the groundwork for a criminal defense in its torture program. The 2002 memos instructed interrogators in a good-faith defense for any claim that they were committing federal crimes.

Continue reading ‘The Bybee Memo: How to Torture and Avoid a Criminal Charge on Technicality’

Rudy’s Son Demands a Mulligan: Andrew Giuliani Sues For Wrongful Dismissal From Duke Team

Published 1, July 24, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Society , Torts 27 Comments

Andrew Giuliani, son of Rudy Giuliani, has gone to court to fight for his right to golf on teh Duke University team. He was recently thrown off the team with little notice or explanation by its coach, O.D. Vincent. The filing is based on a loose theory of contract, even though decisions of eligibility are generally viewed as matter of discretion for university staff.

Continue reading ‘Rudy’s Son Demands a Mulligan: Andrew Giuliani Sues For Wrongful Dismissal From Duke Team’

Max Mosley Wins Privacy Action for Disclosure of Sadomasochistic Nazi-Themed Orgy

Published 1, July 24, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments

Formula One racing head Max Mosley has won a lawsuit in London alleging an invasion of privacy by News of the World for their release of pictures and a video of his sadomasochistic fantasy Nazi-themed party with prostitutes. The newspaper was ordered to pay $120,000 plus his legal fees and costs.

Continue reading ‘Max Mosley Wins Privacy Action for Disclosure of Sadomasochistic Nazi-Themed Orgy’

Plain Jane: Judge Orders Name Change for “Talula Does the Hula”

Published 1, July 24, 2008 Bizarre , Courts , Society 11 Comments

A New Zealand judge, Rob Murfitt, has taken custody from parents of a nine-year-old girl so that he can chose a better name than Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii.” It is clear that these parents should be under psychiatric analysis, but there is an interesting question of whether you can lose custody, even briefly, for picking a bad name.

Continue reading ‘Plain Jane: Judge Orders Name Change for “Talula Does the Hula”’

Federal Court Strikes Down Colorado Law Limiting College Scholarships to Exclude “Pervasively Sectarian” Schools

Published 1, July 24, 2008 Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 26 Comments

A very interesting decision has emerged out of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Former law school professor (and potential candidate for the Supreme Court) Michael W. McConnell wrote the opinion that the limitation to colleges other than those “pervasively sectarian” violates the Constitution as discrimination against certain religions.
Continue reading ‘Federal Court Strikes Down Colorado Law Limiting College Scholarships to Exclude “Pervasively Sectarian” Schools’

Man Jailed and Criminally Charged for Theft of 42 Cents

Published 1, July 24, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 10 Comments

When Laslo Mujzer, 43, saw the donations in a Florida mall fountain, he clearly decided that he was a good candidate for charity. He took 42 cents before a woman alerted the mall security force. Now, Mujzer is facing a criminal charge of misdemeanor theft. Bail alone costs $500, leaving him $499.58 short.
Continue reading ‘Man Jailed and Criminally Charged for Theft of 42 Cents’

Something Borrowed, Someone Sued: One Bride Wins $150,000 After Being Jilted While Another is Sued for Being Too “Ugly”

Published 1, July 24, 2008 Bizarre , Religion , Society , Torts 8 Comments

RoseMary Shell was not willing to become just another jilted bride. When Wayne Gibbs refused to be her husband, a personal injury lawyer was willing to say “I do.” Now a Georgia jury has awarded Shell $150,000 for the breaking of a marital contract by her former fiance. In the meantime, a Hindu family in Massachusetts is suing for a contractual breach in an arranged marriage when the girl proved unattractive.
Continue reading ‘Something Borrowed, Someone Sued: One Bride Wins $150,000 After Being Jilted While Another is Sued for Being Too “Ugly”’

Columnist Robert Novak Accused of a Hit and Run in Washington

Published 1, July 23, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Society , Torts 58 Comments

Columnist Robert Novak has a reputation for being an aggressive and fast driver. It may now have put him into legal jeopardy. He is accused of hitting a man in his black Corvette who was lawfully crossing in a pedestrian walkway in Washington and then speeding from the scene — only to be stopped a block away by an attorney who chased him on a bicycle. Novak joked in 2001 about his hatred for jaywalkers and the option of running them over. A video of the aftermath is linked below.

Continue reading ‘Columnist Robert Novak Accused of a Hit and Run in Washington’

Detroit Descends into Chaos with New Criminal Charges and Investigations

Published 1, July 23, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 9 Comments

Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac must be wondering why he bothered in 1701 to found the city. Detroit’s government continues its downward spiral toward collapse with new indictments, criminal allegations, and scandal. The federal prosecutors have introduced a superseding indictment alleging more lies from Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick about past affairs. In the meantime, city council members are now under criminal investigation for other crimes while they also engage in bizarre public arguments.

Continue reading ‘Detroit Descends into Chaos with New Criminal Charges and Investigations’

Politics of Adhesion: PM Gordon Glued to Glass in Plane Stupid Stunt

Published 1, July 23, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Society 7 Comments

Dan Glass, a member of the appropriately named climate change pressure group Plane Stupid, unsuccessfully tried to superglue himself to Prime Minister Gordon at a Downing Street reception. He was unsuccessful and worse yet, the British allowed him to stay at the reception after laughing off the attempt.
Continue reading ‘Politics of Adhesion: PM Gordon Glued to Glass in Plane Stupid Stunt’

FBI Accused of Trying to Bury Findings That Raised Questions Over DNA Claims

Published 1, July 23, 2008 Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 21 Comments

The FBI is accused of launching a coordinated effort to bury the results of a finding by an Arizona crime lab analyst, Kathryn Troyer, that individuals may have very similar DNA profiles. The finding throws into question the claims made in court about the unlikelihood of two individuals sharing such similarities. Where such matches have been portrayed as 1 in 113 billion — a virtual guarantee of conviction — it turns out to be more common. Rather than being concerned over past representations in court and the accuracy of its work, the FBI reportedly worked diligently to stop other analysts from performing the same tests and to discourage any citation to the study.

Continue reading ‘FBI Accused of Trying to Bury Findings That Raised Questions Over DNA Claims’

Oklahoma Couple Arrested in Massive Bestiality Case

Published 1, July 23, 2008 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Environment , Justice , Society 38 Comments

Oklahoma City may have the largest bestiality case in history — and without question the most disgusting. Diane Sue Whalen 54, and Donald Roy Seigfried, 55, are accused of training their dogs to have sex with Whalen and other women. Whalen was apparently busted by her own son who found 150 tapes of her performing sex acts with the dogs — including a mixed breed and labrador Lucky and Buddy and a blue heeler named Merlin owned by Seigfried. Seigfried allegedly filmed the events.

Continue reading ‘Oklahoma Couple Arrested in Massive Bestiality Case’

Natural Born Killer Sequel In Real Life: Wisconsin Teenager Strangles Girlfriend After Watching Movie

Published 1, July 23, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 44 Comments

Over the years, various lawsuits have been filed against movie makers for the alleged influence that their films had on kids who acted out stunts or acts of violence. They have been entirely rejected, but there may be one more on the way. Eric Tavulares, 18, strangled his 18 year-old childhood girlfriend, Lauren Aljubouri.

Continue reading ‘Natural Born Killer Sequel In Real Life: Wisconsin Teenager Strangles Girlfriend After Watching Movie’

Lieberman Appears With Hagee and Embraces the Controversial Pastor

Published 1, July 23, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Society 36 Comments

John Hagee may be viewed by many as an antisemite, anticatholic, and virulent homophobe, but that did not stop Senator Joe Lieberman from proudly embracing him as a friend and kindred spirit during Hagee’s Christians United for Israel conference.

Continue reading ‘Lieberman Appears With Hagee and Embraces the Controversial Pastor’

Is President Bush Preparing a Preemptive Pardon?

Published 1, July 22, 2008 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 41 Comments

Speculation is growing that President Bush may pardon those officials responsible for the unlawful programs under his Administration. It will be the subject (and possibly the Sunstein controversy) of my discussion on Countdown tonight.

Continue reading ‘Is President Bush Preparing a Preemptive Pardon?’

The Simpson Effect: Doctor Accused of Conspiring to Commit Perjury in ’93 Death of Girlfriend

Published 1, July 22, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 1 Comment

A truly strange case in Boston has now gotten even stranger. Dr. Timothy Stryker, 56, was accused of involvement in the death of his longtime girlfriend, Dr. Lynn Goudey. The 42 year-old doctor’s body was found in her locked Saab at New England Memorial Hospital. In 2006, Stryker was ordered to pay $7 million after a jury found him responsible for the wrongful death. Then, before payment, a witness suddenly came forward to claim to have seen Goudey in her car. The witness Craig Pizzano, was 18 in 1993 and claimed that, after hearing about the O.J. Simpson book, he wanted to clear an innocent man. Now, both Pizzano and Stryker are charged with perjury and subornation of perjury.

Continue reading ‘The Simpson Effect: Doctor Accused of Conspiring to Commit Perjury in ’93 Death of Girlfriend’

Holy Assault and Battery, Batman: Batman Star Christian Bale Arrested for Assault on Mother and Sister

Published 1, July 22, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Society , Torts 4 Comments

Not exactly the press that the flaks were hoping for. Batman star Christian Bale has been arrested for assault on his mother and sister. He could also face a personal injury action — a possibility that seems a bit more likely with a film that shattered the earlier record held by Spiderman (who notably stayed felony-free during both production and syndication). With $156 million in a three-day weekend of sales, it is likely to draw not just viewers but litigants aplenty.

Continue reading ‘Holy Assault and Battery, Batman: Batman Star Christian Bale Arrested for Assault on Mother and Sister’

It’s a Wrap: Walsh-Smith Loses Divorce Claims Despite YouTube Pitch

Published 1, July 22, 2008 Bizarre , Society 5 Comments

Tricia Walsh-Smith, the divorcee made famous by a bitter and popular YouTube attack on her husband, has lost her divorce claims — with the Manhattan judge expressly criticizing her YouTube videos. Philip Smith, a theater mogul and President of the Shubert Organization, is the winner Judge Harold Beeler upheld the pre-nup in the case –limiting Walsh-Smith to $750,000 and telling her to get out of the luxury condo that was the scene of her YouTube creation.

Continue reading ‘It’s a Wrap: Walsh-Smith Loses Divorce Claims Despite YouTube Pitch’

Dark Knight: Batman Actor Christian Bale Accused of Assault by Mother and Sister

Published 1, July 22, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Society 5 Comments

Police allowed Christian Bale and his wife Sibi to attend the European premiere of The Dark Knight despite pending criminal allegations by his mother and sister that he committed assault at the Dorchester Hotel. His mother, Jenny, 61, and his sister, 40, signed out complaints against him, according to media reports.

Continue reading ‘Dark Knight: Batman Actor Christian Bale Accused of Assault by Mother and Sister’

Television Anchor Charged with Federal Crime

Published 1, July 22, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Society 6 Comments

In Philadelphia, former KYW-TV anchor and former “Access Hollywood” anchor Larry Mendte has been charged with federal crimes over his unlawful snooping into the e-mail of his former co-anchor, Alycia Lane. Mendte reportedly gained access into her e-mails hundreds of times and leaked personal information on her social life a Philadelphia Daily News reporter. Lane was eventually dismissed from the station.

Continue reading ‘Television Anchor Charged with Federal Crime’

Dining Out: SUV Plows Into Man in Diner

Published 1, July 22, 2008 Bizarre 1 Comment

This video is simply astonishing of a man who was interrupted in a diner by a careening car. Kenneth Mack Anderson of Wilkesboro, North Carolina was eating at the Coffee House and Waffle Shop when an SUV joined him in his booth.

Continue reading ‘Dining Out: SUV Plows Into Man in Diner’

Florida Judge Reprimanded for Statement in Court Opinion

Published 1, July 22, 2008 Courts , Justice , Lawyering , Politics , Society 1 Comment

A divided Judicial Qualifications Commission in Tallahassee has ruled to reprimand 1st District Court of Appeal Judge Michael E. Allen. For a prior entry, click here.
The panel also suggested an investigation into the subject of Allen’s criticism, fellow Judge Charles J. Kahn Jr. for participating in the appeal of the criminal case against former Senate President W.D. Childers.

Continue reading ‘Florida Judge Reprimanded for Statement in Court Opinion’

Sunbathing with the Corpses: Outcry As Italian Sunbathers Ignore To Dead Girls on Naples Beach

Published 1, July 22, 2008 Bizarre , Society 5 Comments

Europeans are outraged by pictures this week showing two dead teenage girls laid out on a beach with their feet sticking out from under covers. It was not the corpses, however, that shocked many. It was the sunbathers sitting only a few feet away, unconcerned and unbothered by the dead girls as they enjoyed the beach. The fact that the girls were Roma, or gypsies, has added to the controversy.

Continue reading ‘Sunbathing with the Corpses: Outcry As Italian Sunbathers Ignore To Dead Girls on Naples Beach’

Stoning Season: Iran Set to Stone Eight Women and One Man to Death for Adultery

Published 1, July 21, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Society 90 Comments

Despite an international outcry over its medieval legal system, Iran has announced a real crowd pleaser: eight women and one man will be stoned to death for adultery. Iran applies Sharia law and will execute them in the name of Islamic justice.

Continue reading ‘Stoning Season: Iran Set to Stone Eight Women and One Man to Death for Adultery’

Obama Adviser Cass Sunstein Rejects Prosecution of “Non-Egregious” Bush Crimes

Published 1, July 21, 2008 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 102 Comments

With many Democrats still fuming over the refusal of Democratic leaders like Speaker Nancy Pelosi to allow even impeachment hearings into detailed allegations of crimes by President Bush in office, close Obama adviser (and University of Chicago Law Professor) Cass Sunstein recently rejected the notion of prosecuting Bush officials for crimes such as torture and unlawful surveillance. After Sen. Obama’s unpopular vote on the FISA bill, it has triggered a blogger backlash — raising questions about the commitment of the Democrats to do anything other than taking office and reaping the benefits of power.

Continue reading ‘Obama Adviser Cass Sunstein Rejects Prosecution of “Non-Egregious” Bush Crimes’

Ohio Police Taser Blind Woman Suffering From Cancer

Published 1, July 21, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Society 10 Comments

In Dayton, Ohio, citizens are upset over an incident where a blind woman, Denise Harris, 49, suffering from cancer was tasered by police — apparently while she was on the floor. The police insist that they needed to taser her “to control her hand movement.”

Continue reading ‘Ohio Police Taser Blind Woman Suffering From Cancer’

Shock Video: Israeli Soldier Shown Firing a Rubber Bullet into Leg of Blindfolded Palestinian Prisoner at Close Range

Published 1, July 21, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Military , Politics , Society 39 Comments

A video has been released that shows an Israeli soldier filing a rubber bullet at close range into the leg of a Palestinian prisoner who is being held by another soldier. [Warning: The video linked below contains disturbing images]. The video was released by the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem. The victim is reportedly named Ashraf Abu Rahma, 27.

Continue reading ‘Shock Video: Israeli Soldier Shown Firing a Rubber Bullet into Leg of Blindfolded Palestinian Prisoner at Close Range’

San Diego Police Rescue and Then Shoot and Kill Man Who Fell From Gay Pride Cruise

Published 1, July 21, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 4 Comments

Steven Paul Hirschfield, 37, apparently either fell or jumped from a Gay Cruise charter boat in the San Diego Harbor when he was spotted and rescued by police. It would have been just another lucky rescue except for the fact that within minutes Hirschfield was dead from a gunshot wound to the chest. The police insist that Hirschfield suddenly and without provocation started wrestling with one officer, hit him with his taser, and grabbed for his gun.

Continue reading ‘San Diego Police Rescue and Then Shoot and Kill Man Who Fell From Gay Pride Cruise’

Jenny Craig Convict: Inmate Slims Down and Then Escapes Through Vent

Published 1, July 20, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 11 Comments

In Hempstead, Texas, prison guards noticed that Darryl Layne Norris seemed to be watching his weight and slimming down. They found out why when Norris escaped through a foot-wide air vent at the Waller County jail.

Continue reading ‘Jenny Craig Convict: Inmate Slims Down and Then Escapes Through Vent’

Zimbabwe Issues $100 Billion Note — Worth Half a Loaf of Bread

Published 1, July 20, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Society 15 Comments

Zimbabwe has solved the current problem of people having to cart bags of money to the store to pay for food: it issued a $100 billion note, which will not even buy a loaf of bread in the country. The complete free fall of the Zimbabwe economy has become a textbook example of how government policy can destroy an entire country. In the meantime, farmers are being beaten by thugs associated with the government to sign over their land. Yet, Russia vetoed efforts to impose sanctions on the country and specifically its strongman ruler, Robert Mugabe.

Continue reading ‘Zimbabwe Issues $100 Billion Note — Worth Half a Loaf of Bread’

Arab League Denounces Genocide Charges Against Sudan President Omar al-Bashir

Published 1, July 20, 2008 Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 28 Comments

In an act of self-condemnation, the Arab League has denounced the genocide charges and defended Sudan’s president Omar al-Bashir. Many of these 22 countries engage in rampant abuses and torture. While they expressed fears of danger to national sovereignty, there is no doubt a fair measure of concern over their own acts of abuses.
Continue reading ‘Arab League Denounces Genocide Charges Against Sudan President Omar al-Bashir’

Federal Appeals Court Rules that Videos of Animal Cruelty are Protected Speech Under the First Amendment

Published 1, July 20, 2008 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Environment , Society 17 Comments

In an important decision for both environmentalists and free speech advocates, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has overturned the conviction of Robert J. Stevens of Virginia who was convicted of selling videos (including so-called “crush videos”) showing dogfighting and other acts of animal cruelty. Stevens, who not surprisingly lives in a place called of Pittsville, had been sentenced to three years in prison.

Continue reading ‘Federal Appeals Court Rules that Videos of Animal Cruelty are Protected Speech Under the First Amendment’

Book: CIA Found that One-Third of Detainees at Guantanamo Bay Were Not Enemy Combatants in 2002

Published 1, July 20, 2008 Criminal law , Military , Society 31 Comments

In 2002, the Administration was telling the public that the detainees at Guantanamo Bay were the “worst of the worst” and that federal courts had to be barred from access because we could not risk a single detainee being independently reviewed, let alone released. Critics cited violations of international and domestic law but the administration assured the public that these detainees were killers and terrorists. Now, it turns out that the Administration was warned by a CIA analyst that one-third of those detainees were innocent. If anything, he was too conservative. Over fifty percent were later found not to be enemy combatants. The analyst was told that, while he had completed interviews and review of each case, the President had determined that they were all guilty and therefore they were.
Continue reading ‘Book: CIA Found that One-Third of Detainees at Guantanamo Bay Were Not Enemy Combatants in 2002′

Less Bangs for Your Buck: Bush Administration Loses Effort to De-List and Allow Hunting of Gray Wolves

Published 1, July 19, 2008 Environment , Politics , Society 29 Comments

U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy has stopped the controversial hunt for gray wolves in Montana, granting a preliminary injunction restoring the wolves to the endangered list. Given the need to show a likelihood to prevail on the merits, it is an important ruling for environmentalists. The planned hunt was endorsed by the ironically named Ed Bangs, a federal biologist who declared the decision to delist wolves as “a very biologically sound package.” Obviously, a neutral federal judge disagreed with Bangs’ view.

Continue reading ‘Less Bangs for Your Buck: Bush Administration Loses Effort to De-List and Allow Hunting of Gray Wolves’

Pakistani Judge Rules that Kidnapped Girls Who Were Converted to Islam Cannot be Returned to Family — Including One Married Off at 13

Published 1, July 19, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 26 Comments

Pakistani Judge Mian Muhammad Naeem has reportedly ruled that two Christian girls who were kidnapped and then converted to Islam cannot be returned to their family, including Saba Younas, aged 13, who was forced to marry the son of one of the kidnappers. Naeem ruled that the girls “have converted in a legitimate manner to Islam” and therefore cannot be “restored to their family of origin”.

Continue reading ‘Pakistani Judge Rules that Kidnapped Girls Who Were Converted to Islam Cannot be Returned to Family — Including One Married Off at 13′

Girl Interrupted: Woman Accuses Spitzer Call Girl of Stealing Her Identity to Appear on Girls Gone Wild

Published 1, July 19, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 1 Comment

Amber Arpaio, 26, was a “Girl Gone Wild” and apparently didn’t know it. She has sued Ashley Dupre, the former call girl to former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, for stealing her identity. As shocking as it may seem that a high-priced prostitute might also be an identity thief, Arpaio says its true. For her part, Dupre, who recently dropped a lawsuit against Girls Gone Wild, is saying nothing at all.
Continue reading ‘Girl Interrupted: Woman Accuses Spitzer Call Girl of Stealing Her Identity to Appear on Girls Gone Wild’

Sooner v. Satan: Oklahoma Commissioner Reduces Campaign to a Homophobic Comic

Published 1, July 19, 2008 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society , Uncategorized 5 Comments

Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart is facing a tough election, so he has taken a page out of one of the oldest books of politics: he has demonized his opponents as “liberal good ol’ boys,” gays and tools of Satan. In this case, however, the book is a juvenile comic book that Rinehart has written and illustrated. He intends to send the comic book to voters depicting his opponents as Satan-following, Gay-loving liberals terrified of . . . you guessed it . . . Brent Rinehart.
Continue reading ‘Sooner v. Satan: Oklahoma Commissioner Reduces Campaign to a Homophobic Comic’

Yusuf Islam, Formerly Known as Cat Stevens, Wins Libel Action

Published 1, July 19, 2008 Bizarre , Religion , Torts 8 Comments

Yusuf Islam, the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens, accepted damages and an apology this week from World Entertainment News Network for a report that he would not speak with women due to his orthodox Muslim views.
Continue reading ‘Yusuf Islam, Formerly Known as Cat Stevens, Wins Libel Action’

Shock Video: Journalist Films Taliban Execution of Two Women for Prostitution

Published 1, July 18, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Religion , Society 20 Comments

Afghan journalist Rahmatullah Naikzad has released a videotape of the kidnapping and execution of two women, shown below, for their alleged involvement in a prostitution ring. The video is graphic and the viewer can hear that at least one woman screaming. It is another example of the barbarism still carried out by the Taliban under Sharia law. It is also more evidence of the return of the Taliban in a surge of its own in Afghanistan.

Continue reading ‘Shock Video: Journalist Films Taliban Execution of Two Women for Prostitution’

You Go Girl: Barbie Prevails Over the Bratz Girls in Copyright Infringement Case

Published 1, July 18, 2008 Bizarre , Society 4 Comments

In Riverside, California, Mattel has won an impressive victory over the makers of the Bratz doll line. A federal jury has found that MGA Entertainment was guilty of copyright infringement of the maker of the Barbie series.

Continue reading ‘You Go Girl: Barbie Prevails Over the Bratz Girls in Copyright Infringement Case’

Earning Your Bona Fides in the Bush Bada Bing Club: Administration Officials Pushed for Yoo to Head OLC Based on His Support for Torture

Published 1, July 18, 2008 Congress , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 38 Comments

Congressional hearings have revealed that John Yoo was the favored candidate to lead the Office of Legal Counsel at the Justice Department based on a single resume item: his tolerance and support of torture. Alberto Gonzales and Cheney aide David S. Addington fought former Attorney General John Ashcroft, who submitted five names for the position that conspicuously omitted Yoo’s name.

Continue reading ‘Earning Your Bona Fides in the Bush Bada Bing Club: Administration Officials Pushed for Yoo to Head OLC Based on His Support for Torture’

Unlucky Rabbit’s Foot: Hamas TV Sentences Assud the Bunny To Have Paw Cut Off After Theft

Published 1, July 18, 2008 Bizarre , Society 5 Comments

Those gifted storytellers at Hamas television are at it again. Previously, we saw their popular television program for children feature killer puppets and an anti-Israeli Mickey Mouse. Now, the popular Hamas children’s television program shows a giant bunny character who steals money and then has the child host sentence him to having his paw cut off. The letter of the day, it appears, is A for amputation.

Continue reading ‘Unlucky Rabbit’s Foot: Hamas TV Sentences Assud the Bunny To Have Paw Cut Off After Theft’

Burling-esque: Covington & Burling Partner Drops Pants in Front of Audience

Published 1, July 18, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 6 Comments

Every lawyer’s mother told them to wear clean underwear as they left the house in case they end up in an ambulance (presumably that they were chasing). In a rather curious moment, David Remes, a partner with Covington & Burling, showed the importance of this age-old maternal advice when he dropped his pants in front of an audience in Yemen to make a point about the mistreatment of detainees. It is not clear how the barrister burlesque went over in Yemen.

Continue reading ‘Burling-esque: Covington & Burling Partner Drops Pants in Front of Audience’

Ashcroft Defends Waterboarding — Congress Calmly Discusses the U.S. Torture Program

Published 1, July 17, 2008 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Justice , Military 139 Comments

With the Democratic leadership continuing to block any impeachment effort or any serious effort to hold officials liable for the U.S. torture program, Congress was free to hold another bizarre hearing today to calmly discussed our use of torture. Even though current Attorney General continues to evade the question, former Attorney General acknowledged and defended water boarding.

Continue reading ‘Ashcroft Defends Waterboarding — Congress Calmly Discusses the U.S. Torture Program’

Don’t Tazerberry Me, Bro: Cop Threatens Starbucks For Cutting Off Free Coffee

Published 1, July 17, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 12 Comments

Daytona Lt. Major Garvin appears not concerned about the stereotype of cops and donut shops. When a Starbucks cut off free coffee, Garvin allegedly threatened the manager that he might also cut off prompt service. He is now under internal investigation after flunking a polygraph examination.

Continue reading ‘Don’t Tazerberry Me, Bro: Cop Threatens Starbucks For Cutting Off Free Coffee’

Urine a Lot of Trouble, Mr. Patton: Ohio Man Arrested for Collecting Boys’ Urine for Personal Consumption

Published 1, July 17, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 3 Comments

If you ever wondered why we needed a catch-all criminal mischief provision, Allan Patton, 56, has the answer. Patton shut-off the urinals at the Hilliard West Municipal Pool in Ohio and inserted cups so that he could drink the urine of boys. He suffers from what is known as urophilia – which either means being really really crazy or having a sexual fetish involving urine — or both. The case, however, does present a novel issue of the appropriate criminal charge.

Continue reading ‘Urine a Lot of Trouble, Mr. Patton: Ohio Man Arrested for Collecting Boys’ Urine for Personal Consumption’

Lovin’ It or Leavin’ It: Christian Group Boycotts McDonald’s for Supporting Gay Chamber of Commerce

Published 1, July 17, 2008 Bizarre , Society 13 Comments

Ever wonder what the McDonald’s slogan “I’m Lovin’ It” means? The American Family Association thinks it knows: Gays. Not just gays, but gay business people. Well, not just gay business people — that cabal of gay spreading, bottom lining executives known as the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Because McDonald’s made a small corporate donation to the chamber of commerce, the good (and straight) people of the American Family Association has organized a national boycott.
Continue reading ‘Lovin’ It or Leavin’ It: Christian Group Boycotts McDonald’s for Supporting Gay Chamber of Commerce’

Ken’s Been a Bad Boy: Christian Group Protests “S & M Barbie”

Published 1, July 17, 2008 Bizarre , Society 13 Comments

Christian Voice, a group of religious activists with apparently a great deal of time on their hands, has launched a protest against a new outfit of Barbie called Black Canary Barbie. They insist it looks like a dress up for S & M play and is complete “filth” that must be stopped to protect our children — and presumably any impressionable other dolls like the Shrek children dolls.
Continue reading ‘Ken’s Been a Bad Boy: Christian Group Protests “S & M Barbie”’

Ten-Year-Old Girl in Yemen Married and Then Raped — Then Divorced

Published 1, July 16, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Society 34 Comments

Another abuse story is emerging from the Middle East on the treatment of young girls. Nujood Ali, 10, was married to a man in his 30s, who then allegedly raped her. While she is now divorced, she has been criticized for confronting her husband and not accepting her fate. Not only was she denounced by some for not obeying her husband, but under Islamic Sharia law in Yemen, her family had to compensate the accused rapist.

Continue reading ‘Ten-Year-Old Girl in Yemen Married and Then Raped — Then Divorced’

Florida Judge Finds Police Entrapped 94-Year-Old Man With Dementia in Prostitution Sting

Published 1, July 16, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 3 Comments

A very disturbing case has emerged from Florida where police entrapped Frank Milio, a 94-year-old man suffering from dementia. What is remarkable is that prosecutors did not drop these charges. It took a judge to throw them out — allowing Milio to move into an assisted care facility. He is not the only geriatric scooped up by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which seems to developing a reputation for entrapping the elderly. Frank Underhill, 93 (pictured here), was arrested in the same operation.

Continue reading ‘Florida Judge Finds Police Entrapped 94-Year-Old Man With Dementia in Prostitution Sting’

Georgia Police Officer Arrested for Kidnapping and Rape

Published 1, July 16, 2008 Uncategorized 1 Comment

A Cobb County sheriff’s deputy has been arrested and accused of rape, officials said Tuesday. The deputy was fired after the sheriff learned of his arrest.
Officers in Cobb County were eager to track down the man who took a woman at gun point from a bar and then handcuffed and raped her. It allegedly turned out, however, to be another officer: 37-year-old Jason Anthony Bill.

Continue reading ‘Georgia Police Officer Arrested for Kidnapping and Rape’

Boston Firefighter Raises Eyebrows By Competing in Body Builder Competition While on Disability Pay

Published 1, July 16, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 3 Comments

Boston firefighter, Albert Arroyo, has every reason to be proud of his eighth place finish in a body building competition. However, the Boston fire department was more interested in the fact that he is supposed to be on permanent disability after a fall two months hurt his back. As watching the video below, they are now wondering why he can bulk up to Arnold Schwarzenegger size but cannot serve as an inspector with the fire department.
Continue reading ‘Boston Firefighter Raises Eyebrows By Competing in Body Builder Competition While on Disability Pay’

How Not to Avoid Jury Duty: Florida Women Curses Judge and Goes to Jail

Published 1, July 16, 2008 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Justice 3 Comments

On one level, Sarah E. Muller was successful. Muller, 23, did not want to serve on a jury at the Marion County Courthouse Monday. When County Judge R. James McCune Jr. refused to dismiss her, she called him a seven-letter word for an anus. She is now off the jury list and facing a potential six months in jail for contempt.

Continue reading ‘How Not to Avoid Jury Duty: Florida Women Curses Judge and Goes to Jail’

Black Widows Get Two Consecutive Life Sentences

Published 1, July 15, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 10 Comments

In a prior entry, the bizarre case of murderers Helen Golay, 77, and Olga Rutterschmidt, 75, were discussed. The two women (known as the “Black widows”) who killed homeless men for insurance benefits have now been sentenced to two consecutive life terms each.

Continue reading ‘Black Widows Get Two Consecutive Life Sentences’

Not So Finger Lickin’ Good: Nebraska Jury Awards $40,000 to Family Given Urine and Saliva Tainted Food at KFC/Taco Bell

Published 1, July 15, 2008 Bizarre , Society 21 Comments

In Omaha, Nebraska, a police officer and his family won $40,000 in a lawsuit against a KFC/Taco Bell restaurant after it served them food tainted with the saliva and urine of one of the employees. Officer Keith Andrew and his two sons were sickened by the tainted food and, for some bizarre reason, the lawyers for the restaurant thought that this would be a good case to fight in court. Now, “thinking outside the bun” will have a lasting and different meaning for Taco Bell and “finger lickin’ good” for Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Continue reading ‘Not So Finger Lickin’ Good: Nebraska Jury Awards $40,000 to Family Given Urine and Saliva Tainted Food at KFC/Taco Bell’

Putting the Rat Back into Ratatouille: Wisconsin Woman Accused of Planting Cooked Lab Rat in Dish

Published 1, July 15, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 4 Comments

Seasons Restaurant in Grand Chute, Wisconsin likes to proclaim that “our achievements are the result of your expectations.” However, it is the expectations of Debbie R. Miller, 41, that is now the subject of a criminal case. Miller has been arrested for allegedly planting a dead lab rat in a dish and the demanding $500,000 to keep quiet. Prosecutors served up a steamy dish of extortion this week..

Continue reading ‘Putting the Rat Back into Ratatouille: Wisconsin Woman Accused of Planting Cooked Lab Rat in Dish’

Royal Treatment II: Prince Ordered Back to Court in Martha’s Vineyard

Published 1, July 15, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 12 Comments

In an entry yesterday, we looked at the curious case of Saudi prince, Bader Al Saud, 26, who killed Orlando Ramos, 37, in a crosswalk while driving drunk without a valid license. His punishment was a year in a converted home. He then disappeared. The Court has now ordered him to appear to answer for violation of his probation.

Continue reading ‘Royal Treatment II: Prince Ordered Back to Court in Martha’s Vineyard’

Bullies in the Dock: Some Parents Take Their Complaints from the Schoolhouse to the Courthouse

Published 1, July 15, 2008 Bizarre , Columns , Criminal law , Society , Torts , USA Today 11 Comments

Below is today’s column on a growing national trend of parents taking bullying cases to court after receiving no action from school officials. This may be a case where litigation is needed to concentrate the minds of some school officials (and parents of bullies) on the costs of such violence in schools.

Continue reading ‘Bullies in the Dock: Some Parents Take Their Complaints from the Schoolhouse to the Courthouse’

Wendy Whitaker: Another Outrage Emerges From Georgia’s Statutory Rape Law

Published 1, July 15, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 17 Comments

No this is not a story out of Tehran. In Georgia, a federal court is considering an interesting challenge to the state’s sex offender laws. Wendy Whitaker, 28, has had enough. She was put on the sex offender list after being found guilty of having oral sex at 17 with a 15-year-old boy. She has now had to move twice because she is not allowed to live within 1,000 feet of places where children congregate. She has been told that her new home is also off limits because it is near a church.
Continue reading ‘Wendy Whitaker: Another Outrage Emerges From Georgia’s Statutory Rape Law’

Russian Rave: Party Organizers Blind Dozens with Lasers

Published 1, July 14, 2008 Bizarre , Society , Torts 2 Comments

In Moscow, dozens of audience members received retinal burns from a laser light show — some experiencing 80 blindness in affected eyes. It is an astonishing act of negligence in a country with an extremely rudimentary torts system.

Continue reading ‘Russian Rave: Party Organizers Blind Dozens with Lasers’

California Police Shoot and Kill Woman Approaching Them With Crochet Hook

Published 1, July 14, 2008 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 10 Comments

A Salinas, California woman was killed by Salinas police early Sunday morning when she threatened officers with a metal crochet hook. Her family says that Maria Irma De La Torre, 45, was disabled and suffered from seizures.
Continue reading ‘California Police Shoot and Kill Woman Approaching Them With Crochet Hook’

Royal Treatment: Saudi Prince Drives Drunk Without License and Kills a Man — Gets One Year in Converted Home in Martha’s Vineyard

Published 1, July 14, 2008 Criminal law , Justice , Society 8 Comments

In Martha’s Vineyard, they sure know how to punish a prince. Saudi prince, Bader Al Saud, 26, killed Orlando Ramos, 37, in a crosswalk while driving drunk without a valid license. His punishment was a year in a converted home and then he simply disappeared while on probation. He will not, however, be allowed to attend next year’s masked ball or “silly dress” event.

Continue reading ‘Royal Treatment: Saudi Prince Drives Drunk Without License and Kills a Man — Gets One Year in Converted Home in Martha’s Vineyard’

Next Page »

Bookmark and Share

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Turley Tweets

Click here to follow the blog on Twitter.

SELECTED AS TOP LEGAL OPINION BLOG (2011)

SELECTED AS TOP LEGAL THEORY AND LAW PROFESSOR BLOG (2008)

blawg100_2008_winner9349c7

Winner — Top Opinion Writer By Aspen Institute and The Week Magazine for Best Single-Issue Advocacy (Civil Liberties)

Categories

Archives

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 601 other followers