In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11, NASA released partially restored videos of the July 20, 1969 moonwalk. It also showed new pictures of the lunar landing sites, which are intended to debunk conspiracy theories that the entire story was a hoax. I am not convinced. I simply cannot accept that there is a large arrow on the moon as depicted on this obviously doctored photograph.
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NASA Photographs Apollo Landing Sites and Find Oversized Arrows
Published 1, July 17, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Uncategorized 16 CommentsParty Police: English Police Storm Small Birthday Party in Body Armor and Protected with a Helicopter
Published 1, July 17, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 8 Comments
Andrew Poole threw a 30th birthday party in England with 17 of his closest friends. He ended up hosting a company of police with four police cars, a riot van, and a helicopter. The ultimate party crashers claims that they were “concerned” that the party was a rave because it was advertised on Facebook. Even when they found 15 people and a single barbecue, the police still shutdown the birthday party.
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Two Former Ave Maria Law Professors Settle Lawsuit With Tenure
Published 1, July 17, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Courts , Religion 3 Comments
We have been following the lawsuit against the Ave Maria School of Law (here). Now, it appears that two out of the three professors — Ed Lyons and Phil Pucillo — have agreed to a settlement that includes tenure at the controversial school.
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Something Borrowed, Something Burning: Bride’s Bouquet Crashes Aircraft
Published 1, July 17, 2009 Bizarre , Society 7 Comments
Many people are a bit fearful of that moment when a wedding bouquet is thrown with the promise of the next marriage for the lucky recipient. Isidoro Pensieri, 44, can personally attest to the dangers of that tradition. He is recovering at a hospital in Pisa with facial and head injuries and two broken legs after a bouquet was thrown from a plane — only to have it get stuck in the rotor and crash the plane in front of the couple and guests.
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Obama White House Blocks Sidney Blumenthal’s Appointment at the State Department
Published 1, July 17, 2009 Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 9 Comments
The White House has reportedly blocked Hillary Clinton’s effort to bring controversial columnist Sidney Blumenthal into the State Department to advise her. Blumenthal has been long seen as a polarizing and, according to some, a vicious partisan — including allegations that he spread malicious rumors about Obama during the campaign.
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Michigan Appellate Court Overrules Minister’s Probation Revocation for Unleashing “Demons” on His Trial Judge
Published 1, July 17, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Religion , Society 7 Comments
Rev. Edward Pinkney is a minister who relishes the wrath of God — particularly as an extension of his own criminal case. Pinkney recently ordered down fire and damnation upon the head of Judge Alfred Butzbaugh. Judge Butzbaugh took the extraordinary (and unlawful) step of ordering that Pinkney refrain from “defamatory and demeaning” communications as part of his probation. The court revoked his probation after Pinkney wrote the article below calling Judge Butzbaugh a “racist,” “dumb,” and “corrupt,” and predicting his demise at the hands of the Almighty. The Michigan Court of Appeals wisely found the order and revocation to be obvious violations of his first amendment rights.
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Democrats Reveal Tax Proposals — Triggering Complaints that Some Rates Threatened to Go as High as 57 percent
Published 1, July 16, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Politics 57 Comments
Many of us have expressed concern about the pork-laden appropriation bills and stimulus package this year. Just as Republicans showed little restraint in spending in the war bills, Democrats have treated the economic recovery bills as a license for unlimited spending. Now, massive taxes and sur-taxes are being proposed. New York officials are complaining that, if passed, the rate for some of its citizens could reach almost 60 percent. Some Democrats are now seeking to reduce a proposed 5.4% sur-tax to 1 %.
Student Takes Picture of Police — And Is Then Given a Fine By the Same Officers for Sitting in a Park
Published 1, July 16, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Society 8 Comments
Concordia University student Brendan Colin Jones, 25, was sitting in a park when he took a picture of police confronting youths in a park. One of the officers then allegedly confronted him about the pictures and gave him a $628 ticket for sitting on park ledge.
You’re Dismissed! Donald Trump Loses Libel Suit Over Claim That He is a Mere Millionaire
Published 1, July 16, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Torts 2 Comments
Donald Trump is vowing to appeal the ruling by Camden County superior court judge Michele Fox that he was not defamed when Timothy L. O’Brien’s 2005 book “Trump Nation: The Art of Being the Donald” claimed that he was worth only between $150 million and $250 million –rather than being the billionaire that he claims on television.
Homeless Man Jailed for More Than a Year For Failing to Pay Child Support — Despite the Fact that the Court and Prosecutor Knew He Was Not the Biological Father
Published 1, July 16, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Lawyering , Society 8 Comments
Frank Hatley has been sitting in a Georgia jail for over a year for failing to reimburse the state for all the public assistance his “son” over the past two decades. The problem is that the homeless man is not the father of the boy and both the Court and the prosecutors knew that he was no the biological father than they threw him in jail.
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Retire the Ginsburg Rule: It is Time To Put Content Back Into Confirmation Hearings
Published 1, July 16, 2009 Academics , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Media , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 14 Comments
If this week’s hearings seem devoid of serious content, it is due to the little known Ginsburg Rule. Today’s column discusses how we can restore some serious content to confirmation hearings.
Sotomayor Rejects Use of Foreign Law — Siding With Conservatives on the Supreme Court
Published 1, July 15, 2009 Constitutional Law , International , Justice , Society , Supreme Court 16 Comments
For weeks, we have been discussing how Judge Sonia Sotomayor could result in the loss of ground for liberals on the Supreme Court given her sometimes conservative voting record in areas like free speech, student rights, and police abuse. One such area concern the use of foreign judgments. She is replacing a jurist who did rely on such judgments, but today Sotomayor aligned herself with Scalia, Thomas, Alito, and Roberts in rejecting the use of such judgments –even to “influence” decisions. It was one of the few substantive moments in the hearings.
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Oh Hail Our Monkey Overlords! Simians Move Closer to Operating Flesh-Eating Robots
Published 1, July 15, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Environment , Society 17 Comments
As many on this blog know, we try to keep track of who is likely to assert tyrannical control over the Earth so that the Turley bloggers can be the first to capitulate and curry favor. We now have two stories that, when combined, indicate that it will be our monkey masters. A report has surfaced that monkeys have proven capable of using robots with mind control devices. When combined with the recent story of robots capable of surviving on biomass, including human body parts, the meaning is obvious: our monkey overlords will soon be operating human-eating robots with their minds.
Louisiana Officer Suspects Man Has Drugs in Mouth and Breaks Man’s Neck During Arrest
Published 1, July 15, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 39 CommentsOfficials in Livingston Parish, Louisiana are reviewing a video from a traffic stop by Deputy Chris Sturdivant that resulted in the broken neck of Adam Stogner, 42. Sturdivant believed that Stogner might be hiding drugs in his mouth when he wrestled him to the ground.
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Calling Off Loveday: Woman Arrested for Assaulting and Biting Marriage Mediator at Courthouse
Published 1, July 15, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 3 Comments
Elizabeth Loveday, 38, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire is someone in dire need of a divorce. Loveday was arrested outside of a courthouse after shoving court-ordered marriage mediator and then biting the woman’s forearm in an effort to assault her estranged husband.
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Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules In Favor of Lead Paint Manufacturers
Published 1, July 15, 2009 Environment , Society , Torts 5 Comments
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has handed down another victory for lead paint manufacturers in ruling that paint is not defective due to the lead. The rejection of the defective design claim by Ruben Baez Godoy is only the latest such victory for the industry (here).
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Hubba Bubba: Hamas Accuses Israel of Lacing Gum With Stimulants to Corrupt Palestinian Youth
Published 1, July 15, 2009 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 6 Comments
Hamas has accused Israeli intelligence of another fiendish plot to undermine the Palestinian cause. The weapon of mass cultural destruction? Gum. Hamas accuses Israel of sneaking in chewing gum that increases the sex drive of Palestinian kids in order to “corrupt the young.”
Big Eatrs: Defense Department Developing Robots Which Can Feed on Dead Bodies
Published 1, July 14, 2009 Bizarre , Military , Society 14 Comments
Next time you think of kicking that lawn mower, you might want to reconsider. The Defense Department is funding the development of a new line of robots that will be powered by eating organic material on a battlefield, including human bodies. The Robotic Technology Inc.’s Energetically Autonomous Tactical Robot (EATR ) may confuse programmers from foodstuffs, but they can operate without being refueled to operate their steam engine.
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Georgia Man Accused of Vehicle Theft Over Lawn Mower
Published 1, July 14, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 10 Comments
The Georgia Supreme Court is facing a rather odd legal question: is a land mower a motor vehicle or lawn device? The answer to that question has considerable importance to Franklin Lloyd Harris who received a 10-year sentence for stealing a lawn mower from Home Depot.
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Loaded in Arizona: New Law Allows Guns in Bars
Published 1, July 14, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 82 Comments
Arizonans are now allowed to carry concealed weapons into bars. Gov. Jan Brewer signed the law on Monday to guarantee the right to be fully loaded in bars.
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The Dangers of Hitchhiking: Bank Robber Hitches Ride With Undercover Officer
Published 1, July 14, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 7 Comments
Everyone is told about the dangers of hitchhiking: you simply do not know who the driver might be. The lesson was learned by Mark E. White, 50, who decided to rob a bank just three weeks after being paroled from prison. He then flagged down a car for a ride — driven by a cop.
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Seventh Circuit Suggests “Wisconsin Rule” Exempting Graduates From Bar May Be Unconstitutional
Published 1, July 14, 2009 Academics , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 12 Comments
While going to law school in Chicago, many of us were envious of kids that graduated from Wisconsin law schools who were not required to take a state bar. It now turns out that we may have been victims of an unconstitutional discrimination against outside law schools. In an interesting opinion written by Judge Richard Posner of the United States Supreme Court, the Wisconsin rule was found to be a violation of the commerce clause.
Florida Sobriety Roadblock Produces Host of Arrests and Citations — Except for DUI
Published 1, July 13, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Society , Supreme Court 15 Comments
There is an interesting story out of Florida that shows that, at a typical sobriety roadblock, police arrested 10 people and wrote tickets for 100 others — for virtually every type of traffic violation except DUI. What is fascinating is the comparison to the recent D.C. Circuit ruling finding general crime roadblocks to be unconstitutional. Yet, by calling a roadblock a sobriety checkpoint, you can accomplish the same result.
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English Doctor Allegedly Drugged, Kidnapped, and Forced to Marry Stranger
Published 1, July 13, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 3 Comments
A London doctor is telling a horrific story of how she was tricked by her family to return to Bangladesh, drugged, put into a psychiatric hospital, and then married to a stranger. The Muslim family felt that Dr. Humayra Abedin was too independent and living a non-traditional life as a physician.
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Holder Reportedly Considering Special Prosecutor — But Serious Questions Remain
Published 1, July 13, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics , Society 51 Comments
Newsweek is reporting that Attorney General Eric Holder is leaning toward the appointment of a special prosecutor on the issue of torture. Much, however, was not stated and there remains a question of whether Holder will appoint a special prosecutor with the full authority to pursue any and all crimes related to the torture policy. There are rumors that, if an investigation occurs, it may be sharply curtailed.
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Poll: Less Than Fifty Percent of Americans Support Sotomayor Nomination — Numbers Lower Than Harriet Miers Going Into Confirmation Hearings
Published 1, July 13, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Justice , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 25 Comments
Sonia Sotomayor has been heralded as a judge with a life story that should inspire all Americans and, even though she has a fairly conservative voting record in some areas, liberal activists have rallied around her nomination. A new poll, however, suggests that most Americans are neither inspired nor supportive. Only forty-seven percent of people polled by CNN and the Opinion Research Corporation support Sotomayor and, more importantly, forty percent outright oppose her confirmation.
The Sotomayor Nomination and the Search for Judicial Greatness
Published 1, July 13, 2009 Academics , Columns , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Society , Supreme Court , USA Today 12 CommentsWith the Senate hearings about to begin on the Sotomayor nomination, this morning’s column below addresses what we ideally should be looking for in a nominee.
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CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Published 1, July 12, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Politics , Society 13 Comments
In light of this week’s latest disclosures of secret and allegedly unlawful programs by the Bush Administration, this picture seems apropos.
Report: Cheney Ordered Concealment of Secret Program From Congress
Published 1, July 12, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 232 Comments
It goes without saying that, where there is a story of constitutional or human rights abuse, Dick Cheney cannot be far behind. It is therefore little surprise to learn this week that, according to sources in the recent disclosure of a hidden counterterrorism program, the prior concealment from Congress was allegedly ordered by Cheney.
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Boston Considers Closing Franklin Park Zoo and Killing Animals Due to Budget Shortfall
Published 1, July 12, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Politics , Society 11 Comments
Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo is joining other zoos which are considering closing or killing (or transferring) animals due to budget shortfalls — as we continue to spend billions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even if the zoo does not closed, one thousand animals may be euthanized or transferred from the zoo.
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OMG SNERT HAS NU TXT TORT! Girl Walks Into Open Sewer Hole While Texting
Published 1, July 12, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Torts 34 Comments
We have a new texting tort. Alexa Longueira, 15, was walking and texting on Staten Island when she plunged into the ground. She fell into an open manhole and ended up in the pitch black sewer. Her family is preparing to sue the city, which itself is investigating the incident.
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Rabbi Accused of Infecting Infants with Herpes During Circumcisions — And Killing One Boy
Published 1, July 12, 2009 Criminal law , Lawyering , Religion , Society , Torts 189 Comments
New York City health officials are investigating the death of a baby boy who died of herpes after a circumcision by Rabbi Yitzhok Fischer. Fischer carries the herpes virus and is believed to have infected two other infants while serving as a mohel. Under the Orthodox practice followed by Fischer, he actually uses his mouth to suck the blood from the infant’s penis when he cuts the foreskin.
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Pennsylvania Man Released After Record 14-Year Incarceration for Contempt
Published 1, July 11, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 18 Comments
Since 1995, millionaire H. Beatty Chadwick, 72, has been released. We previously discussed the outrageous length of Chadwick’s incarceration for contempt since 1995 — 14 years! Judge Joseph P. Cronin finally ended the contempt incarceration.
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Bush Administration Accused of Cover-Up of Massacre of Taliban Prisoners
Published 1, July 11, 2009 Congress , Criminal law , International , Justice , Military , Politics , Society 24 Comments
The Bush Administration was accused this week of helping cover-up the massacre of possibly thousands of Taliban prisoners by an American-backed warlord, Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum. Dostrum is widely viewed as a butcher and war criminal. He was also on the payroll of the CIA.
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New Jersey Worker Dies Aftering Falling into Chocolate Vat
Published 1, July 11, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Torts 7 Comments
This week, Vincent Smith II died after falling into a vat of boiling hot chocolate at a chocolate factor in Camden, New Jersey. Now, it has been disclosed that the company was operating without a license.
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Man Caught Photographing Fish and Chips Shop in England
Published 1, July 11, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Society 13 Comments
We have been reading of the struggle of media and civil libertarians in England where the government continues to pass and enforce laws prohibiting things like photography of police and other sites. Now, we have a report of Alexander Turner who was given a citation for taking a picture of a fish and chips shop under the English anti-terrorism laws. The incriminating picture is below.
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Reports Shows Additional Undisclosed Surveillance Programs — And Likely Unlawful Conduct by Bush Administration
Published 1, July 10, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 73 CommentsA new government report has disclosed that President Bush authorized secret surveillance activities that went beyond the previously disclosed NSA program – raising the prospect of additional unlawful conduct by the Bush Administration. At the same time, a House member has revealed that CIA Director Leon Panetta has shutdown a program that was never revealed to Congress in direct violation of federal law. I discussed these stories on this segment of MSNBC Countdown.
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Chico’s Is Not For Gay Chicos: Two Men Allegedly Threatened With Arrest for Kissing in Texas
Published 1, July 10, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 9 Comments
Gay Rights activists are protesting the handling of a dispute at a Chico’s Tacos restaurant in El Paso, Texas. When two gay men kissed, the group of five gay men were reportedly told by guards to leave because the restaurant did not approve of “the faggot stuff.” An El Paso police officer later allegedly told the men that they could be arrested for kissing another man in public.
D.C. Circuit Rules Police Checkpoints Unconstitutional
Published 1, July 10, 2009 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 10 Comments
Last year, many of us denounced the police checkpoints in the Trinidad area of Northeast Washington as grossly unconstitutional despite the insistence of D.C. Attorney General Peter J. Nickles that he had ample law on his side. Now, a conservative panel of the D.C. Circuit has ruled as expected that the checkpoints presumptively violate the fourth amendment and granted a preliminary injunction.
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Court Orders DMV To Return Hoe to Driver
Published 1, July 10, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Politics , Society 11 Comments
William Junge of Las Vegas has triumphed in an historic battle for both grammar and garden implements. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles denied the use of his “HOE” license plate, but a court ruled that Junge should be allowed to drive with a Hoes on his trunk and hood.
The Hole in the Defense: Lawyer Files Motion to Demand Opposing Counsel Wear Shoes Without Holes
Published 1, July 10, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Lawyering , Society 8 Comments
Attorney Bill Bone believes that he has spotted the hole or holes in the defense of his opponent, Michael Robb. Bone has filed a motion with Circuit Judge Donald Hafele in Palm Beach demanding that Robb be ordered to wear shoes without holes in court. Robb’s tasseled Cole Haan loafers have visible holes on both sides and Bone insists that the shoes are cheap theatrics to play to the sympathies or jurors. Robb argues that they are just cheap. It is up to the Court to determine the Cole Hann truth.
Muslim Court Calls for Appearance of Genie In Court
Published 1, July 10, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , International , Religion , Society 17 Comments
A Shariah court in the town of Mahd Al-Dahab has summoned a genie to appear in court in a case where a family has complained about harassment from the supernatural being. The Koran (Qu’ran) mentions genies or jinn.
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Family Affair: Sen. Ensign’s Parents Wrote $96,000 Check to Lover
Published 1, July 10, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Society 4 Comments
Sen. John Ensign’s affair is moving from the politically damaging to the downright pathetic. Ensign’s lawyer has released a statement confirming that the $96,000 given to former aide and close family friend Cindy Hampton came from his parents.
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The Proper Way to Peel a Banana
Published 1, July 9, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Society 25 Comments
I saw this video today and was struck by the fact that I have been peeling bananas the wrong day for decades. I had to share it for all Turley bloggers to save time on future human v. banana incidents. I have personally tried this technique and had extremely satisfying results in my limited study. Each banana was left intact and unmarred.
Yemenese Justice on Display
Published 1, July 9, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Justice , Politics , Religion , Society 3 Comments
Yemen displayed its version of justice with the execution of confessed child rapist Yahia al-Raghwa, 22, in a public event. Due to the graphic nature of the pictures, I have supplied a link below for those who want to see them.
House Members: CIA Repeatedly Misled Congress
Published 1, July 9, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 23 Comments
Despite the outrage expressed by certain members and former Bush officials over allegations that the CIA may have lied about prior briefings with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, members revealed this week that the CIA has admitted to members that it did indeed repeatedly mislead members in reports since 2001. However, CIA Director Leon Panetta stands by the earlier denial of misrepresentations linked to Pelosi.
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Rendering Unto To Caesar: Man Sought After Running Out on Payment for a “Only God Can Judge Me” Tattoo
Published 1, July 9, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 10 Comments
Police in Denton, Texas are searching for a man with a usual piece of identifying information: a tattoo reading “Only God Can Judge Me.” It was indeed the tattoo that is the cause for the arrest warrant: the man took the meaning to heart and ran from the parlor without paying for the tattoo.
Louisiana Judge Suspended After Calling Domestic Abuse Claim “Crap”
Published 1, July 9, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Society 4 Comments
Whatever judicial temperament may be, Louisiana Judge Timothy Ellender seems to have little of it. Judge Ellender was suspended for violating the code of judicial conduct in statements that he made at a 2007 domestic abuse hearing. It is not the first brush of Ellender with controversy.
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Tennessee Minister Arrested for Child Molestation at Sunday School
Published 1, July 9, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 6 Comments
We have yet another minister arrested for molestation. Randall Thomas Hollifield, 45, is accused of raping a child. He is a volunteer youth minister at the New Beverly Baptist Church in Knoxville.
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Rupert Murdoch’s Company Accused of Wiretapping Public Figures
Published 1, July 9, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Society 20 Comments
The British police are investigation one of Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper subsidiaries over allegation of wiretapping of public figures. The Guardian has reported that Murdoch’s company paid $1.6 million to settle court cases involving hacking into cellphones.
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Corpus Delicti: Historic Illinois Cemetary Accused of Digging Up and Reselling Graves While Oklahoma Couple Accused of Traveling With Corpse
Published 1, July 9, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Religion , Society , Torts 4 Comments
Officials and workers at the Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois have been accused of digging up and dumping bodies in older plots in order to resell plots in a criminal scheme. In the meantime, an Oklahoma couple Abel Wolf, 35, and Denise Wolf, 40, (shown here) has been accused of digging up the body of a young girl and moving the body around the country.
Israel Blocks Team of Humanitarian Doctors From Entering Gaza to Treat Patients
Published 1, July 8, 2009 International , Politics , Religion , Society 15 Comments
Israel has blocked another humanitarian team from reaching Gaza. This time, however, the team of doctors were organized by the French government to give medical aid and surgical help to the residents.
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Spare the Taser, Spoil the Child: Police Chief Tasers 14-Year-old Girl in Head After She Ran From Her Mother — And Demands Charges Against the Girl
Published 1, July 8, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 23 Comments
Tucumcari Police Chief Roger Hatcher in New Mexico shoot a 14-year-old girl in the head with a Taser dart after she ran from her mother and police. Hatcher insists that it was the right thing to do since (I kid you not) he was afraid she might be injured if she ran into traffic. It falls into the rule that it is sometimes necessary to shoot a child to save a child.
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English Woman Given One-Year in Prison for False Rape Charge
Published 1, July 8, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 5 Comments
Gary Wood, 31, says that he was looking for the love of his life on the Internet when he met Natalie Jefferson, 27. He says that he was shocked when she proceeded to accuse him of rape. While Wood faced 10 years in prison, it will be Jefferson who will go to jail after police found that she had lied in making a false rape charge.
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Obama Administration Reserves Right to Indefinitely Hold Detainees Acquitted of Charges
Published 1, July 8, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , International , Military , Politics , Society 337 Comments
The Obama Administration continues its retention and expansion of abusive Bush policies — now clearly Obama policies on indefinite detention and blocking the investigation of war crimes. Jeh Johnson, the Defense Department’s chief lawyer, has stated that it is a “policy question” whether acquitted individuals will be released or held indefinitely.
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Men are now down to programming VCRs and DVDs as our only claim on indispensability. Scientists have reportedly created sperm –threatening men with obsolescence.
Court Denies Ward Churchill Reinstatement on Colorado Faculty
Published 1, July 8, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 5 Comments
Judge Larry J. Naves has denied former University of Colorado Professor Ward Churchill reinstatement despite a ruling from a jury that his termination for plagiarism was politically motivated. The jury awarded Churchill $1 in damages.
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In light of our recent cathartic blog on airlines, this video is not to be missed. Dave Carroll was traveling to Nebraska when he witnessed United employees throwing guitars out of the cargo hold — something we have all witnessed from time to time with our own luggage. The difference is Carroll has a band and could do something about. He wrote United a song.
Police Officer and Two Other Adults Criminally Charged After Holding Teen for 12-Hour Exorcism
Published 1, July 7, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Religion , Society 8 Comments
A South Australian police officer Senior Constable Roger Sketchley, 28, and two other adults have been charged with holding a teenager for 12-hours in an exorcism ritual after he complained of stomach pains. The officer is part of a Lutheran Church in Australia.
Invasion! Montgomery County Police Cross State Line and Conduct Raid in Washington D.C.
Published 1, July 7, 2009 Criminal law , Politics , Society 117 Comments
The Montgomery County police conducted a raid on a home roughly a quarter of a mile in the territory of Washington, D.C. It appears that the Montgomery County police rented themselves and their vehicles to a television production company for a show called “Prison Wives” and proceeded to conduct the raid without notifying the District of Columbia.
No Angel: Woman Arrested for Harassing Grandmother With 45 Prank Calls A Day
Published 1, July 7, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments
Angel Marie Rawls, 21, is not what you would call an ideal granddaughter. She has been arrested with a friend for calling her 69-year-old grandmother 45 times a day with death threats. Rawls would tell her grandmother that “you’re going to die” and “I’m watching you” to terrify the elderly lady.
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Palinotology: Sarah Palin States That, If President, She Would Be Protected By The “Department of Law”
Published 1, July 7, 2009 Justice , Lawyering , Politics , Society 30 Comments
There is a reason why many of us never tire of watching Sarah Palin. It may be the same sensation that draws people to car races to see the crashes or watch the Weather Channel for the tornado footage, but there is something enthralling the study of Palin, or Palinotology as I prefer to call it. In her latest statement, Palin helpfully explained that being president would be easier than being the Governor of Alaska because “the department of law” would protect her from lawsuits.
Caging the Catwoman: Woman Charged Criminally for Feeding Stray Cats
Published 1, July 7, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 20 Comments
Katherine Varjian, 65, was been captured! The feline felon has long been in the sights of the Beverly Hills cops as a recidivist feeder of stray cats. Her twelve-year reign of terror was brought to an end with misdemeanor charges for feeding as many as 30- cats a day in her back alley.
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Creationism Goes Nuclear: Arizona State Senator Proclaims That Earth is 6000 Years Old
Published 1, July 7, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Environment , Politics , Society 37 Comments
Arizona State Senator Sylvia Allen sits on the state’s Education Accountability and Reform Committee as well as the Natural Resources Committee. So, it was a bit scary to hear Allen display her knowledge of science and geology recently during her call for uranium mining. In the clip below, Allen casually explains that the Earth is 6000 years old and that it has done just fine without environmental laws of any kind for most of that time. She represents Snowflake, Arizona.
Continue reading ‘Creationism Goes Nuclear: Arizona State Senator Proclaims That Earth is 6000 Years Old’
Flying Cargo Class: Airline to Introduce Standing Only Section on Flights
Published 1, July 6, 2009 Bizarre , Society 18 Comments
Just when you thought that air travel could not get more punishing and degrading . . . Ryanair is seeking to have Boeing design “standing only” sections of airplanes to stuff more people into planes.
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Dean in a Moral Maze: Villanova Law School Dean Resigns After Being Implicated in Prostitution Ring
Published 1, July 6, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 14 Comments
Villanova Law Dean Mark Sargent has resigned after news reports that he was a customer of a prostitution ring. Sargent previously wrote a law review article entitled “Lawyers in a Moral Maze.”
Idaho Couple Faces Life in Prison for Incest
Published 1, July 6, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society , Supreme Court 22 Comments
Brian Lee Reed, 30, and Marilyn Renee Lee, 36, have been arrested for having consensual sex. The problem is not the sex but the fact that Marilyn is the half-sister of Brian. The case could raise some interesting legal questions.
Continue reading ‘Idaho Couple Faces Life in Prison for Incest’
High-Ranking Iranian Official Accuses Mousavi With Treason and Being “Foreign Agent”
Published 1, July 6, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 8 Comments
The Iranian government appears to be laying the groundwork to arrest Mir Hossein Mousavi, who this week released proof of extensive fraud and government interference with the June 12th elections. Hossein Shariatmadari, a special adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused Mousavi of being a “foreign agent” working for the United States and a member of a “fifth column” determined to topple Iran’s Islamic system of governance. The Iranian government has also announced a crackdown on satellite providers in an effort to block citizens from hearing any news other than what the government approves. It appears that in the paradise of Islamic rule the government cannot risk people hearing about their government and its actions.
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Marion Barry Charged With Stalking
Published 1, July 6, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 5 Comments
D.C. City Council Member and former Washington Mayor Marion Barry, 73, is continuing to rake up new criminal charges. This week’s crime du jour is stalking. Barry is charged with stalking his ex-girlfriend and political consultant Donna Watts-Brighthaupt after she flagged down an officer and complained about Barry. He was given a misdemeanor citation.
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Georgia Police Waffle on Charging Officers: Officers Involved in Tasering Waiter for Fun Resign From Force
Published 1, July 6, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 22 Comments
Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Gary Miles was fired and Sgts. Chris Parry and Joey Parkerson have not been charged with tasering a Waffle House waiter for fun, but instead will be allowed to resign from their position as police officers.
Continue reading ‘Georgia Police Waffle on Charging Officers: Officers Involved in Tasering Waiter for Fun Resign From Force’
Palin Threatens Washington Post, NY Times, MSNBC, and Other Publications With Defamation Lawsuit
Published 1, July 6, 2009 Constitutional Law , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Society 86 CommentsSarah Palin may have been unclear as to why she decided to quit early as governor, but her lawyer, Thomas Van Flein, is insisting that it is not because of an investigation of wrongdoing involving her house on Lake Lucille or the Wasilla Sports complex. The link was published in pieces by Alaska blogger Shannyn Moore, Huffpo, Washington Post, the NY Times and MSNBC.
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No doubt many Turley bloggers are experiencing this same state of exhaustion after the celebrations on the Fourth of July.
Continue reading ‘THE MORNING AFTER’
Unholy Challah: Israel Court Orders Religious Board to Certify Bakery of Messianic Jew
Published 1, July 5, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Religion , Society 24 Comments
Israel continues to struggle with entanglement of temple and church. The latest battle occurred over the denial of a bakery, bakery, Pnina Pie, as a kashrut bakery. The denial was based on the faith of the owner, Pnina Comporati, who is a Messianic Jew. The Israeli Supreme Court ordered that Ashdod Rabbinate and the Chief Rabbinate Council to issue the certification.
Continue reading ‘Unholy Challah: Israel Court Orders Religious Board to Certify Bakery of Messianic Jew’
Ave Maria Law School Invokes Status as Religious Institution and “Ecclesiastical Abstention” to Dismiss Law Professors’ Lawsuit
Published 1, July 5, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Religion , Society 25 CommentsThe Ave Maria Law School in Naples, Florida has long been controversial. Dedicated to Catholic education and values, the school is the subject of a lawsuit by professors who are challenging the move from Michigan to Florida as well as management policies. The law school is now claiming in the lawsuit that all law professors are “ministerial employees” and that the school is entitled to “ecclesiastical abstention.”
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God is My Co-Host: Turkish Show Under Fire for Syndicating Salvation
Published 1, July 5, 2009 Bizarre , International , Religion , Society 14 Comments
It sounds like the lead of a hundred bad jokes: A Muslim imam, a Catholic priest, and a Buddhist monk walk into a television studio . . . However, this is the setup for a new show “Penitents Compete” on Turkish television station Kanal T where the clerics are put into a room with 10 atheists to convert them. It is the ultimate Survival: Salvation show. Continue reading ‘God is My Co-Host: Turkish Show Under Fire for Syndicating Salvation’
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Published 1, July 4, 2009 Academics , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Environment , International , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Military , Politics , Religion , Society , Torts 45 Comments
Happy Independence Day!
Caught in the Rye: Court Enjoins Sequel to Salinger Masterpiece
Published 1, July 4, 2009 Academics , Courts , Media , Society 4 Comments
U.S. District Judge Deborah Batts in New York has enjoined the publication of a sequel to The Catcher in the Rye as a copyright infringement. She found that the sequel used the original work and was not a parody.
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“Little Death”: Mexican Midget Wrestlers Killed By Fake Prostitutes
Published 1, July 4, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments
The midget wrestling world is reeling from the news that Mexican midget wresters Alberto (aka ‘La Parkita’ — “Little Death”) and Alejandro Pérez Jiménez (aka Espectrito II) have been found dead in a hotel room — the apparent victims of a gang known alternatively as The Leak or The Drops. The police believe that two women posing as prostitutes went to their room and then gave them spiked drinks. Usually the johns wake up with a headache and no money. The dose, however, appears to have been too great for the under-sized wrestlers. Both were in their thirties.
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Sarah Palin Resigns As Alaskan Governor Effective July 26th
Published 1, July 3, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Society 74 CommentsAlaska Gov. Sarah Palin has announced that she will resign from office on July 26th. The news has led bloggers and comedians to breath into paper bags and use emergency dial-ins for their analysts across the country. Palin has been God’s gift to bloggers, including this blog. But fear not, this announcement may actually promise more not less Palin!
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It’s Pop! Swedish Parents Raise “Genderless Child”
Published 1, July 3, 2009 Bizarre , Society 50 Comments
This is just too bizarre to pass up. A Swedish couple has long opposed “the artificial construct of gender.” So, they have refused to disclose the gender of their child, who is being called Pop in the Swedish media. They are dressing Pop with dresses as well as non-dresses — and have given the child feminine and non-feminine hair styles alternatively. Only a few close relatives know the child’s true gender.
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New York Judges Deny Admission to Bar for Lawyer With $400,000 in Student Loans
Published 1, July 3, 2009 Uncategorized 16 Comments
The New York’s Committee on Character and Fitness has rendered a novel, if not unprecedented, ruling: barring Robert Bowman, 47, from becoming an attorney because of the size of his student loans. The Committee was unmoved by Bowman’s claim that he has suffered two debilitating injuries and was wrongly denied a deferment of his loans.
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Judge Kozinski Cleared of Wrongdoing By Judicial Council — But Admonished Over Website
Published 1, July 3, 2009 Courts , Lawyering , Media , Society 5 Comments
The judicial council of the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has cleared Chief Judge Alex Kozinski of the 9th Circuit of wrongdoing in the long investigation over sexually explicit materials on his personal website. However, the council found that he acted with “carelessness” and was “judicially imprudent.”
Continue reading ‘Judge Kozinski Cleared of Wrongdoing By Judicial Council — But Admonished Over Website’
The New Math: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal Solves Low School Passage Rates By Lowering School Standards
Published 1, July 3, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 91 Comments
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has come up with a sure-fire way to improving the performance of students in the low-ranked state: lower the academic standards so more students can pass.
Continue reading ‘The New Math: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal Solves Low School Passage Rates By Lowering School Standards’
Republican State Senator: We Allow Gays To Exist
Published 1, July 3, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 13 Comments
Pennsylvania State Sen. John Eichelberger (R) has refused to apologize after a statement that the public has allowed gays to exist. Eichelberger is pushing a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and made the statement after being asked by Sen. Daylin Leach (D) who gays should be treated.
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Ruth Madoff Clings to Fur Coat — And Claim of Innocence
Published 1, July 3, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 10 Comments
It appears that, despite the extensive litigation over assets seized by the U.S. government to pay victims of Bernard Madoff, Ruth Madoff had one more claim to make before being kicked out of her $7 million Manhattan home — her fur coat. While it is the dead of summer, Madoff insisted that she wanted to leave with the coat but the Marshals made her surrender the coat as part of the assets of estate.
Continue reading ‘Ruth Madoff Clings to Fur Coat — And Claim of Innocence’
Court Throws Out Lori Drew Conviction
Published 1, July 2, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Society 5 Comments
In the ultimate proof that law is not a popularity contest, U.S. District Judge George H. Wu has tossed out the conviction of the much-despised Lori Drew — the woman behind the cyber-bully case that led to the suicide of 13-year-old Megan Meier.
The Post’s “Powerful Few”: Newspaper Under Fire for Arranging Dinners Between Reporters, Lobbyists, and Politicians
Published 1, July 2, 2009 Congress , Media , Politics , Society 21 Comments
The Washington Post is accused of arranging for meetings between power brokers, lobbyists, and politicians, including Post reporters and editors for $25,000 to $250,000. These meetings are billed as off the record, non-confrontational access to “those powerful few” in the Beltway. Called “Salons,” the entire program is raising eyebrows in both the media and business areas.
Vacationing for the Public Good: Members Massively Increase Travel at Taxpayer Expense for Themselves and Family
Published 1, July 2, 2009 Congress , Politics , Society 11 Comments
The members of Congress are once again facing the dangers of public service from sunburns to shopping overload. Our public servants are again planning their summer vacations at public expense. Many of us have been concerned about the runaway spending of this Administration and Congress. For prior columns, click here and here. Even if one accepts some spending was necessary for stimulus, Democrats have used the economic recovery as an excuse to pile on spending programs and pork projects. Now, it appears that overseas travel expenses are up tenfold since 1995. Congressional delegations, or “codels,” have increased 70% since 2005.
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Federal Judge Challenges Justice Department Over Another Case of Withholding Evidence and False Statements
Published 1, July 2, 2009 Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Society 8 Comments
The Justice Department is again being accused of withholding evidence and making false statements to the court. Judge Emmet Sullivan sharply questioned Justice Department lawyers about whether they are in violation of the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct by making false statements to the court or failing to correct false statements. The Justice Department has faced such objections in various cases, including the now dismissed prosecution of former Senator Ted Stevens before Judge Sullivan. The latest allegation comes in the conspiracy cases against businessman Zhenli Ye Gon, accused in an international drug trafficking scheme.
The Real Thing? New York Republican Claims Democrats Misconstrued a Coke Run as Political Statement
Published 1, July 2, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Society 12 Comments
The New York Republican Senators are up in arms over what they insist was a Democratic trick: using the brief appearance of a Republican Senator to break a long-standing stalemate. Sen. Frank Padavan of Queens says that he was on a quest for a Coca Cola, not voting, when he cut through the Senate floor on the way to the member lounge’s soda machine. The Democrats immediately counted him as the 32nd vote and unanimously passed 125 bills in three hours with Republicans absent.
Continue reading ‘The Real Thing? New York Republican Claims Democrats Misconstrued a Coke Run as Political Statement’
Dispensing Justice: Pez Sues Town Over Giant Pez Dispenser
Published 1, July 2, 2009 Bizarre , International , Society , Torts 9 Comments
In Burlingame, California, citizens are fighting to protect their cherished town’s symbol: the giant Pez dispenser. Pez Candy Inc. is suing to force the town to tear down the super-sized Pez — which is recorded as the world’s largest in the Guiness Book of World Records. The company insists that it is dispensing huge servings of trademark infringement.
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Court Takes Man’s Head: Wisconsin Driver Ordered to Return Roadkill Trophy
Published 1, July 1, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society 28 Comments
John Longo, 69, has been ordered by a Wisconsin court of appeals to surrender roadkill that he found on the side of the road in February 2008. It appears that even a dead deer on the side of the road requires a permit, which Longo did not have.
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McBleach: Man Accuses McDonald’s of Slipping Him an Intentionally Tainted Burger
Published 1, July 1, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 6 Comments
Joe Jackson, 65, of Washington State believes that he has discovered a secret sauce for McDonald’s burgers: bleach. In a disturbing lawsuit pending against McDonald’s, he claims that, after he returned a cold and crushed burger, a hostile employee gave him a burger laced with bleach that burned his mouth. It is unclear why this is not the subject of a criminal investigation, but it is more surprising that McDonald’s did not settle this case in April 2009.
Continue reading ‘McBleach: Man Accuses McDonald’s of Slipping Him an Intentionally Tainted Burger’
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to 15th Drunk Driving Offense — Allowed to Drive Despite 78 Suspensions
Published 1, July 1, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 9 Comments
For some, third is the charm. For Shaun Campbell, it is more like the 79th time. Campbell, 40, plowed into a pickup truck while drunk, endangering Harold A. Bivins Jr., 48, and his 4-year-old daughter, Hannah Bivins. Police soon discovered that his license has been suspended 78 times.
Dog Owner Accuses New York’s First Hasidic Police Officer of Abuse and Sexism
Published 1, July 1, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 3 Comments
In 2006, Joel Witriol broke barriers in becoming New York’s first Hasidic cop — a proud moment for both Witriol and the Hasidic community. He is now, however, embroiled in a controversy over whether he was abusive in the treatment of Chrissie Brodigan and her pug dog in a New York subway station.
Continue reading ‘Dog Owner Accuses New York’s First Hasidic Police Officer of Abuse and Sexism’
“Sins of the Lawyer”: Seventh Circuit Rules Against Company in Legal Malpractice Case
Published 1, July 1, 2009 Courts , Justice , Lawyering , Society 13 Comments
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled that an Illinois baking machinery manufacturer, Bakery Machinery & Fabrication Inc., is liable to a default judgment blamed on the alleged legal malpractice of its attorney, James Hinterlong of Grand Ridge, Ill. Judge William Bauer ruled that the company was still responsible for the actions of its lawyer, even if the company were kept in the dark.
Continue reading ‘“Sins of the Lawyer”: Seventh Circuit Rules Against Company in Legal Malpractice Case’
Israeli High Court Orders Harsher Punishment for Officer Who Ordered the Shooting of a Bound Palestinian with Rubber-Coated Bullet
Published 1, July 1, 2009 Courts , Criminal law , International , Media , Military , Politics , Religion , Society 3 Comments
The Israeli High Court has ordered the Military Advocate General to file more serious charges against an Israel Defense Forces officer who ordered a soldier to shoot a bound Palestinian with a rubber-coated metal bullet. Lt. Col. Omri Burberg, the officer, and Staff Sgt. L., the soldier, were formally charged with “improper conduct” over the incident, a mere misdemeanor.
From Catwalk to Perpwalk: Supermodel Arrested in Paris for Criminal Threats
Published 1, July 1, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Media , Society 1 Comment
Karen Mulder has been accused of an almost stereotypical crime for a “supermodel.” Mulder, 39, was arrested in Paris today after allegedly threatening to attack her plastic surgeon. French police say that Mulder made “vicious telephone calls” over a recent cosmetic surgery.
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India on the Verge of Repealing 150 Year Ban on Homosexuality
Published 1, June 30, 2009 Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Society 19 Comments
India is on the verge of a major victory for civil liberties: repealing a ban on homosexuality that was first introduced by the British 150 years ago.
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Minnesota Supreme Court Votes Unanimously With Franken — Coleman Concedes
Published 1, June 30, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 240 Comments
I’m Good Enough, I’m Smart Enough, and Doggone It, the Minnesota Supreme Court Likes Me. This election may have been a virtual tie, but Al Franken swept the Minnesota Supreme Court today. The Court ruled that Franken should be certified as the winner of the state’s Senate race — rejecting a challenge by Republican Norm Coleman. With Franken, the Democrats will have the votes to overcome any filibuster (if you include the two independents).
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