The New York prison system is dealing with a bizarre scandal after the media revealed taht an inmate at “the Tombs” in Manhattan was given an elaborate bar mitzvah party for 60 people with catered food, an Orthodox singer, and 60 guests. The party was thrown by Tuvia Stern, a bail jumper and scam artist who pleaded guilty to grand larceny after victims alleged he stole $1.7 million. The bar mitzvah was for his son.
Continue reading ‘Putting the Bars Back Into Bar Mitzvah: Rabbi Accused of Throwing Lavish Party in the Tombs’
Archive for June, 2009
Putting the Bars Back Into Bar Mitzvah: Rabbi Accused of Throwing Lavish Party in the Tombs
Published 1, June 14, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Religion 3 CommentsTwo Former West Palm Beach Officers Indicted After Beating Handcuffed Suspect
Published 1, June 13, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 9 CommentsTwo former West Palm Beach police officers have been arrested in the beating a handcuffed robbery suspect, Pablo Valenzuela, 43, as captured on this dash cam video from May 2008. Louis Joseph Schwartz, 30, and Kurt John Graham, 24, were fired last August and are now facing felony conspiracy to commit official misconduct and misdemeanor battery.
Continue reading ‘Two Former West Palm Beach Officers Indicted After Beating Handcuffed Suspect’
Former Prosecutor Arrested for Arranging Prostitutes for “The Minnesota Nice Guys”
Published 1, June 13, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 5 Comments
Former Hennepin County prosecutor John St. Marie, 65, has been arrested for arranging for wealthy clients to hook up with high-priced prostitutes for a club known as “The Minnesota Nice Guys.”
Continue reading ‘Former Prosecutor Arrested for Arranging Prostitutes for “The Minnesota Nice Guys”’
From Paine to Pappert: Citizen Arrested for Complaining Too Often to City Officials
Published 1, June 13, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Society 7 Comments
In a bizarre case, Bridgeville Borough resident has been convicted for repeatedly writing and calling his elected officials to complain about their lack of effort to relieve a local nuisance. If you count copies sent to some officers, Marshall Pappert sent around 350 and was arrested for criminal harassment. It is a good thing that Bridgeville prosecutors and courts did not exist when Thomas Paine was doing his incessant complaining about his government.
Continue reading ‘From Paine to Pappert: Citizen Arrested for Complaining Too Often to City Officials’
Killer Sale: Unabomber Sues to Block Fire Sale of Personal Items
Published 1, June 13, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 1 Comment
“Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski may soon be in front of the Supreme Court this week trying to stop a public auction of his personal possessions , who terrorized the country with a series of mail bombs over nearly two decades, is fighting to stop a public auction of his diaries and other personal possessions to compensate his victims.
Continue reading ‘Killer Sale: Unabomber Sues to Block Fire Sale of Personal Items’
Chavez Continues Crackdown on Journalists and Free Speech
Published 1, June 12, 2009 Constitutional Law , International , Justice , Media , Politics , Society 27 Comments
Venezuela President Hugo Chavez has renew his threats against one of the few remaining networks that voice opposition to his government. Chavez told executives at Globovision “to reflect” upon its criticism of him and change its tone or it “won’t be on the airwaves much longer.”
Continue reading ‘Chavez Continues Crackdown on Journalists and Free Speech’
Women’s Robes Recalled After Six Fire Deaths
Published 1, June 12, 2009 Bizarre , International , Society , Torts 5 Comments
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled a popular chenille robe made by Blair LLC (in Pakistan) after six deaths of women after the robes caught fire. Five of the women were cooking at the time when the Blair Full Length Chenille Robes allegedly caught on fire.
Continue reading ‘Women’s Robes Recalled After Six Fire Deaths’
Sunbathing Woman Run Over By Police Car
Published 1, June 12, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Torts 15 Comments
The Jacksonville Beach Police Department needs to secure a good defense lawyer. On May 1, Officer Lewis Keller decided to make a u-turn on the beach in his SUV. He proceeded to run over Anne Marie Giffen, 41, who was sunbathing.
Palestinian Family Hangs 15-Year-Old Boy Due To Suspicion of Collaboration with Israel
Published 1, June 12, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 217 Comments
In Ramallah, West Bank, Palestinian police say that a family hanged a 15-year-old boy because they believed that he might be a collaborator with Israel. The police doubt that he was a collaborator due to his young age.
Continue reading ‘Palestinian Family Hangs 15-Year-Old Boy Due To Suspicion of Collaboration with Israel’
French Court: Access to Internet is Basic Human Right
Published 1, June 12, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , International , Justice , Media , Politics , Society 20 Comments
France’s highest court, the Constitutional Council, has ruled that access to the Internet is a basic human right in a decision striking down a key component of the a new internet piracy law by the Sarkozy administration.
Continue reading ‘French Court: Access to Internet is Basic Human Right’
Car Kvetsh: Orthodox Jews United Against Parking Lots in Jerusalem
Published 1, June 12, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 9 Comments
Ultra-Orthodox Jews are threatening widespread protests to prevent what they insist is a grave insult to their faith: a parking lot. The activists insist that no parking lot should be open on the Sabbath despite the fact that many Jews and non-Jews do not share their religious beliefs on driving. Protests last week turned violent.
Continue reading ‘Car Kvetsh: Orthodox Jews United Against Parking Lots in Jerusalem’
Chicago Police Officer Sentenced to Three Years For Beating Stabbing Victim Shackled to Wheelchair
Published 1, June 12, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Society 9 Comments
Chicago police officer William Cozzi, 52, has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for beating a stabbing victim who was handcuffed to a wheelchair. The attack was caught on video.
Continue reading ‘Chicago Police Officer Sentenced to Three Years For Beating Stabbing Victim Shackled to Wheelchair’
Meaning of Empathy: Sotomayor Refused to Consider Appeal of Man Based on Technicality — Man Later Found Innocent Based on DNA
Published 1, June 11, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 172 Comments
Civil libertarians have been complaining that many liberals are ignoring that Judge Sonia Sotomayor has been viewed as hostile to core liberal values and has a fairly conservative voting record in many areas, including free speech, student rights, and criminal procedure. For a review of her cases, click here. Another case has come to light that shows little of the empathy cited by the White House. While Vice President Joe Biden has emphasized the Sotomayor “watches the back of police” in cases (which is supported in some of her more controversial rulings), she has shown little empathy for those challenging police or convictions. The case of Jeffrey Deskovic is being cited as one such case.
Continue reading ‘Meaning of Empathy: Sotomayor Refused to Consider Appeal of Man Based on Technicality — Man Later Found Innocent Based on DNA’
Indian Colleges to Expel Any Women Wearing Jeans or Shorts — In Order to Protect Them
Published 1, June 11, 2009 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 10 Comments
Colleges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh have a novel way to protecting women from sexual harassment. Officials announced that any female students wearing jeans, shorts, minishirts, or tight blouses will be expelled because men are harassing them. This falls into the category of destroying a village to save it. Rather than expelled men who harass women, the schools are cracking down on the victims.
Continue reading ‘Indian Colleges to Expel Any Women Wearing Jeans or Shorts — In Order to Protect Them’
New York Times: Sotomayor Called Herself an “Affirmative Action Baby”
Published 1, June 11, 2009 Constitutional Law , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 13 CommentsThe New York Times reports that Judge Sonia Sotomayor once described herself as “a product of affirmative action” and that she was admitted to both Princeton and Yale with “subpar” scores due to affirmative action. The comments have heightened criticism of her vote in the New Haven firefighters case where she supported the throwing out of promotion results because whites and Hispanics scored better than blacks.
Continue reading ‘New York Times: Sotomayor Called Herself an “Affirmative Action Baby”’
Police: Neo-Nazi May Have Been Drawn to Holocaust Museum by Anne Frank Play
Published 1, June 11, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 16 Comments 
It nows appears that murderer and Neo-Nazi James W. von Brunn was drawn to the Holocaust museum by the performance of an Anne Frank play. Reportedly a World War II veteran, von Brunn was a holocaust denier with a particular fixation with the play.
Continue reading ‘Police: Neo-Nazi May Have Been Drawn to Holocaust Museum by Anne Frank Play’
The Good Banker: Good Samaritan Beaten To Death By English Thugs
Published 1, June 11, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 8 Comments
With all of the bad news about bankers of late, here is one banker who will be greatly missed. Frank McGarahan, a senior executive with Barclay’s, saw a group of youths beating a homeless man. Instead of walking by, McGarahan intervened and paid with his life. He was in East Anglia for the baptism of his niece Thea.
Continue reading ‘The Good Banker: Good Samaritan Beaten To Death By English Thugs’
Look of the Lesbian: Virginia Prison Challenged Over Segregation of Women Who Look Lesbian in “Butch Wing”
Published 1, June 11, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments
Officials at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women reportedly know a lesbian when they see one. The prison is being challenged for segregating inmates by such telltale lesbian characteristics as loose-fitting clothes, short hair or otherwise masculine looks. They are allegedly shipped off to the “butch wing.”
Wright: “Them Jews Aren’t Going To Let [Obama] Talk To Me”
Published 1, June 10, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Religion 49 Comments
Rev. Jeremiah Wright is back with a vengeance. In an interview, Wright says that he has not spoken to President Obama since the campaign despite their prior close relationship. He blames the Jews saying
“them Jews aren’t going to let him talk to me.”
Continue reading ‘Wright: “Them Jews Aren’t Going To Let [Obama] Talk To Me”’
The Meaning of Empathy: Biden Tells Police Organization that Sotomayor “Gets It” and “Has Your Back”
Published 1, June 10, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Media , Society 15 Comments
Many liberal are disappointed with the appointment of Sonya Sotomayor who was often suggested as a nominee for George W. Bush and has voted against free speech, student rights, and other cases with important liberal causes. As I have discussed in my review of her cases and criticism of past commentary of this nomination, liberals will lose ground on the Court if Sotomayor votes as a justice the way she voted as a judge. One of those areas is police abuse where Sotomayor has been criticized for siding with police in cases with strong evidence of abuse. Now, Vice President Joe Biden has drawn attention to the later cases by assuring a police organization that Sotomayor is pro-police and will watch their back when cases come before the Supreme Court.
Soleless: Israelis Denounce Obama Shoe Pictures As Insult
Published 1, June 10, 2009 Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 12 Comments
Ok, I need a little help with this one. Some Israelis are irate over a photo of President Barack Obama speaking on the telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with his feet on the desk. While the showing the bottom of your shoes is considered an insult by some Arabs, Israel’s insist that it is akin to the shoe throwing episode with President George Bush.
Continue reading ‘Soleless: Israelis Denounce Obama Shoe Pictures As Insult’
Fox News Reporter Chases Down Story in New York
Published 1, June 10, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Society 8 Comments
Fox News writer Don Broderick ran into a story in Central Park this week when Brian Dooda, a Brooklyn film archivist, says he ran over him and drove with him cringing to his hood after an altercation. When told that the driver was a reporter, Dooda joked that he must work for Fox News. He was right, though Broderick says that Dooba is a “vigilante.”
Continue reading ‘Fox News Reporter Chases Down Story in New York’
New York Teen Charged With Cooking Kitten To Death As “Practical Joke”
Published 1, June 10, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 24 Comments
Cheyenne Cherry, 17, has “issues” with small animals. She was arrested for cooking a kitten Tiger Lily (shown right) to death as a “joke.” She has a history of crimes relating to small animals.
Continue reading ‘New York Teen Charged With Cooking Kitten To Death As “Practical Joke”’
Little Brother is Watching: English Police Show Elementary Students a Video on Reporting Extreme Views
Published 1, June 10, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Media , Politics , Society 35 Comments
Elementary students in England are being shown a Lancashire Police film where a lion and a cat tell them to turn in people who espouse dangerous thoughts. It is the latest work of the Preventing Violent Extremism office, which seeks to uncover extremists in the country like Guy Fawkes.
Continue reading ‘Little Brother is Watching: English Police Show Elementary Students a Video on Reporting Extreme Views’
Professor Settles Lawsuit With City Over Arrest For Taking Pictures of Power Lines
Published 1, June 10, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Media , Society 5 Comments
University of Washington Professor Shirley Scheier has settled the lawsuit over her arrest by the City of Snohomish for taking pictures of power lines. The American Civil Liberties Union represented her and settled for $8000. The settlement is disappointing and disturbing given the small damages and lack of deterrent effect for the city.
Continue reading ‘Professor Settles Lawsuit With City Over Arrest For Taking Pictures of Power Lines’
Palin Proletariat: Alaskan Governor Acclaims the Common Resources in Her State and Then Warns That We Are Embracing Socialism
Published 1, June 10, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Society 18 Comments
Alaskans Unite! You have nothing to lose but your chainsaws. Now, for our latest manifesto from Comrade Palin. See video clip below with Sean Hannity.
While this does not compete with the Palin Turkey Grind video, this one is a gem. In an interview with Fox, Palin explains how Alaska is a citizen paradise where resources are collectively owned by the people. She then launched into a warning that Obama was pushing us toward socialism.
English Police Accused of Waterboarding
Published 1, June 9, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Justice , Politics , Society 22 Comments
The London Metropolitan Police has been accused of waterboarding suspects in the Enfield area of North London. There has been a shake-up but, as in the United States, no one has yet to be charged with the torture.
Continue reading ‘English Police Accused of Waterboarding’
Burn Baby (Be-Bop) Burn: Christian Group Files to Seek Right to Burn Book
Published 1, June 9, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Media , Politics , Society 83 Comments
The Christian Civil Liberties Union (CCLU) has selected a curious place to put together an old-fashioned book burning: a court. In West Bend, Wisconsin, Christians are upset over a book called Baby Be-Bop and other books contained in the “Young Adult” material that they say are sexually explicit and inappropriate. In a 9-0 vote, the library trustees refused their demands to remove or restrict the material at the West Bend Community Memorial Library.
Continue reading ‘Burn Baby (Be-Bop) Burn: Christian Group Files to Seek Right to Burn Book’
Conservative Blogger Publishes Alleged Anonymous Identity of Law Professor John F. Blevins
Published 1, June 9, 2009 Bizarre , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Society 8 Comments
There is an interesting fight brewing over a column written by conservative blogger Ed Whelan who has published the allegedly true identity of one of his critics. Whelan says that a critic calling himself “Publius” is really South Texas law professor John Blevins (shown left).
Supreme Court Rules Against West Virginia Justice in Landmark Ethics Case
Published 1, June 8, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , Lawyering , Politics , Society , Supreme Court , Torts 36 Comments
We have been following the West Virginia case involving A.T. Massey Coal Co., involving a fundamental question of judicial ethics. A divided court voted 5-4 in Caperton v. A.T. Massey Coal, et al. (08-22) that West Virginia Justice Brent D. Benjmain violated the constitution by sitting on a case involving the major donor in his campaign, A.T. Massey’s chief executive, Don Blankenship.
Continue reading ‘Supreme Court Rules Against West Virginia Justice in Landmark Ethics Case’
The Criminalization of HIV Transmission
Published 1, June 8, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society , Torts 17 Comments
In both Canada and the United States, courts are imposing heavy criminal sentences for individuals for the transmission of HIV through consensual sex without disclosure to their partners. It is a trend that has alarmed some AIDS activists who fear that the scope of the prosecutions will put many HIV-positive individuals at risk of prosecution for negligence. I discussed the trend on this segment of NPR’s Talk of the Nation.
Patient Dies After Paramedic Diverts Ambulance From Hospital to Return to Office Because His Shift Was Over
Published 1, June 8, 2009 Bizarre , International , Society , Torts 8 Comments
A 69-year-old man died in Stockton, England after a paramedic drove his ambulance back to the lot rather than a hospital because his shift was over. The North East Ambulance Service Trust
has suspended both the paramedic and a technician.
Florida Death Row Inmate Sues To Get Truck of His Victims
Published 1, June 8, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 8 Comments
For two years, the courts in Florida have been dealing with a bizarre filing by death row inmate William Deparvine, who was convicted in the killing in 2006 of Richard and Karla Van Dusen. He is suing to get a vintage Chevy pickup truck owned by the dead couple.
Continue reading ‘Florida Death Row Inmate Sues To Get Truck of His Victims’
U.S. Reporters Sentenced to 12 Years Hard Labor in North Korea
Published 1, June 8, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Media , Politics 6 Comments
U.S. reporters Laura Ling and Euna Lee have been sentenced to 12 years hard labor in North Korea after being captured while covering the misery of defectors along the China-North Korea border.
Continue reading ‘U.S. Reporters Sentenced to 12 Years Hard Labor in North Korea’
Nip and Tuck: Canine Cosmetic Challenges
Published 1, June 7, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Society 25 Comments
Given the (very much appreciated) discussion of a needed face lift for the Turley blog, I wanted to remind you that there are some who are in even greater need for such intervention.
Continue reading ‘Nip and Tuck: Canine Cosmetic Challenges’
Who Will Rid Me Of These Meddlesome Victims?: Brooklyn Bishop DiMarzio Warns Legislators That Allowing Child-Abuse Victims to Sue Would Virtually Bankrupt Diocese
Published 1, June 7, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society , Torts 41 Comments
Bishop Nicholas A. DiMarzio of Brooklyn is reportedly threatening dire consequences for both legislators and the Church if New York lifts the statute of limitations to allow victims of child sex-abuse to sue. The one-year suspension will, according to the Bishop, bankrupt the Church and lead to social and political backlash for legislators.
Continue reading ‘Who Will Rid Me Of These Meddlesome Victims?: Brooklyn Bishop DiMarzio Warns Legislators That Allowing Child-Abuse Victims to Sue Would Virtually Bankrupt Diocese’
Internet Host Jonathan Hock Arrested in Alleged Sexual Assault Shown Live
Published 1, June 7, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Society 7 Comments
Jonathan Hock, 20,host of his own Internet show and popular videos, was arrested this week in a bizarre crime where he allegedly used of web hosting site Stickam.com to live broadcasting his raping of an unconscious woman.
Continue reading ‘Internet Host Jonathan Hock Arrested in Alleged Sexual Assault Shown Live’
Defense Shocked: Court Rules Police Can Use Taser to Collect DNA Sample
Published 1, June 7, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Society 36 Comments
In New York, Niagara County Court Judge Sara Sheldon Sperrazza has issued a controversial ruling that police can taser a suspect who refuses to voluntarily submit a DNA sample. In this case, Ryan S. Smith sought to suppress DNA evidence that linked him to two crimes because of the use of the force against him. When told of a court order to obtain a second sample for DNA testing, Smith reportedly stated “You are gonna have to Taser me if you want my DNA.” That apparently sounded like a pretty good idea to the officers in the room.
Continue reading ‘Defense Shocked: Court Rules Police Can Use Taser to Collect DNA Sample’
DOES TURLEY BLOG NEED A NIP AND TUCK?
Published 1, June 7, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Columns , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Environment , International , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Military , Politics , Religion , Society , Supreme Court , Testimony , Torts 88 Comments
It comes to all of us with age. As hairlines recede and waistlines expand, cosmetic surgery becomes more attractive. While this blog is just around 2 years old, in human-to-blog years that is almost middle aged. In the last few weeks, various regulars have suggested that the site needs work to handle the large number of visitors and entries. This is an attempt to see what you would like to do with the site. I view this site as belonging to all of the regulars and I would like to solicit your thoughts on changes that you would like to see from different cosmetic touches to different structure. This entry will also allow discussion of those things (not people) that you least like.
Continue reading ‘DOES TURLEY BLOG NEED A NIP AND TUCK?’
Thanks to the “Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force”
Published 1, June 6, 2009 International , Military , Politics , Society 37 Comments
A few words on a day of courage and sacrifice by Americans on foreign soil on this day 65 years ago.
Continue reading ‘Thanks to the “Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force”’
Justice Department Found to Have (Again) Withheld Evidence and Invalidating Convictions Through Prosecutorial Misconduct
Published 1, June 6, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics , Society 12 Comments
The Justice Department has again conceded to acts of prosecutorial misconduct that will result in the release of two politicians from jail in Alaska. In a case with obvious similarities to the botched case of former Sen. Ted. Stevens of Alaska, former Representatives Pete Kott and Vic Kohring will likely be released soon after the Justice Department admitted that it withheld evidence that should have been turned over to the defense. What is most striking is that the same prosecutors were involved in both the cases of Stevens and these state legislators.
Continue reading ‘Justice Department Found to Have (Again) Withheld Evidence and Invalidating Convictions Through Prosecutorial Misconduct’
Expired Meter: New York City Police Repeatedly Ticket Vehicle for Weeks With Deceased Driver’s Body Inside
Published 1, June 6, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 3 Comments
It was a great enough shock for the family of George Morales, 58, when his decomposed body was found in his van under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway underpass. What was even more surprising were the four tickets left by police who repeatedly cited the vehicle without noticing the body.
Continue reading ‘Expired Meter: New York City Police Repeatedly Ticket Vehicle for Weeks With Deceased Driver’s Body Inside’
Sotomayor Belongs to All-Female Club
Published 1, June 5, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Justice , Lawyering , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 53 CommentsAmong the material release this week by the White House is the disclosure that Judge Sonia Sotomayor belong to a private women’s-only group. The membership raises an interesting question given the controversies in the past over nominees who belong to men-only club. Should the standard be different for women or should exclusive club membership no longer be an issue in nominations?
Continue reading ‘Sotomayor Belongs to All-Female Club’
Rise of the Robots: Professors Flee As Dean Overlords Enlist Terminator Teachers
Published 1, June 5, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Society 27 Comments
This blog site addresses some truly terrifying stories from plagues to economic meltdown to genocide. However, nothing quite prepared me for this: the invention of a robot teacher. This brown-haried, cog-filled Cyborg vixen is a threat to all that American holds dear — and threatening the beloved host of this blog with the prospect of having to earn a living through hard labor.
Continue reading ‘Rise of the Robots: Professors Flee As Dean Overlords Enlist Terminator Teachers’
Ok, This is Bad: Reports on Unemployment, Deficit, and Family Income Paint Dark Picture
Published 1, June 5, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Society 104 Comments
There is a slew of reports this week that paint a pretty bleak picture. The Labor Department has placed the unemployment rate at 9.4 percent (the highest since 1983), If you add “temp workers” the rate is higher. In the meantime, another report indicates that over 16% of personal income of the United States is now coming from the government.
Twit Lit: Tony LaRussa Sues Over False Twitter Page
Published 1, June 5, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Media , Society , Torts 11 Comments
St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is suing Twitter over an unauthorized page that used his name and gave the false impression that he was sending embarrassing messages. The litigation in Superior Court of California in San Francisco is only the latest of such lawsuits against such companies for failing to confirm and monitor such sites.
Continue reading ‘Twit Lit: Tony LaRussa Sues Over False Twitter Page’
Baptist Minister Prays For Death of President Obama
Published 1, June 5, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 51 Comments
Baptist Minister (and former second vice president of the Souther Baptist Convention) Wiley Drake reportedly said that he is offering an “imprecatory prayer” for the death of President Obama.
Continue reading ‘Baptist Minister Prays For Death of President Obama’
Can You Hear Me Now? Police Officer Tasers High School Student In Dispute Over Use of Cellphone
Published 1, June 5, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Society 43 Comments
A police officer assigned to a Penn Hills, Pennsylvania high school tasered a student who allegeldy refused to end his conversation on a cell phone and then pushed away the officer’s arm.
Continue reading ‘Can You Hear Me Now? Police Officer Tasers High School Student In Dispute Over Use of Cellphone’
Live Free or Die: New Hampshire Becomes Sixth State To Recognize Same-Sex Marriages
Published 1, June 4, 2009 Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 12 Comments
And then there were six. The New Hampshire legislature has voted to recognize same-sex marriage joining five other states with such recognition in a continuing and encouraging trend among the states. Gov. John Lynch signed the bill soon after it was passed by the legislature. The question now is whether religious conservatives will try to stop states from determining their own matrimonial laws by passing a federal constitutional amendment.
A Life in the Law: New Hampshire Man Arrested for 153rd Time Asserts His Self-Taught Legal Training
Published 1, June 4, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 56 Comments
Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes famously observed that “the life of the law has not been logic, but experience.” One adherent to this principle appears to be Paul Baldwin, 48, who was arrested for the 153rd time and told a New Hampshire judge “I don’t need a lawyer – I’ve been in this court more than you have.”
Continue reading ‘A Life in the Law: New Hampshire Man Arrested for 153rd Time Asserts His Self-Taught Legal Training’
Torpedoed: Former New Jersey Judge Richard Sasso Banned For Life
Published 1, June 4, 2009 Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 4 Comments
Former New Jersey municipal judge Richard Sasso has been permanently banned from the bench by the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct. Among the violations found by the committee was Sasso’s abuse of both lawyers and litigants; his presiding over cases while under the influence of alcohol and Vicodin, and improper public conduct including an unpleasant scene at a strip club called Torpedo’s Go-Go Club.
Continue reading ‘Torpedoed: Former New Jersey Judge Richard Sasso Banned For Life’
Texas Police Officer Tasers 72-Year-Old Grandmother Who Refused to Sign a Speeding Ticket
Published 1, June 4, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 43 Comments
Constable Richard McCain insists that a grandmother deserved to be tasered in a recent roadside incident to protect himself from a violent attack. The suspect was Kathryn Winkfein, a 72-year-old grandmother, who had refused to sign a traffic ticket. Deputy Chris Bieze tasered Winkfein after she allegedly became belligerent.
Continue reading ‘Texas Police Officer Tasers 72-Year-Old Grandmother Who Refused to Sign a Speeding Ticket’
Federal Judge Tosses Out Unlawful Surveillance Cases
Published 1, June 4, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society , Uncategorized 28 Comments
The Obama Administration succeeded yesterday in getting three dozen public interest lawsuits dismissed against telecommunication companies. President Obama voted for the bill that gave the companies immunity and sought to prevent a court from declaring the warrantless surveillance program illegal. U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker also ordered investigations in Maine, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont and Missouri to be halted. However, he retained the issue of whether to sanction the Justice Department for its conduct in the case.
Continue reading ‘Federal Judge Tosses Out Unlawful Surveillance Cases’
J.D. Salinger Files To Block Publication of Sequel to Catcher in the Rye
Published 1, June 3, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Courts , Media , Society 12 Comments
The reclusive author J.D. Salinger (a personal favorite) was seen this week — at least in court papers. Salinger broke from his self-imposed seclusion to file an interesting lawsuit to block a novel based on Holden Caulfield, the hero from “The Catcher in the Rye.” The book, entitled “60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye,” is written by an author calling himself J.D. California and published by a Swedish company. It features Caulfield as an old man. The defendants include Swedish publisher Nicotext; its offshoot, Windupbird Publishing Ltd.; and California-based SCB Distributors as defendants.
Continue reading ‘J.D. Salinger Files To Block Publication of Sequel to Catcher in the Rye’
Marine Recuiter Accused of Pimping 14-Year-Old Girl With Two Potential Recruits
Published 1, June 3, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 4 Comments
Police in Hemet, California are dealing with a bizarre criminal case after a Marine recruiter was charged with pimping a 14-year-old girl with potential recruits. Staff Sgt. Bryan Damone Cunningham was allegedly caught in a car with two such prospective recruits and police are investigating whether he used the girl as part of his recruitment efforts.
Continue reading ‘Marine Recuiter Accused of Pimping 14-Year-Old Girl With Two Potential Recruits’
Susan Jordan Killed in Plane Crash
Published 1, June 3, 2009 Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 5 Comments
The bar lost a great advocate on Friday with the death of Susan Jordan, 67, who died in a plane crash in Utah. Jordan pioneered the battered women’s syndrome defense and represented controversial clients ranging from the Symbionese Liberation Army to the Black Panthers.
Seventh Circuit, Sotomayor, and the Second Amendment: Conservative Icons Easterbrook and Posner Support Sotomayor’s View of Right to Bear Arms
Published 1, June 3, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 27 Comments
The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has handed down a decision that could play a role in the Sotomayor confirmation process. In National Rifle Association v. Chicago, the Seventh Circuit upheld a Chicago ordinance banning handguns and automatic weapons within city limits. In so doing, it held that the individual right to bear arms is not a fundamental right applicable to the states. It is precisely the hypothetical that some of us discussed in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, which recognized an individual right to bear arms in the Second Amendment. It also supports the view of Judge Sonia Sotomayor, who has been criticized for two opinions (including one after the Heller decision) that rejected the right to bear arms as a fundamental right. Sotomayor received indirect support from two unlikely sources: conservative icons Frank Easterbrook and Richard Posner.
Ranck Pizza: Florida Prosecutor Arrested for Assaulting Pizza Delivery Woman
Published 1, June 3, 2009 Bizarre , Lawyering , Society 16 Comments
Veteran Miami-Dade prosecutor David Ranck, 51, has been charged with battery after allegedly assaulting a pizza delivery woman. He has been suspended by his office. Only the week before a Broward County prosecutor was arrested for assaulting a police officer.
Continue reading ‘Ranck Pizza: Florida Prosecutor Arrested for Assaulting Pizza Delivery Woman’
Former Connecticut Lawyer Elizabeth Zembko Arrested For Shoplifting and Burglary
Published 1, June 3, 2009 Bizarre , Lawyering , Society 24 Comments
Former Connecticut lawyer Elizabeth Zembko, 48, achieved notoriety a few years ago when she was convicted of stealing half a million dollars from her former law firm and elderly clients to pay for shopping sprees. It appears that the shopping bug is not quite out of her system. After serving 15 months, she was re-arrested for shoplifting and burglary in two different incidents.
Continue reading ‘Former Connecticut Lawyer Elizabeth Zembko Arrested For Shoplifting and Burglary’
Judge Kent Resigns On Eve of Impeachment Hearing — Effective One Year From Now
Published 1, June 2, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 12 Comments
With hearings scheduled for House Judiciary Committee Task Force on Impeachment, U.S. District Judge Samuel B. Kent has decided to turn in this resignation to President Barack Obama. His lawyer Dick DeGuerin says that the hearings are now unnecessary and Judge Kent will not participate. However, his resignation will reportedly only be effective June 1, 2010.”
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Cheney: Gays Should Be Able To Marry
Published 1, June 2, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 28 Comments
Former Vice President Dick Cheney said Monday that he supports same-sex unions and believes that the question should be left to the states — as opposed to a federal prohibition or constitutional amendment. Cheney, who has a lesbian daughter, insisted “I think, you know, freedom means freedom for everyone. I think people ought to be free to enter into any kind of union they wish, any kind of arrangement they wish.”
“World’s Funniest Lawyer” Kenneth Kahn Dies After Falling Off Mountain in Machu Picchu
Published 1, June 2, 2009 Bizarre , Lawyering , Society 4 Comments
Kenneth Kahn, a well-known Los Angeles criminal defense attorney and amateur stand-up comedian, was died in a fall while climbing the mountain above Machu Picchu. He was 66.
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North Carolina Judge Reprimanded for Facebook “Friend” and Googling Information on Litigant
Published 1, June 2, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Lawyering , Media , Society 2 CommentsThere is an interesting case of judicial ethics out of North Carolina where District Court Judge B. Carlton Terry Jr. was given a public reprimand for becoming “friends” on Facebook with the attorney for the defendant, Charles A. Shieck, in a child custody disputes. Terry was also reprimanded for not just posting statements about the case but googling the plaintiff in the case (and referencing what he had found).
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“I’m Rapping Jesus Christ”: Conservative Dartmouth Students Become YouTube Hit
Published 1, June 2, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Society 24 Comments
Dartmouth Students David Rufful and Josh Riddle have become the conservative versions of Snoop Doog and Willie D. “The Young Con Anthem” chas hit over 115,000 views. Known as Stiltz & Serious C, the students espouses conservative values for hard-right homeys. The video contains such serious ganstra wall street rap as “I don’t speak lies but I spit the facts/28% the new capital gains tax/Porkulus bill lacks a few stats/The more money we spend, the more mine is worth Jack.”
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British High Court: Pringles are Potato Chips
Published 1, June 1, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , International , Society 39 Comments
It’s official: Not only is pringles a food product, but it is a potato food product. That is the ruling of
Britain’s Supreme Court of Judicature which ruled with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and against Procter & Gamble U.K.. Just in case you thought this was small potatoes, the ruling means that Proctor & Gamble owes $160 million in taxes.
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Cutting Out the Hurd: Tribune Uncovers Letters on the Admission of Unworthy U of I Students Sponsored by Politicians
Published 1, June 1, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 26 Comments
There has been a long controversy over “legacy” admissions and the politically well connected applicants in law schools. The University of Illinois law school has been entangled in this controversy with the release of an embarrassing email exchange between former Dean Heidi Hurd, Chancellor Richard Herman, and Illinois State Sen. Chris Lauzen on a student Hurd believed was unworthy of admission — but then accepted.
Police Arrest Alleged Killer of Dr. George Tiller
Published 1, June 1, 2009 Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 198 Comments
A Kansas man, Scott Roeder, has been arrested for the murder of Dr. George Tiller (left), 67, who was shot while serving as an usher at his Wichita church Sunday morning. Tiller was one of the few U.S. doctors performing late-term abortions in the country and had previously survived a 1993 shooting outside of his clinic when he was shot in both arms. I discussed this case on this segment of Rachel Maddow Show.
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Golden Child Goes Grunge
Published 1, June 1, 2009 Bizarre , International , Religion , Society 3 Comments
There is another “gilded cage” story out of Tibet. This week, many people are talking about a Malaysian princess who fled a seemingly story tale life with a Royal family after alleged torture and abuse. Now, ,Tibetans are dealing with the flight of a man once worshiped as a God. Osel Hita Torres, 23, was selected by monks at five month old as the reincarnation of the recently deceased Lama Yeshe. At 14 months, he was taken from his parents and declared Lama Tenzin Osel Rinpoche. He fled and is now a film student in Spain who has denounced his treatment and stolen childhood. He can now be seen in his fully human glory in baggy pants, long hair, and loving life.
Gilded Cage: Malaysian Royal Family Accused of Drugging and Torturing Princess
Published 1, June 1, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 6 Comments
With the world still talking about UAE Crown Prince Sheik Issa bin Zayed al Nahyan and is torture videos, another royal family has been accused of torture and abuses. Teenage model Manohara Odelia Pinot was only 16 when she was married to Tengku Temenggong Muhammad Fakhry, a prince of Malaysia’s Kelantan State. While in Singapore, she was able to escape with the help of police and tell an incredible story of being drugged, tortured, and confined by the family.
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