Karl Rove spoke to congressional investigators last week and reportedly admitted that he did play a role in the hiring and firing of federal prosecutors, including at least one of the nine U.S. Attorneys at the heart of the scandal.
Archive for July, 2009
Rove Admits Involvement in Firing of Federal Prosecutors and Bush’s Likely Involvment
Published 1, July 31, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics 23 CommentsWorker’s Paradise and Paranoia: China Tells Doctors to Stop Treating Patients — Declaring Sickness Related to New Factory To Be “Mass Hysteria”
Published 1, July 31, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , International , Politics , Society 5 Comments
After a new factory opened in Jilin, China, citizens flooded local hospitals with complaints about convulsions, breathing difficulties, vomiting and temporary paralysis. They all lived or worked near the new Jilin Connell Chemical Plant. The Chinese government responded in an all too familiar way: declaring the cases to be little more than “mass hysteria” and ordering doctors to stop treating the patients. More than 1,200 of the workers at the new factory has sought medical help.
Culp-able? Lawyer Arrested After Saying “I Hate the Police” in Front of D.C. Officers
Published 1, July 31, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 18 Comments
Lawyer Pepin Tuma, 33, was speaking with friends on Saturday night about his outrage over the arrest of Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. when he passed a group of D.C. police officers, including Second District Officer J. Culp. The lawyer started to chant “I hate the police” as he walked by and ended up under arrest.
Continue reading ‘Culp-able? Lawyer Arrested After Saying “I Hate the Police” in Front of D.C. Officers’
Naggs at a Buck Party: Stripper Arrested for Rape Insists that Use of Sex Toy Was “Joke”
Published 1, July 31, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 13 Comments
Now, this is a rare rape case. The female defendant is accused of raping a man in front of witnesses with a sex toy and then admits to the penetration but insists that it was a joke. That is the case of stripper Maree Naggs who was arrested after a “buck’s party” (bachelor party) in Australia.
Continue reading ‘Naggs at a Buck Party: Stripper Arrested for Rape Insists that Use of Sex Toy Was “Joke”’
Indian Tantrik Beheads Five-Year-Old Girl in Ritual to Give Man Healthy Male Heirs
Published 1, July 31, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 10 Comments
We have previously followed the work of tantriks in India, here. Now, one of these witchdoctors has been accused of beheading a five-year-old girl in a ritual to help a man produce healthy children.
Continue reading ‘Indian Tantrik Beheads Five-Year-Old Girl in Ritual to Give Man Healthy Male Heirs’
OMG Jst Drov N Pool BRT: Truck Driver Accused of Crashing While Texting on One Cellphone and Talking on Another
Published 1, July 31, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 7 Comments
Tow Truck driver Nicholas Sparks, 25, is being cited as an example of the dangers of multi-tasking — particularly when you are driving a flatbed truck. Sparks is accused of texting on one cell phone while speaking on another cellphone — before hitting a car, crashing through a fence, sideswiping a house and then driving into an in-ground pool outside of Buffalo.
Continue reading ‘OMG Jst Drov N Pool BRT: Truck Driver Accused of Crashing While Texting on One Cellphone and Talking on Another’
Fixodent and Forget It? Company Accused of Injuries Linked to High Zinc Concentrations
Published 1, July 31, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Torts 1 Comment
Fixodent is having trouble convincing some customers that its denture cream allows them to “Enjoy Life Without Worrying About Dentures.” There are a growing number of lawsuits alleging zinc poisoning and neurological injuries linked to Fixodent denture adhesive cream. Procter & Gamble insists that there is no connection between its product and these injuries. With more than 35 million Americans using denture creams, the potential level of liability is considerable. This does not include the variety of zinc-based products in other areas.
Federal Judge Calls for Investigation of “The Civil Equivalent of the Ted Stevens Case”
Published 1, July 30, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Politics , Society 11 Comments
The World Bank/IMF protest case had a sanctions hearing yesterday that had found its way into the media. Because I am lead counsel (with Dan Schwartz) in one of the two cases (Chang) against the District of Columbia, Federal government, Fairfax County, and various police officers, I will not comment on the controversy.
Continue reading ‘Federal Judge Calls for Investigation of “The Civil Equivalent of the Ted Stevens Case”’
Two Police Chiefs Charged in Burglary of the Home of the Surrogate Mother of the Twins of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick
Published 1, July 30, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 10 Comments
Two police chiefs — Martins Ferry Police Chief Barry Carpenter and Bridgeport Chief Chad Dojack — have reportedly been arrested and booked in a case involving actors Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker — and the surrogate mother who recently gave birth to their twin girls. The police chiefs are accused of illegally breaking into the home of the 26-year-old Michelle Ross to obtain information to be sold to a tabloid.
Splendor in the Graft: Court-Appointed Trustee Sues Ruth Madoff for $45 Million After a “Life of Splendor”
Published 1, July 30, 2009 Criminal law , Society , Torts 13 Comments
When Ruth Madoff recently agreed to a deal with prosecutors under which she would retain millions, we expressed outrage and opined on the possibility of a civil “clawback” lawsuit. It has now happened. Court-appointed trustee Irving Picard accuses Madoff of a “life of Splendor” funded by illegally gained funds from her imprisoned husband Bernard Madoff. Ruth was last seen cringing on to a fur coat as she was being thrown out of a Manhattan $7 million penthouse when it was seized by agents.
Video: Florida Officers Openly Discuss Falsifying Report to Protect Officer From Blame in Accident By Framing a Citizen
Published 1, July 30, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 16 CommentsBroward County prosecutors in Florida have dropped four DUI charges against Alexandra Torrensvilas after this video showed Hollywood police officers making up a false story to pin the blame of an accident on her. The problem is that they did it in front of their dash cameras.
Continue reading ‘Video: Florida Officers Openly Discuss Falsifying Report to Protect Officer From Blame in Accident By Framing a Citizen’
Obama Political Appointees Reportedly Overruled Career Justice Officials In Dropping Charges Against New Black Panther Party for Voter Intimidation
Published 1, July 30, 2009 Constitutional Law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 121 Comments
Associate Attorney General Thomas J. Perrelli overruled career lawyers at the Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division to drop a complaint against three members of the New Black Panther Party of intimidating voters in Philadelphia during November’s election — including one member Samir Shabazz who brandished a nightstick.
Continue reading ‘Obama Political Appointees Reportedly Overruled Career Justice Officials In Dropping Charges Against New Black Panther Party for Voter Intimidation’
Officer Admits That He Repeatedly Called Gates a “Jungle Monkey” But Insists That He Is Not A Racist
Published 1, July 30, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Media , Politics , Society 24 Comments
Boston Police Officer and National Guardsman Justin Barrett has gone public to deny he is a racist and apologize to professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. for repeatedly calling Gates a “banana-eating jungle monkey,” insisting that “I have so many friends of every type of culture and race you can name. I am not a racist.”
Fire Sale: Arizona Considers Selling House and Senate Buildings for Cash
Published 1, July 29, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Society 11 Comments
The fire sale of America continues this week with Arizona legislators considering selling their House and Senate buildings and then leasing them back from private companies to raise cash. As we continue to pour billions into the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, states are selling off parks and historic sites (here and here). The result is a windfall for private investors who are scooping up deals from legislators who are eager for ready cash.
Continue reading ‘Fire Sale: Arizona Considers Selling House and Senate Buildings for Cash’
High-Protein Pepsi: Florida Couple Claims to Find Dead Mouse in Soft Drink
Published 1, July 29, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Torts 12 Comments
Amy and Fred Denegri allege that they were a bit surprised at their Florida beach house when Fred complained about a funny taste in his Diet Pepsi and was a wee bit surprised to find a mouse in the can. We can now understand Pepsi’s old slogan: “It’s the Cola”/”Dare for More”
Continue reading ‘High-Protein Pepsi: Florida Couple Claims to Find Dead Mouse in Soft Drink’
Video: Officer Tasers 72-Year-Old Great-Grandmother After a Dare
Published 1, July 29, 2009 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Society 24 CommentsThe Travis County Constable’s Office has released the dashcam video of the tasering of 72-year-old Kathryn Winkfein by Deputy Chris Bieze. We previously discussed this story but the video is highly disturbing in the decision to shoot the 4’11” great grandmother. Before he fires the weapon, Winkfein responds to Bieze’s threat to taser with an “I dare you.” He didn’t need a double dare.
Continue reading ‘Video: Officer Tasers 72-Year-Old Great-Grandmother After a Dare’
Former Journalist and United Nations Worker Faces Flogging in Sudan for Wearing Pants
Published 1, July 29, 2009 Academics , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 7 Comments
Lubna Hussein, a former journalist and current United Nations worker, is facing 40 lashes for the crime of wearing pants in a public place — an act of unspeakable “indecency” under Sharia law in Sudan. She says that 10 other women arrested at a restaurant in Khartoum, including some non-Muslims, were already flogged.
Dot Con: Wife Refuses to Turn Over Money to Victims to Reduce Husband’s Sentence
Published 1, July 29, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 7 Comments
Former Pennsylvania lawyer Ralph Mirarchi appears to have as bad marital as legal problems these days. Under a plea bargain, Marachi was supposed to have his sentence reduced once his wife sold their New Jersey home to help repay his victims. Instead, Mirachi, 69, was sentenced to up to 8 1/2 years after his wife of forty years Dorothy “Dot” Mirachi decided to keep the home and allegedly used money from another real estate sale to pay off her Lexus rather than her husband’s victims.
Continue reading ‘Dot Con: Wife Refuses to Turn Over Money to Victims to Reduce Husband’s Sentence’
The One That Got Away: Florida Fish Shop Wins Case Against Clearwater
Published 1, July 29, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 6 Comments
The City of Clearwater, Florida has decided to throw one back. We have been following the story of bait shop owners Herb and Lori Quintero in Clearwater, Florida who challenged a fine for having a fish mural painted on the outside of their business — later covered up by a copy of the first amendment. The controversy was a combination of remarkably bad lawyering and judgment by the city. It has now concluded after two adverse rulings against the city and a $55,000 settlement paid to the Quinteros.
Continue reading ‘The One That Got Away: Florida Fish Shop Wins Case Against Clearwater’
Shocking Love: Police Taser and Pepper Spray Deaf, Mentally Disabled Man for Not Complying With Orders
Published 1, July 28, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 22 Comments
When Antonio Love failed to heed orders to come out of a bathroom at a Dollar General store, Mobile police used pepper spray and a Taser on him — ultimately arresting him for resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and failure to obey a police officer. The problem is that Love, 37, is deaf and mentally disabled.
Continue reading ‘Shocking Love: Police Taser and Pepper Spray Deaf, Mentally Disabled Man for Not Complying With Orders’
Yoo Must Be Kidding: Professor Argues That Bush Could Negate Both The Fourth Amendment and The Posse Comitatus Act By Simply Declaring Deployment To Be A National Security Matter
Published 1, July 28, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Military , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 52 Comments
The debate continues to rage this week over the push by Vice President Dick Cheney and others to have former President George Bush deploy active military units in a suburb of Buffalo to arrest a small group of men who were suspected of supporting terrorism (here). Nor surprising, Bush officials went to Berkeley law professor John Yoo to tell them that (surprise!) the President was not bound by the Fourth Amendment or federal law if he unilaterally declared the operation to be a national security matter. Yoo and his former colleague conclude that “the president has the legal and constitutional authority to use military force within the United States to respond to and combat future acts of terrorism, and that the Posse Comitatus Act does not bar deployment.” I discussed the controversy on this segment of Countdown.
Continue reading ‘Yoo Must Be Kidding: Professor Argues That Bush Could Negate Both The Fourth Amendment and The Posse Comitatus Act By Simply Declaring Deployment To Be A National Security Matter’
Official British Military Magazine “Soldier” Features Openly Gay Soldier on Cover Next to Headline “Pride”
Published 1, July 28, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , International , Military , Politics , Religion , Society 28 Comments
The British army took a remarkable and commendable step this month by featuring Trooper James Wharton, an openly gay soldier. While U.S. military officers continue to fret over gays in the military and discharge decorated heroes for their private relations, the British has shown that tough guys can be gay guys.
Tweety Tort: Chicago Tenant Sued for Defamation After Sending Moldy Tweet
Published 1, July 28, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Society , Torts 5 Comments
Amanda Bonnen thought that she was merely expressing herself when she posted a public tweet on Twitter on May 12th complaining about mold in her Chicago apartment. The Horizon Group Management company has responded by suing her for defamation in a rare tweet tort by a business. However, tortious tweets are finding their way into court as the basis for liability claims.
Continue reading ‘Tweety Tort: Chicago Tenant Sued for Defamation After Sending Moldy Tweet’
California Supreme Court Orders Bar to Allow Quadriplegic To Take Exam
Published 1, July 28, 2009 Academics , Lawyering , Society 4 Comments
The State Bar of California will allow a remarkable graduate of UC Davis School of Law to sit for the bar exam after the intervention of the California Supreme Court. Sara Granda is a quadriplegic who was barred from sitting on the exam due to a technical glitch on her online application.
Continue reading ‘California Supreme Court Orders Bar to Allow Quadriplegic To Take Exam’
Urine a Lot of Trouble, Mr. Thompson: Janitor Filmed Relieving Himself on Court Reporter’s Chair
Published 1, July 28, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Society 6 Comments
Stephen L. Thompson, 58, a courthouse janitor in Clark County, Indiana had a curious response to a court reporter who rebuffed his expressions of affection. Hell hath no fury like a janitor scorned.
Continue reading ‘Urine a Lot of Trouble, Mr. Thompson: Janitor Filmed Relieving Himself on Court Reporter’s Chair’
Triple Your Pleasure: Taser To Introduce New Weapon That Allows Officers To Taser Three People Without Reloading
Published 1, July 28, 2009 Bizarre , Society 9 Comments
Despite continuing controversies associated with the expanding use of tasers, Taser International has concluded that the problem is that officers cannot taser enough people before facing the hassle of reloading. Before an enthusiastic crowd of hundreds of law enforcement officers, the company unveiled its new triple action taser X3-20.
Continue reading ‘Triple Your Pleasure: Taser To Introduce New Weapon That Allows Officers To Taser Three People Without Reloading’
Camp Hamas: Cooking, Camping . . . Kidnapping
Published 1, July 27, 2009 Bizarre , International , Media , Military , Politics , Religion 7 Comments
Ah, those long summer nights at Camp Hamas. Who can forget them? A recent media report has shown pictures of kids reenacting the June 2006 abduction of Schalit in front of a beaming Osama Mazini, a senior Hamas political leader leading negotiations with Israel over his release.
Continue reading ‘Camp Hamas: Cooking, Camping . . . Kidnapping’
Baker Replaced By Cook: Alexandria Police Chief Arrested for Drunk Driving
Published 1, July 27, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 15 Comments
Alexandria (Va.) Police Chief David P. Baker, 58, has been put on administrative leave after crashing his unmarked city car and then blowing 0.19 on a sobriety check — twice the legal limit. Deputy Police Chief Earl Cook has replaced him as acting chief.
Continue reading ‘Baker Replaced By Cook: Alexandria Police Chief Arrested for Drunk Driving’
Palin: The American Media is an Anti-Military, Anti-Family Group of Liars
Published 1, July 27, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Politics 37 Comments
Former Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin left office with a signature attack on the media in which she accused of making up stories against the military and persecuting her family. There was no mention of the various Republicans describing her as an embarrassment or former McCain staffers describing her as a living nightmare. It comes down to the media and their war on America.
Continue reading ‘Palin: The American Media is an Anti-Military, Anti-Family Group of Liars’
Chinese Students Allege Officials Sold Their Academic Records — and Ruined Their Lives
Published 1, July 27, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 2 CommentsThere is a bizarre story out of China where dozens of Chinese students have seen their future wiped out by the disappearance of the manila folders containing their records. In China, these paper folders follow a student throughout his or her career with every achievement, score, and prospect for a college education. While Chinese officials say that the folders were lost in a move of an office to a floor above, reformers believe that corrupt officials sold the folders to the parents of underachieving students, who then use their records to secure valuable jobs and college entrance.
Denver Police Officer Charged After Allegedly Demanding Fast Service at McDonalds at Gunpoint
Published 1, July 27, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 15 Comments
Denver police officer Derrick Curtis Saunders, 29, allegedly wants his fast food faster. Saunders is “on leave” to deal with criminal charges after reportedly pulling his weapon at a McDonald’s to speed things up behind the counter.
Continue reading ‘Denver Police Officer Charged After Allegedly Demanding Fast Service at McDonalds at Gunpoint’
Sixteen-Year-Old Girl in Pakistan is Beaten and Gang Raped for a Year Before Being Turned Over to Police — Who Beat and Gang Rape Her
Published 1, July 27, 2009 Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 3 Comments
There is another horrific story out of Pakistan in the abuse of women and girls. In this case, Assiya Rafiq, 16, was kidnapped by a group of men who proceeded to beat and rape her for a year. When police accused them of bank robbery, the men agreed to turn over a bribe — and Assiya. The Police Chief and his officers then allegedly proceeded to rape her and accuse her of bank robbery.
Navy Officer Accuses Reporter of Sexual Harassment
Published 1, July 27, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 1 Comment
Miami Herald Reporter Carol Rosenberg has been accused of sexual harassment in a complaint by Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey Gordon. In what may be the first complaint of its kind against a reporter, Gordon accuses Rosenberg of “multiple incidents of abusive and degrading comments of an explicitly sexual nature.” Gordon, 41, has added, rather implausibly, that he has “been abused worse than the detainees have been abused.” My guess is that working with Rosenberg is still a bit better than a turn on the waterboard. The question is whether she is more like Hildy Johnson, the hard-charging and tough-talking journalist — or foul-mouthed sexual harasser leaving Navy officers crushed in her path. [UPDATE: The Miami Herald has cleared Rosenberg of wrongdoing, citing lack of corroboration].
Continue reading ‘Navy Officer Accuses Reporter of Sexual Harassment’
We have seen the horror of human manipulation of animal styles (here), but this is dog is looking at years of therapy and inter-species confusion
Continue reading ‘HUMANS DID THIS TO ME’
Report: Albinos Murdered and Body Parts Sold for Witchcraft
Published 1, July 26, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 1 Comment
Burundi authorities have secured a life sentence for an individual accused of involved in the trafficking of albino body parts for witchcraft. The victims were murdered and then mutilated to sell as parts for witchcraft ceremonies and potions.
Continue reading ‘Report: Albinos Murdered and Body Parts Sold for Witchcraft’
On a trial basis, I have added a new corrections page at the top of the blog to allow readers to spot and raise any factual or grammatical problems with stories. I often add blog stories early in the morning or during brief windows of free time during the day. In the rush to get out a new story, I will sometimes miss typos that can be understandably annoying to readers. I am a terrible typist. This page is an effort to enlist our regulars in spotting any such problems to improve the site.
Continue reading ‘NEW CORRECTIONS PAGE’
Matchmaker: New York Rabbi Arrested As Head of International Organ Trafficking Ring
Published 1, July 26, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Religion , Society 28 Comments
Rabbi Izhak Levy Rosenbaum of Brooklyn has been arrested for running an international human organ selling ring. Rosenbaum’s role was disclosed to the FBI by an anthropologist, Nancy Scheper-Hughes of the University of California, Berkeley, who has been studying organ markets. She described him as the “main broker” in the international trafficking of human organs — allegedly taken from “vulnerable” people in Moldova, Israel and possibly other countries and sold to wealthy recipients in the United States. Rosenbaum called himself “the matchmaker.”
Continue reading ‘Matchmaker: New York Rabbi Arrested As Head of International Organ Trafficking Ring’
Saudi Arabia Arrests Man For Speaking About His Sex Life in Public
Published 1, July 26, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 6 Comments
Saudi Arabian police have arrested Mazen Abdul Jawad for the crime of speaking about his sex life in public. Shariah law makes it a crime for him to be “publicizing his sinful behavior,” according to prosecutors. Various people filed complaints after Jawad appeared on a Lebanese show called “Red Line.”
Continue reading ‘Saudi Arabia Arrests Man For Speaking About His Sex Life in Public’
Palin: Being American is Never To Have To Say You’re Sorry
Published 1, July 26, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Society 28 CommentsAlaskan Gov. Sarah Palin continued to leave her mark on American politics just days before leaving officer early. In a speech before a wildly enthusiastic group, Palin told fans that good Americans should “never apologize for our country.” It was a curious lesson to give children at a picnic — no matter what our nation does, we should never apologize because we are Americans. Apologies are for non-Americans to make (who should presumably also apologize for not being Americans).
Continue reading ‘Palin: Being American is Never To Have To Say You’re Sorry’
Report: Bush Considered Sending Troops Into Buffalo for Terror Sweep
Published 1, July 25, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Military , Politics , Society 122 Comments
In yet another indication of how extreme Bush officials were in their war on terrorism, the New York Times is reporting that Vice President Dick Cheney and others pushed former President George Bush to send troops into Buffalo New York to arrest a group of men accused of terrorism.
Continue reading ‘Report: Bush Considered Sending Troops Into Buffalo for Terror Sweep’
Conyers Calls for Special Prosecutor on Alleged Bush Crimes
Published 1, July 25, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 30 Comments
The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee today called for U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to appoint a special counsel to probe potential abuses of power under the Bush administration. House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) has called upon U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to appoint a special prosecutor to look into alleged Bush crimes. Holder has continued a rather transparent effort to block or curtail any investigation to prevent the prosecution of Bush officials for the torture and surveillance programs.
Continue reading ‘Conyers Calls for Special Prosecutor on Alleged Bush Crimes’
If You Prick Us, Do We Not Bleed? New York Lawyer Prevails in Contesting Arrest for Foul Language
Published 1, July 25, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Society 9 Comments
It took New York Attorney Joseph DePaula four years but he has finally prevailed in his false arrest claim after he was thrown into jail for calling an officer a “prick” in court in 2005.
Continue reading ‘If You Prick Us, Do We Not Bleed? New York Lawyer Prevails in Contesting Arrest for Foul Language’
Arizona Father Reportedly Tells Police to Keep Raped Eight-Year-Old Girl
Published 1, July 25, 2009 Criminal law , International , Religion , Society 12 Comments
The recent gang rape of an eight-year-old girl by four boys — aged 9-14 — was shocking enough. Now, police have stated that the girl’s father — who is from Liberia — blamed the girl for being raped and told that police “Take her, I don’t want her.”
Continue reading ‘Arizona Father Reportedly Tells Police to Keep Raped Eight-Year-Old Girl’
North Korea Executes Woman For Distributing Bibles
Published 1, July 25, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 3 Comments
North Korea has added yet another infamy to its record: the execution of Ri Hyon Ok, 33, for distributing Bibles. As is often the case, North Korea tacked on a charge of spying for South Korea and the United States — as if the two countries would enlist a spy who divides her time between surveillance and evangelical activities.
Continue reading ‘North Korea Executes Woman For Distributing Bibles’
Obama: I Did Not Mean “Stupidity” As a Slight of the Cambridge Officers
Published 1, July 24, 2009 Academics , Politics , Society 33 Comments
As expected, President Barack Obama attempted to backtrack from his statements yesterday denouncing the police for the “stupidity” of their arrest of Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates. In today’s statement, Obama insisted that when he referred to their stupidity he did not mean to malign them. While “stupidity” is not a term of endearment, it can apparently be used without any negative connotations for the arresting officers — even when linked with the nation’s history of racism and profiling abuses.
Continue reading ‘Obama: I Did Not Mean “Stupidity” As a Slight of the Cambridge Officers’
Report: Sgt. Crowley Considering Defamation Lawsuit in Gates Controversy
Published 1, July 24, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , Lawyering , Society , Torts 126 Comments
Cambridge Police Sergeant James M. Crowley is considering a defamation lawsuit, according to his lawyer. The possibility of a lawsuit adds an intriguing element to this controversy over the arrest of Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. The Massachusetts Police Commissioner Robert Hass has also come out to criticize the comments of President Barack Obama denouncing the actions of the police as “stupidity” and suggesting that it was a case of racial profiling.
Continue reading ‘Report: Sgt. Crowley Considering Defamation Lawsuit in Gates Controversy’
San Francisco Attorney Disbarred Over Jury Vote
Published 1, July 24, 2009 Bizarre , Lawyering , Politics , Society 2 Comments
In what may be the first disbarment for a lawyer’s conduct as a jury member, Francis T. Fahy has been disbarred for misconduct in a story that we previously discussed.
Continue reading ‘San Francisco Attorney Disbarred Over Jury Vote’
Pressing the Flesh: Complaint Filed Against Transgender Mayor for Showing “Too Much Skin”
Published 1, July 24, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 8 Comments
There is an interesting fight brewing in Silverton, Oregon. The people of Silverton received national attention with the election of Stu Rasmussen, the nation’s first openly transgender mayor. Now, however, a complaint has been filed against Rasmussen who showed up in a swim top and miniskirt to meet with local kids. A parent has charged that Rasmussen showed “too much skin” while Rasmussen insists that it was too “hot and sticky” to wear anything else.
Continue reading ‘Pressing the Flesh: Complaint Filed Against Transgender Mayor for Showing “Too Much Skin”’
Police Officer Shoots Unarmed Man Wearing Only a Speedo
Published 1, July 24, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 25 Comments
Tyler Heilman, 24, was shot and killed outside of his home in Kastoa, Minnesota by Deputy Sheriff Todd Waldron. The shooting is particularly controversial because Heilman was unarmed and wearing only a speedo swimsuit.
Continue reading ‘Police Officer Shoots Unarmed Man Wearing Only a Speedo’
So’s Yo Mama-San: North Korea Denounces Clinton as Looking Like a “Pensioner Going Shopping” While Clinton Calls the North Koreans “Unruly Teenagers” With Mommy Issues
Published 1, July 24, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 8 Comments
The North Korean government would be a lasting source of late night jokes if it were not for the fact that it is trying to make a nuclear weapon and has been tied to such efforts by other nations. Now the Foreign Ministry has issued a series of bizarre schoolyard taunts against Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, saying she “looks like a primary schoolgirl and sometimes a pensioner going shopping.” That was from the spokesman for the Foreign Ministry — the diplomatic arm of North Korea.
Continue reading ‘So’s Yo Mama-San: North Korea Denounces Clinton as Looking Like a “Pensioner Going Shopping” While Clinton Calls the North Koreans “Unruly Teenagers” With Mommy Issues’
Rabbis and Mayors Arrested in New Jersey Public Corruption Probe
Published 1, July 23, 2009 Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 20 Comments
A group of rabbis were among the 30 or so people arrested in New Jersey with two mayors in a major corruption probe. Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano III (left) and Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell (right) were among those arrested in what is described as a “high-volume, international money-laundering conspiracy” where the rabbis used their their religious organizations to launder the money. There are also allegations of cash-filled envelopes going to politicians in garden-variety corruption claims.
Continue reading ‘Rabbis and Mayors Arrested in New Jersey Public Corruption Probe’
Florida City Manager Fired After Disclosure of Wife’s Work as Adult Film Star
Published 1, July 23, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society , Torts 17 Comments
We have yet another case of an employee being fired for activities outside of work. The case of former Fort Myers beach, Florida town manager Scott Janke, however, is a bit different. He is being fired because of his wife Anabela Mota Janke’s work as a porn star. Mayor Larry Kiker called a city council meeting without Janke present and secured an unanimous vote of 5-0 to terminate his contract because of what his wife does for a living. Kiker’s action runs afoul of the privacy and free speech and free association rights of this couple. Yet, he is relying on a contract that allows Janke to be fired for good cause, bad cause or no cause at all.
Continue reading ‘Florida City Manager Fired After Disclosure of Wife’s Work as Adult Film Star’
Rhode Island Judge Bans Sister From Commenting on Facebook About Her Brother’s Custody Case
Published 1, July 23, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Lawyering , Politics , Society 12 Comments
Rhode Island Judge Michael Forte has a curious concept of free speech and a dangerous view of judicial authority. Forte recently issued an order banning the sister of a father in a custody battle from commenting on the case on Facebook. Michelle Bouthillier Langlois, 41, has been defending her brother Michael from domestic-abuse allegations.
Continue reading ‘Rhode Island Judge Bans Sister From Commenting on Facebook About Her Brother’s Custody Case’
DePaul Faculty Complain to ABA About Dean’s Firing As Symposium is Canceled Due to Controversy
Published 1, July 23, 2009 Uncategorized 4 Comments
Sixteen tenured professors at DePaul University College of Law have filed a complaint with the American Bar Association over the firing of Dean Glen Weissenberger, which we have been following on this blog. The termination appeared to be retaliation for Weissenberger objecting to the University taking too much of tuition dollars.
If I Had a Hammer, I’d . . . : Romanian Man Comes Up With Home Remedy for Constipation
Published 1, July 23, 2009 Bizarre , International , Society 11 Comments
This is a case where there is no one to sue, let alone to blame, beyond yourself. Viorel Firoiu was having constipation problems after eating cherries and decided to try work things out with the use of two hammers that had to be removed by doctors. This may come as something of a surprise, but he had been drinking. It brings a new meaning to being hammered.
Obama Weighs in on Gates Arrest — Denouncing Police As Acting “Stupidly”
Published 1, July 23, 2009 Criminal law , Politics , Society 74 CommentsPresident Barack Obama’s press conference took a surprising turn when the President decided to weigh in on the controversy over the arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. by the Cambridge Police. While admitting that he did not know all of the facts, the President called the police stupid in their response to the call of a suspected break in.
Continue reading ‘Obama Weighs in on Gates Arrest — Denouncing Police As Acting “Stupidly”’
When Legislators Attack: South Korean Legislature (Again) Erupts Into Brawl
Published 1, July 23, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Society 3 CommentsWho needs the WWF when you have the Korean legislature? When the Grand National Party pushed through a bill relaxing restrictions on the media, opposition members decided to tables the matter by throwing actual table and chairs while charging the podium. This is only the latest just gladiatorial event in the main hall of the Korean National Assembly.
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Chinese Newspaper Reveals Government’s How To Manual for Police Abuse
Published 1, July 22, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Media , Politics , Society 9 CommentsA newspaper in China has published an astonishing manual from a Chinese agency on how police can beat suspects without leaving marks. While crude in comparison to our own torture guidelines for waterboarding, the Chinese how-to manual is further evidence of the abusive training and tactics of the feared Chengguan (cheng guan) police, known as “urban management officers.”
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Worst Show On Earth: Ringling Bros. Accused of Elephant Abuse Based on Undercover Video
Published 1, July 22, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , International , Society , Torts 47 Comments
A new videotape (below) has emerged of alleged abuse by a circus of elephants. This video by an undercover PETA activist shows Ringling Bros. employees beating elephants in ‘The Greatest Shows on Earth.” We have previously followed such lawsuits against the circuses, here.
Democrats Denounce Obama for Bush-Like Signing Statement That He Is Not Bound By Federal Legislation
Published 1, July 22, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , International , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Society 41 Comments
Four House Democrats have finally stepped forward to denounce the Bush-like policies of President Obama, particularly his recent signing statement proclaiming that he is not bound by federal legislation. The letter was signed by Reps. David Obey of Wisconsin, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee; Barney Frank of Massachusetts, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee; and subcommittee chairs Reps. Nita Lowey and Gregory Meeks of New York. The letter breaks from the lockstep loyalty shown Obama despite his adoption of many of Bush’s most controversial positions.
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Palin Accused of Violating Ethics Rules in Using Private Donations to Defend Against Ethics Charges
Published 1, July 22, 2009 Politics , Society 5 CommentsVarious media outlets have obtained a report of an independent investigator which suggests that Gov. Sarah Palin violated ethics laws by accepting private donations to pay her legal debts. Palin was presumably aware of this investigation when she suddenly announced her resignation recently — referring directly to the various ethics charges as one of the reasons that she resigned.
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Report: Iranian Guards Routinely Force Young Girls to Marry and Then Rape Them Before Their Executions — As Moral Measure
Published 1, July 22, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Military , Politics , Religion 14 Comments
The Jerusalem Post is reporting a shocking interview with a member of the Iranian paramilitary Basiji militia — the group accused of some of the worst atrocities in the crackdown on protesters following the recent disputed presidential election. The source is a member of the infamous Basiji. He discussed, among other things, how he and other guards would routinely rape young girls after compelled marriages in jail — because Iranian law forbids the execution of a virgin and it would have been immoral not to rape them before killing them.
California Divorce Lawyer Arrested on Suspicion of Planning to Kill His Wife — And Then Released for Lack of Evidence
Published 1, July 22, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 5 Comments
La Jolla divorce attorney Steven Liss, 53, was arrested this week on suspicion of four counts of solicitation to commit murder, false imprisonment and spousal battery. Police allege that Liss has been seeking help from various people to kill this wife Karen. One could certainly think that, if the allegations are true, there were better options like . . . a divorce. One day later, however, he was released with prosecutors saying that they need more evidence.
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The Primate Suspect: Monkey Caught on Videotape in Plant Caper
Published 1, July 21, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 8 Comments
The owners of Plants and Planters in Richardson, Texas suspected monkey business but they hardly expected an actual monkey. When Jerry Duncan retrieved a videotape from his gardening store after a burglary, he was amazed to see what appeared to be a trained monkey stealing plants.
Continue reading ‘The Primate Suspect: Monkey Caught on Videotape in Plant Caper’
Suspect Bursts Into Flames After Being Tasered by Police
Published 1, July 21, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 15 CommentsA 36-year-old Australian man burst into flames after being tasered by an officer with the West Australian Police. The man had doused himself with gasoline and was carrying a lighter when the police arrived in Warburton. The police were responding to a report that people were sniffing glue at the location.
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Obama Administration Misses Deadline for Report on Detainees
Published 1, July 21, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Lawyering , Military , Politics , Society 29 Comments
In yet another failure to honor its promises to civil libertarians, the Obama Administration has failed to honor its own deadline for the submission of a report on its policy for the detention of terror suspects. The report was expected to give details on Obama’s promise to shutdown the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay.
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Federal Court Rules CIA Committed Fraud in Federal Case
Published 1, July 21, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Criminal law , International , Lawyering , Politics , Society , Torts 21 Comments
The CIA has been accused of yet another fraud. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth had referred a CIA attorney for disciplinary action and is considering further sanctions against five current and former CIA employees, including former CIA Director George Tenet, for misleading the court in a federal case.
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Sharia Court in Malaysia Sentences Woman to Be Flogged For Drinking a Beer at a Nightclub
Published 1, July 21, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Religion , Society 10 Comments
A Sharia court in Malaysia has sentenced part-time model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, 32, to be flogged for drinking a beer at a nightclub. In Malaysia, only Muslims can be flogged for alcohol consumption and the government turns over the accused to the Sharia courts to mete out their own Islamic justice.
Transformed: Fourteen-Year-Old Boy Suffers Brain Damage After Drinking Gasoline to Be More Like Optimus Prime
Published 1, July 21, 2009 Bizarre , International , Society , Torts 16 Comments
Many major movies with a young audience tend to spawn cases and injuries from kids copying dangerous conduct. Indeed, some such injuries have led to lawsuits when parents blame the studios for depicting dangerous stunts. Shanghai Daily is reporting a perfectly bizarre case where a 14-year-old boy from Yibin in Sichuan, China drank two bottles of gasoline a day to be more like Optimus Prime in the Transformers animated series.
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Harvard Professor Henry Louis “Skip” Gates Arrested in Cambridge
Published 1, July 21, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 57 Comments
Henry Louis “Skip” Gates, Jr., University professor and director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Studies at Harvard, has been arrested while trying to break into his own house. A concerned neighbor called police when she saw Gates, 58, “wedging his shoulder in the front door [of Gates' house] as to pry the door open.” Police say that he refused to give them his name, accused them of racism, and continued a loud altercation from his porch until his arrest for “exhibiting loud and tumultuous behavior.”
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The Legacy of Feres: Negligent Military Doctors Amputate Airman’s Legs After Botching Gallbladder Surgery
Published 1, July 20, 2009 Bizarre , Military , Politics , Society , Supreme Court , Torts 27 Comments
We have another military medical malpractice case and another reason for Congress to legislatively negate the infamous Feres doctrine. Airman Colton Read, 20, went into the David grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base near Sacramento for a simple gallbladder operation — only to end up a double amputee due to malpractice.
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China Raids and Confiscates Computers and Files of Leading Civil Rights Activists
Published 1, July 20, 2009 Constitutional Law , Environment , International , Lawyering , Media , Politics 4 CommentsA leading civil rights organization in China, the Open Constitution Initiative, was effectively shutdown last Friday by the Chinese government, which seized its computers and files — including sensitive files on the tainted milk powder scandal that killed at least six children and hurt hundreds of thousands.
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Lawless Arrest: Police Officer Shown on Tape Assaulting Women Involved in Car Accident With His Son
Published 1, July 20, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 26 Comments
There is a very disturbing video and story out of Philadelphia where alleged police abuse was followed by an attempted cover-up. Agnes Lawless was involved in a minor fender bender but the other driver left the scene. She assumed the matter was over when she went in Lukoil store at 3 a.m. It turns out that the other driver was the son of officer Albert Lopez Sr. who is shown on the video of grabbing and slapping Lawless. Despite a witness who stated that investigators asked him to erase an incriminating video, the police department cleared the investigators and is debating whether to discipline Lopez.
Fox Analyst Suggests That Captured American Soldier Should Be Killed by Captors
Published 1, July 20, 2009 Bizarre , International , Media , Military , Politics , Society 44 CommentsFox News Strategic Analyst Lt. Col. Ralph Peters appears to view trials as something of an unnecessary expense. Here was heard this week telling Fox News that, if captured U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl, did leave his post — then “the Taliban can save us a lot of legal hassles” by killing Bergdahl. I discussed the status of Bergdahl on this segment of MSNBC Countdown.
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“I’m a Cop, I Can’t Go To Jail”: Police Officer Arrested in 2007 Fatal Hit and Run
Published 1, July 20, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 12 Comments
Crafton, Pa. Police Officer Donnie Breeden, 38, a 15-year veteran on the Crafton Police Force has been criminally charged with one count each of involuntary manslaughter and accidents involving death or personal injury. He was arrested after a friend implicated him in a 2007 hit and run — after which Breeden and his friends repaired his car and covered up his involvement. At the time, Breeden allegedly proclaimed, “I’m a cop, I can’t go to jail.”
Humans continue their campaign of forcing exchanges of dignity for dog bones.
Continue reading ‘HUMANS DID THIS TO ME’
West Virginia Man Charged With Dog Rape
Published 1, July 19, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society 21 Comments
Farmington, W. Va. (The Weekly Vice) – Christopher Bagwell, 26, is accused of a bizarre deviant offense: raping a neighbor’s dog that he had long coveted. The case shows a continuing failure of many states to have adequate laws punishing such animal cruelty.
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Hard-Right Science: Tea Party Leader Explains the Basic of Global Warming
Published 1, July 19, 2009 Academics , Environment , International , Politics 205 CommentsThis is almost hypnotic. One of the leaders at a Tea Party event with the Citizens of Liberty holds forth on the science of global warming. [Note: there will be no academic credit awarded for this Internet learning exercise].
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Retired Major General Supports Litigation Over Obama’s Birth Status
Published 1, July 19, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Military , Politics 1,202 Comments
The controversy over President Barack Obama continues with an interesting twist: Maj. Gen. Carroll Dean Childers (ret.) and active U.S. Air Force reservist Lt. Col. David Earl Graeff are supporting the litigation. On July 8th, Maj. Stefan Frederick Cook filed the suit July 8th in federal court demanding conscientious objector status and a preliminary injunction based upon his claim that President Barack Obama is not a natural-born citizen of the United States. He argued that, since Obama cannot serve as president of the United States, he cannot order him to deploy as commander-in-chief of the U.S. Armed Forces.
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California Police Officer Pleads Guilty of Civil Rights Violation in Sexual Assault
Published 1, July 18, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 14 Comments
Former California police officer Feliciano Sanchez has pleaded guilty to deprivation of right under the color of law in a case where he forced a motorist to perform an act of oral sex after pulling her over on a highway.
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Live Free (With Fines) or Die (in Debt): New Hampshire Fines Injured Eagle Scout $25,000 for Mountain Rescue
Published 1, July 18, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Politics , Society 8 Comments
Scott Mason, an eagle scout from Massachusetts, was praised in April after he spent three nights on Mount Washington in New Hampshire with a sprained ankle using his scout skills. New Hampshire officials, however, are now demanding payment of $25,000 for the rescue because he believe he was negligent in continuing on the height despite his injury. It appears that the “free” in “Live Free or Die” should not be read to literally.
Continue reading ‘Live Free (With Fines) or Die (in Debt): New Hampshire Fines Injured Eagle Scout $25,000 for Mountain Rescue’
Walter Cronkite, once known as the “most trusted man in America,” is dead at 92. He passed away at a time of tremendous changes in the media, particularly at his beloved CBS. As he would say, “That’s the way it is.”
Surgical Souvenir: Florida Surgeon Charged After Lying to Police and Palming a Slug Taken From a Suspect as a Souvenir
Published 1, July 18, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 27 Comments
Dr. David J. Ciesla now know the perils of souvenir hunting in surgeries. The Florida surgeon and medical director of the trauma center at Tampa General Hospital is facing criminal charges after adding that he lied to police when he said that he could not retrieve two bullets from a suspect in a homicide case. He later admitted that he had removed one slug but decided to keep it as a cool souvenir.
NASA Photographs Apollo Landing Sites and Find Oversized Arrows
Published 1, July 17, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Uncategorized 23 Comments
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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Party 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 10 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 8 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 20 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 10 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 78 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 9 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 4 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 12 CommentsFrank 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 17 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 17 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 21 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 53 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 4 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 6 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.”
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