Southern District of New York Judge Denny Chin has handed down an important torts ruling. Lawyer (and former boyfriend of Anna Nicole Smith) Howard K. Stern sued tabloid journalist Rita Cosby for allegedly defaming him in her book “Blond Ambition: The Untold Story Behind Anna Nicole Smith’s Death.” Chin has ruled that being called a homosexual is not defamation per se.
Continue reading ‘Federal Judge Rules Homosexuality Not Per Se Category of Defamation’
Archive for August, 2009
Federal Judge Rules Homosexuality Not Per Se Category of Defamation
Published 1, August 14, 2009 Media , Society , Torts 10 CommentsLouisiana Officer in Beating Case Reinstated and Given Back Pay Despite Shocking Videotape
Published 1, August 14, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 32 Comments
It is always controversial when society “allows the criminal to go free because the constable blundered,” but what about allowing the constable to go free because the constable blundered? Shreveport police officer Wiley Willis became a national figure after shocking pictures were released of a woman who was beaten in his custody — after he turned off a camera in a police station. Now he has been reinstated because a polygrapher failed to record the result of a test of Willis. Not only was Willis never charged criminally, but he will now receive full back pay at the insistence of the Shreveport police officers union.
Continue reading ‘Louisiana Officer in Beating Case Reinstated and Given Back Pay Despite Shocking Videotape’
More Brawner Than Brains: New Mexico Man Arrested After Intimate Moment With Car in Parking Lot
Published 1, August 14, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 20 Comments
Danny Brawner, 46, appears to find a good tranny irresistible. Brawner was arrested in a grocery store parking lot after passing out following an intimate moment with his vehicle.
Continue reading ‘More Brawner Than Brains: New Mexico Man Arrested After Intimate Moment With Car in Parking Lot’
Montana Police Release Man Who Shot Co-Worker at Wal-Mart Due to State’s Sweeping “Castle Doctrine” Law
Published 1, August 14, 2009 Criminal law , Politics , Society , Torts 12 Comments
For most prosecutors, it would seem an easy criminal case. Daniel Lira, 32, was working inside Wal-Mart’s loading dock area when he got into an argument with co-worker Craig Schmidt, 49. He ended up hitting Schmidt in the face. Schmidt responded by pulling out a .25-caliber semiautomatic Beretta handgun and shooting Lira in the head from as little as 10 feet away. Yellowstone County Attorney Dennis Paxinos, however, released Schmidt in light of Montana’s “castle doctrine law” which allows citizens to use potentially lethal force in self-defense — despite the escalation in the level of force by Schmidt from a fist fight to a shooting.
Continue reading ‘Montana Police Release Man Who Shot Co-Worker at Wal-Mart Due to State’s Sweeping “Castle Doctrine” Law’
Driven to Extremes: Maryland Judge Accused of Flattening Tire of Woman in Courthouse Parking Lot
Published 1, August 13, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 24 Comments
Charles Circuit Court Judge Robert C. Nalley has been accused of letting the air out of a car of a part-time cleaning woman who works at the courthouse. Two officers from the county jail insist that they saw the judge let the air out of a 2004 Toyota Corolla that was parked outside of the La Plata courthouse at 3:45 pm in the afternoon. One claims to have a picture of the act.
Continue reading ‘Driven to Extremes: Maryland Judge Accused of Flattening Tire of Woman in Courthouse Parking Lot’
Wright Picks Wrong Bag: Former Clinton Aide Charged With Smuggling Needles and Knife into Arkansas Death Row
Published 1, August 13, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 5 Comments
Betsey Wright, 66, the former Chief-of-Staff to Gov. Bill Clinton, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle a knife and 48 needles into the Arkansas death row in a bag of Doritos.
Iraqi Freedom: U.S. Supported Government Moves to Ban Books
Published 1, August 13, 2009 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 9 Comments
With continuing stories of the denial of legal rights, the abuse of women (ad here and here), rise of radical Islam, and war crimes, many Americans are still unsure why we are sacrificing thousands of our citizens and billions in funding in Iraq. Now, the U.S. supported government is moving to ban books that it considers unduly “sectarian.”
Continue reading ‘Iraqi Freedom: U.S. Supported Government Moves to Ban Books’
Lawyer Files $13 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Baltimore Sun
Published 1, August 13, 2009 Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Society , Torts 2 Comments
Criminal defense attorney Ivan J. Bates has filed a $13 million lawsuit against the Baltimore Sun after articles suggested that he engaged in witness tampering and invoked the fifth amendment to avoid incriminating himself in wrongdoing. The Sun is standing by the reporting of journalists Melissa Harris and Julie Bykowicz.
Continue reading ‘Lawyer Files $13 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Baltimore Sun’
Chuckles the Castrating Clown: Japanese Succeed in Making Clowns Even Scarier
Published 1, August 13, 2009 Bizarre , Society 5 CommentsOk, this is just creepy. The Japanese have invented a urinal clown that moves, laughs, and plays music as you . . . well, you can see for yourself.
Continue reading ‘Chuckles the Castrating Clown: Japanese Succeed in Making Clowns Even Scarier’
The Cockney Cuban: English Comedian Held By U.S. Officials As Suspected Illegal Alien From Cuba Due to His “Funny Accent”
Published 1, August 12, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Media , Politics 51 Comments
English comedian Paul O’Grady should have known better. He tried to enter the United States with a “funny accent” and was stopped in Miami by our security officials as a suspected “illegal alien” from Cuba. It was a close call. We came within feet of O’Grady unleashing English humor on U.S. soil. (OK, he does not have a Cockney accent, but it sure ain’t good American talkin’).
Honored in the Breach: Obama Administration Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions by Gutting Them
Published 1, August 12, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Justice , Lawyering , Military , Politics , Society 26 Comments
Today, the Geneva Conventions turned 60. Like many people “of a certain age,” the Geneva Conventions can be forgiven for feeling a bit marginalized and forgotten. The Obama Administration is about to finish the work of the Bush Administration in gutting the enforceability of the Conventions by blocking any investigation or prosecution of American officials who violated the conventions, including the well-documented torture program.
Bush White House Memos Show Greater Role of Rove in Firings of U.S. Attorneys
Published 1, August 12, 2009 Congress , Criminal law , Justice , Media , Politics , Society 7 Comments
Despite his past denials, memos and transcripts released by Congress show that former White House political adviser (and current Fox analyst) Karl Rove was deeply involved in the firing of the U.S. attorney in New Mexico David Iglesias . The material also shows that the White House planned the firings of Iglesias and the other prosecutors for months.
Continue reading ‘Bush White House Memos Show Greater Role of Rove in Firings of U.S. Attorneys’
Rapper “C-Murder” Miller Convicted Twice of Murder in One Day in Louisiana
Published 1, August 12, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Society 10 Comments
There is an interesting murder conviction out of Louisiana where Rapper Corey “C-Murder” Miller was found guilty of second-degree murder — but after a series of bizarre problems in the jury room. When the jury first delivered a guilty verdict in the case in the murder of Steve Thomas, 16, it was rejected by Judge Hans Liljeberg due to an account that a juror voted guilty to simply get out of continued jury duty. Yet, he accepted a second guilty verdict a few hours later –even after complaints about a juror who was sleeping and quoting from the Bible (and had asked to be relieved of juror duty).
Continue reading ‘Rapper “C-Murder” Miller Convicted Twice of Murder in One Day in Louisiana’
Minnie Mouse Molested! Pennsylvania Man Found Guilty of Groping Minnie at Magic Kingdom
Published 1, August 12, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 18 Comments
John William Moyer, 60, likes his females short, dark and hairy. Moyer was found guilty of groping a Minnie Mouse character at the Magic Kingdom and sentenced to 180 days of probation, 50 hours, of community service, and a $1,000 fine. Presumably, he also had to get to his car with Mickey, Pluto, Grumpy, Pete, and the Beagle Boys awaiting for him in the parking lot.
Continue reading ‘Minnie Mouse Molested! Pennsylvania Man Found Guilty of Groping Minnie at Magic Kingdom’
Sharia Court in Somalia Stones to Death a Thirteen-Year-Old Girl For Premarital Sex
Published 1, August 12, 2009 Courts , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 11 Comments
Amnesty International has confirmed that a Sharia court in Somalia executed a 13-year-old girl for having sex outside of marriage in Kismayo. Aisha Ibrahim Kuhulow was reported to be 23 year old, but her father has confirmed widespread reports that she was only 13.
Continue reading ‘Sharia Court in Somalia Stones to Death a Thirteen-Year-Old Girl For Premarital Sex’
Illinois Judge Sentences Man to Six Months in Jail for Yawning Loudly in Court
Published 1, August 11, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 85 Comments
Circuit Judge Daniel Rozak obviously does not like yawning in the courtroom. He sentenced Clifton Williams to six months in jail after he let out a loud yawn when his cousin was being sentenced on a felony drug charge. The cousin actually received probation.
Continue reading ‘Illinois Judge Sentences Man to Six Months in Jail for Yawning Loudly in Court’
Is That an Ice Cream Cone or Are You Just Glad to See Me? Company Introduces “Vice Cream”
Published 1, August 11, 2009 Bizarre , International , Society 23 Comments
If you are tired of the Viagra shakes, get ready for “Vice Cream.” A company is marketing “The Sex Pistol” which is marketed as pumping up your libido with your calorie intake with a mix of sexual-empowering ingredients, including ginkgo, biloba, arginine and guarana — and La Fee Absinthe.
Continue reading ‘Is That an Ice Cream Cone or Are You Just Glad to See Me? Company Introduces “Vice Cream”’
Pampered: Florida Woman Told That There is No Crime in Man Convincing Her To Change HIs Diapers and Feed Him With a Bottle
Published 1, August 11, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 8 Comments
Janet Schulte has been given a surprising education into the line between crime and courtesy in Melbourne, Florida. Schulte was convinced by a man to change his adult diapers due to his mental disability. After three months, she learned that he was not disabled and simply had a diaper fetish. However, the police insist that there is no crime — treating her as simply a chump who fell for a diaper con.
Continue reading ‘Pampered: Florida Woman Told That There is No Crime in Man Convincing Her To Change HIs Diapers and Feed Him With a Bottle’
PETA’s “Unhappy Meal”: Organization Criticized for Targeting Kids with Carnographic Images
Published 1, August 11, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Media , Society 16 Comments
Those crazy cats at the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are at it again with a new campaign entitled “McCruelty” featuring “Unhappy Meals” with a knife-wielding Ronald McDonald and bloody rubber chickens. Parents are complaining that PETA is targeting kids with the macabre meals.
Continue reading ‘PETA’s “Unhappy Meal”: Organization Criticized for Targeting Kids with Carnographic Images’
Over-Stimulated: Alaskan Town of Receives Over $400,000 Per Person for Airport to Nowhere
Published 1, August 11, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society 6 Comments
Many of us have been complaining that the Democrats and Republicans have used the economic crisis as an excuse to spend wildly in the stimulus package — pushing our deficit to unprecedented levels. If you are looking for an example, you need to look no further than the “airport to nowhere” in Takotna — population 46. The village is slated to received $18.7 million for an airstrip — or over $400,000 per person. For that money, we could have simply moved them to their own beach house or their own village of Takotna.
Continue reading ‘Over-Stimulated: Alaskan Town of Receives Over $400,000 Per Person for Airport to Nowhere’
Communism Kills
Published 1, August 10, 2009 Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 8 Comments
If there was any question that communism kills, just consider the Belarusian 21-year-old man crushed to death this week by the collapse of a massive statue of Soviet founder Vladimir Lenin.
Williams and Connolly Hires Disgraced UBS General Counsel
Published 1, August 10, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Society 12 Comments
While some may have expected attorney David Aufhauser to be seen in the halls of Williams & Connolly as a client but it appears that he has now been embraced as a partner. It appears that involvement in an insider trading scandal is not a barrier to career advancement. The former general counsel and managing director for UBS has joined the firm after agreeing not to practice law for two years due to the alleged insider trading. In the meantime, the shunning of Alberto Gonzales by both law firms and former colleagues continues.
Continue reading ‘Williams and Connolly Hires Disgraced UBS General Counsel’
Holder Plans Whitewash of War Crimes Allegations
Published 1, August 10, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Justice , Lawyering , Military , Politics , Society 57 Comments
Reports indicate that Attorney General Eric Holder is close to naming a prosecutor to look into interrogation abuse, but that he is going to structure the investigation to protect high-ranking officials from investigation for war crimes. While Holder admits that waterboarding is torture, he is reportedly going to allow only the investigation into whether some interrogations went beyond the torture guidelines set by the Justice Department — which allowed for waterboarding.
Continue reading ‘Holder Plans Whitewash of War Crimes Allegations’
Massachusetts Man Freed After 21 Years With Discovery of Withheld Exculpatory Evidence
Published 1, August 10, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Society 37 Comments
Bernard Baran was 19 when he was accused of abusing children at a day care center — one of a spasm of such prosecutions in the 1980s. Baran was convicted on the testimony of the children despite the fact that videotapes showed children denying that he touched them and other referring to “prizes” promised for their confirming abuse.
Continue reading ‘Massachusetts Man Freed After 21 Years With Discovery of Withheld Exculpatory Evidence’
Iran Arrests Chief of Notorious Jail As Accounts of the Torture and Killing of Protesters Mount
Published 1, August 10, 2009 Criminal law , International , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Military , Politics , Religion , Society 2 Comments
The Iranian government has arrested the chief of Kahrizak jail as news accounts have documented numerous cases of the torture and killing of protesters arrested in the recent post-presidential protests. These deaths include the alleged killing of seven lawyers.
Continue reading ‘Iran Arrests Chief of Notorious Jail As Accounts of the Torture and Killing of Protesters Mount’
Flight 2816: Continental Takes Passengers For a Ride
Published 1, August 10, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society , Torts 26 Comments
The continuing decline of basic comfort and civility in air travel has been a source of continued complaint on this blog and other sites. Many have complained about how they book a flight with a major airline only to be shoved on to some small puddle jumper run by an unknown carrier. Then there are the horror stories of being held for hours on planes on the tarmac. A new story involving Continental Airlines Flight 2816 combines all of these problems into a nightmare where passengers were left on a plane with malfunctioning toilets overnight after being diverted from their intended airport. They were held overnight because the flight crew was over their limit for flying and the security staff at the airport had gone home for the night.
Continue reading ‘Flight 2816: Continental Takes Passengers For a Ride’
Seven Lawyers Representing Detainees in Iran Reportedly Killed
Published 1, August 10, 2009 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Lawyering , Politics , Society 6 Comments
There is an extremely disturbing story out of Iran this morning that seven lawyers in Tabriz and Mashhad have been killed. These brave attorneys were reportedly representing Iranian detainees in the post-presidential protests.
Continue reading ‘Seven Lawyers Representing Detainees in Iran Reportedly Killed’
This week we saw how Keith Griffin argued that he was framed by his cat, which downloaded over 1000 pornographic images on his computer. Now, with this picture, you people may wake up to the menace of feline computer fraud.
Continue reading ‘THE SECRET LIFE OF CATS’
Air Congress: Members Increase the Appropriation for New Planes to Over Half a Billion Dollars
Published 1, August 9, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society 21 Comments
After weeks of criticism for its appropriation of almost $200 million to buy new luxury jets for members to fly around the world on thinly disguised vacations, Congress has finally reacted to the objections of this blog and others: it has more than doubled the amount to $550 million to buy eight jets.
Continue reading ‘Air Congress: Members Increase the Appropriation for New Planes to Over Half a Billion Dollars’
Kosher Complaint: Conservative Rabbi Challenges Georgia’s Definition of Kosher
Published 1, August 9, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 30 Comments
There is an interesting entanglement case filed in Atlanta, Georgia where Rabbi Shalom Lewis has challenged Georgia’s Kosher Food Labeling Act (OCGA Sec. 26-2-330 ff.) on the ground that it codifies the definition of kosher by the orthodox rabbis.
Continue reading ‘Kosher Complaint: Conservative Rabbi Challenges Georgia’s Definition of Kosher’
My Dog Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student — Really
Published 1, August 9, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Environment , Society 4 Comments
Next time some parents carries on about how smarter their toddler is, throw the little boy a ball and tell him to roll over. A recent student has shown that dogs are actually as smart or smarter than most 2 1/2 year old toddlers. I was told about the study after my speech at the American Psychological Association in Toronto this week.
Continue reading ‘My Dog Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student — Really’
Defendant Arrested in Courthouse After Taking Pictures Up Skirt of Legal Assistant In Front of Deputy Sheriff
Published 1, August 9, 2009 Criminal law , Society 3 Comments
Bryant Gerley Munoz, 19, is far from the ideal criminal defense client. Munoz was in court for a drug charge in Houston, Texas when he decided to take pictures up the skirt of a legal assistant — in front of a deputy sheriff.
Continue reading ‘Defendant Arrested in Courthouse After Taking Pictures Up Skirt of Legal Assistant In Front of Deputy Sheriff’
Palin Warns of Obama’s “Death Panel”
Published 1, August 8, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Society 734 Comments
First there was the Death Star menacing humanity. Now, there is “the Death Panel.” Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin called President Barack Obama’s health plan “downright evil” on her Facebook page and warned American of Obama’s “death panel” that will hold the power of life or death over average Americans. Indeed, the Obama Death Panel appears to have their sights on little Trig. Presumably, the chair will be Palpatine (aka Darth Sidious), the Dark Lord of the Sith.
The Cat Did It: Man Framed By Pet in Porn Sting
Published 1, August 8, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 29 CommentsI have been warning our readers for years about the evil designs and secret lives of cats. 
Now, Keith Griffin of Jensen Beach, Florida is in jail because of a frame up by his kitty. Griffin was arrested on 10 counts of possession of child pornography after he says his cat downloaded over 1000 images of porn by jumping on the computer.
Continue reading ‘The Cat Did It: Man Framed By Pet in Porn Sting’
Jailed Jesters: Retired New York Judge Sentenced for Transporting Prostitutes Across State Lines
Published 1, August 8, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 11 Comments
Retired State Supreme Court Justice Ronald H. Tills, 74, has been sentenced today to 18 months in prison for transporting prostitutes across state lines. Tills reportedly was arrested as part of a probe into the weekends jaunts of the Royal Order of Jesters. Other “jesters” sentenced with Tills were John Trowbridge, 62, a former Lockport Police captain, and Michael Stebick, 61, Tills’ former law clerk.
Hopping Mad: Petland Employee Charged After Posting Mocking Pictures of Drowned Rabbits
Published 1, August 8, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society 15 Comments
We have another accused Facebook felon. Elizabeth Carlisle, 20, is a Petland employee in Akron, Ohio who decided to drown two injured rabbits at the store and then show the pictures on her Facebook page while smiling. She has been charged with animal cruelty.
Sonia Sotomayor was confirmed by a vote of 68-31. I discussed the confirmation on this segment of Rachel Maddow. Notably, Senator Mel Martinez (R, Fl) was one of nine Republicans to vote in favor despite a campaign against Sotomayor. Today, he announced that he would not run for reelection. Sen. Kit Bond (R., Mo.) is also on his way out after this term.
Texas Inmate Succeeds in Hiding Gun in His Own Fat Folds
Published 1, August 7, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law 9 Comments 
This may be a first. George Vera, 25, found one advantage in being an “oversized” male. Vera was charged with possessing or selling unlabeled recordings. However, at 500 pounds, he successfully hid a 9mm handgun between the folds of his skin despite multiple searches. He was then charged with possession of a firearm in a correctional facility.
Continue reading ‘Texas Inmate Succeeds in Hiding Gun in His Own Fat Folds’
NFW! John Quincy Adams is Tweeting Me
Published 1, August 7, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 7 Comments
John Quincy Adams is tweeting. The Massachusetts Historical Society has begun posting daily tweets from Adams’ diary that he began 200 years ago when he went to Russia as the first U.S. Minister. As a line-a-day diary it is perfect for Twitter.
Continue reading ‘NFW! John Quincy Adams is Tweeting Me’
The first thought that comes to mind with this video from Israel is the call of a teen to his parents, “it was a horse, I swear.”
Continue reading ‘Video: Well, I Was Driving Along . . .’
Pakistani Eunuchs Fight For Recognition and Rights
Published 1, August 7, 2009 Bizarre , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 10 Comments
There is an incredible story out of Pakistan concerning the plight of what are called “eunuchs” in that country. The term is used broadly to refer to transsexuals, transvestites, or hermaphrodites. These marginalized individuals are forced to live in colonies and become prostitutes in a country that shuns and abuses them.
Continue reading ‘Pakistani Eunuchs Fight For Recognition and Rights’
The Bawdy Bard and “The Noted Weed”: Researchers Find Traces of Cannabis and Cocaine in Pipes at Shakespeare’s Homes
Published 1, August 7, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 46 Comments
<img src="http://jonathanturley.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/180px-herbal.jpg?w=150" alt="180px-Herbal” title=”180px-Herbal” width=”150″ height=”130″ class=”alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-13524″ />A study of pipe stems and bowls from the homes of William Shakespeare by the South African Police Services Forensic Science Laboratory in Pretoria has made an interesting discovery: traces of cannabis and possibly cocaine. The report by the South African Journal of Science suggest that Shakespeare might have tripped the light fantastic like a seventeenth century Hunter S. Thompson.
Continue reading ‘The Bawdy Bard and “The Noted Weed”: Researchers Find Traces of Cannabis and Cocaine in Pipes at Shakespeare’s Homes’
Washington State Assistant Attorney General Pleads Guilty to Telephone Harassment of Neighbor
Published 1, August 7, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 4 Comments
Former Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Milstein, 41, has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to community service for his harassment of a neighbor. He resigned the day before his sentencing.
Continue reading ‘Washington State Assistant Attorney General Pleads Guilty to Telephone Harassment of Neighbor’
The Importance of Being Earnest: City Shuts Down an Eight-Year-Old Girl’s Lemonade Stand — Who Is Promptly Given Tickets to Disneyland
Published 1, August 6, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 15 Comments
The government of Tulare California narrowly averted a health emergency this week when it finally tracked down and shutdown Daniela Earnest, aka “the lemonade girl.” Earnest, 8, was running an illegal lemonade stand to raise money “for Disneyland” (probably street slang for heroin).
Washington Post Raises Need for Judicial Investigation into Destruction of Evidence and Misconduct by District’s Office of the Attorney General
Published 1, August 6, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 27 Comments
The Washington Post weighed in on the expanding controversy over the alleged misconduct of the Office of D.C. Attorney General Peter Nickles and his staff in the litigation over the mass arrests during the World Bank/IMF protests of 2002. The Post is calling for the Court, rather than the City Council, to investigate the case.
Continue reading ‘Washington Post Raises Need for Judicial Investigation into Destruction of Evidence and Misconduct by District’s Office of the Attorney General’
Former Rep. William Jefferson Convicted on 11 out of 16 Counts
Published 1, August 6, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Society 11 Comments
Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson of Louisiana was convicted Wednesday on 11 of the 16 corruption charges against him in Alexandria federal court. The conviction follows years of litigation and controversy – including an unconstitutional raid on a congressional office by the Bush Administration.
Continue reading ‘Former Rep. William Jefferson Convicted on 11 out of 16 Counts’
Shock Video: Man Tasered at Baseball Game in Oakland
Published 1, August 6, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 179 CommentsWe have another taser incident at a sporting event. It is unclear why the man was approached. Some reports suggest that he was in the wrong seat and was not obeying the commands of the officers.
Continue reading ‘Shock Video: Man Tasered at Baseball Game in Oakland’
Florida Police Officer Arrested for Coercing Sex From Illegal Aliens
Published 1, August 6, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 14 Comments
Broward Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Bleiweiss, 29, has been arrested on charges of using his position to coerce sex from illegal immigrants in Florida. The arrest has shocked the gay community, which saw Bleiweiss as a pioneer as one of the first openly gay officers on the force.
Continue reading ‘Florida Police Officer Arrested for Coercing Sex From Illegal Aliens’
A Wee Little Idea to Save the Planet: Brazilian Campaign Calls for People to Pee in the Shower
Published 1, August 6, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Society 12 CommentsThe latest craze in Brazil is a push to get people to pee in their showers. The effort is designed to conserve water by reducing the use of toilets. Of course, kids have been saving the planet for years.
Continue reading ‘A Wee Little Idea to Save the Planet: Brazilian Campaign Calls for People to Pee in the Shower’
Welcome to Air Congress: Democrats Push to Expand Fleet of Jets For Foreign Junkets
Published 1, August 5, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , International , Politics , Society 24 CommentsDespite the recent outcry over the massive increase in travel by members, these thinly disguised publicly paid vacations have not only continued but the House of Representatives has now approved nearly $200 million for the Air Force to buy elite Gulfstream jets to add comfort to their travels. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been singled out for much criticism in the increase of such vacations, but appears so unconcerned that the Democrats are pushing through an expansion of the fleet for the members to enjoy at public expense.
Four-Year-Old Girl Burns Feet in City Park With Improper Matting So City Sues Her Parents
Published 1, August 5, 2009 Bizarre , Lawyering , Politics , Society 10 Comments
Isabella Kern, 4, was playing in the sprinkler in a playground in Queens when she ran barefooted on to the black rubber matting. She almost immediately suffered severe burns that required a week in the hospital. Her family’s lawsuit against the city should be an obvious matter of negligence — it is obviously foreseeable for kids will run from the sprinkler area on to the matting. However, the city is now suing the parents and alleging that they were negligent.
Continue reading ‘Four-Year-Old Girl Burns Feet in City Park With Improper Matting So City Sues Her Parents’
Bank of America Misleads Investors Over $5.8 Billion in Bonuses — SEC Fines Company $33 Million and Executives Keep Jobs and Bonuses
Published 1, August 5, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society 51 Comments
The Securities and Exchange Commission has a curious concept of punishment. Bank of America is accused of misleading investors about $5.8 billion in bonuses paid to top executives at Merrill Lynch. The SEC responds with a penalty of a $33 million settlement.
Continue reading ‘Bank of America Misleads Investors Over $5.8 Billion in Bonuses — SEC Fines Company $33 Million and Executives Keep Jobs and Bonuses’
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg Accused of Illegally Funneling Money to Two Jewish Groups
Published 1, August 5, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 4 Comments
There is a major fight brewing between New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Councilman Simcha Felder over an allegation of the unlawful use of discretionary funds. Between 2002 and 2006, the office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave $1.1 million to the Orthodox Agudath Israel of America and $400,000 to Ohel Children’s Services. Such use of funds is only allowed at the request of a council member and Bloomberg has said that it was requested by Felder – who has denied any such request.
Continue reading ‘New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg Accused of Illegally Funneling Money to Two Jewish Groups’
Baptism Under Fire: Virginia Police Taser Grandfather and Mother At Baptism Party
Published 1, August 5, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 15 Comments
Prince William County police are accused of abuse in the tasering of a grandfather and a mother at a baptismal party in Manassas. The party was being held at the home of Edgar A. Rodriguez, 55, when police responded to a call about loud music. The police say that Rodriguez was drunk and failed to turn down the music after repeated demands by the police. The police ended up tasering Rodriguez and then, when his daughter Leticia Elias, 25, ran to him, police tasered her as well. She is the pregnant mother of the baptized baby.
Continue reading ‘Baptism Under Fire: Virginia Police Taser Grandfather and Mother At Baptism Party’
Sudanese Police Beat Women Protesting Pants Ban
Published 1, August 5, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 3 Comments
Sudanese police beat women protesting outside a Sudanese court Tuesday during the trial of Lubna Hussein, a former U.N. worker and journalist, who is facing flogging for wearing pants in violation of Islamic laws. We previously discussed the story, here. The police fired tear gas into a group of 50 or so women and beat them with batons for protesting against the Sharia court proceeding. Hussein’s lawyer was also beaten.
Continue reading ‘Sudanese Police Beat Women Protesting Pants Ban’
D.C. Council Members Call for Investigation of Protest Case and Resignation of Attorney General Peter Nickles
Published 1, August 4, 2009 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Society , Torts 9 CommentsThe D.C. Council members have called for an investigation into the allegations of discovery destruction in the World Bank/IMF case. Given the inquiries into the case, I am posting the recent sanctions material to cut down on calls to my office. I am also posting the transcript from the last hearing. Given my role in the case, I am limited in what I can say about the case.
Continue reading ‘D.C. Council Members Call for Investigation of Protest Case and Resignation of Attorney General Peter Nickles’
Following the Herd: Police Officer Charged With Sex With Cows
Published 1, August 4, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 14 Comments
Moorestown Patrolman Robert Melia, 38, is every criminal defense attorney’s nightmare. First, Melia was charged with aggravated sexual assault on three underaged girls. Now, he has been arrested for sex with cows.
Continue reading ‘Following the Herd: Police Officer Charged With Sex With Cows’
Having just gotten off my first bike ride in eight years (22 miles, one faint heart attack, and years of required therapy), this video struck a cord. Dominic Hargreaves has invented this incredible collapsing bike.
Shock Jock Exposes Rape on Air — And His Own Apparent Indifference
Published 1, August 4, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 5 Comments
Shock jock Kyle Sandilands is under attack in a shocking incident in Australia. His show is under investigation after Sandilands did an on-air probe of a 14-year-old’s sexual history while she was hooked up to a lie detector. During the questioning by her mother and Sandilands, the girl said that she was raped at 12. Sandilands responded by asking: “Is that the only experience you’ve had?”
Continue reading ‘Shock Jock Exposes Rape on Air — And His Own Apparent Indifference’
Florida City Park Director Orders Removal of Flags To Save Money
Published 1, August 4, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Society 33 Comments
Clearwater Florida’s Parks and Recreation Director, Kevin Dunbar, is under fire after he ordered the removal of 13 flagpoles and flags from the city this week. Dunbar concluded that flying old Glory was no longer affordable — a move that parallels the decision of various cities and states to sell parks and historic sites even as the United States continues to spend billions on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Urning Your Love: Cremation Company Introduces Sculpted Urns
Published 1, August 4, 2009 Bizarre , Society 15 Comments
This may be one of the most unsettling ideas since the party-with-the-dead-guy embalming. The inventive people at Cremation Solutions have come up with the idea of having your loved one staring at you with a head full of his own ashes — as a tender memory.
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Things That Tick Me Off: Airline Baggage Policy
Published 1, August 3, 2009 Things That Tick Me Off 46 Comments
Today, I am starting a new category for purely cathartic purposes: Things That Tick Me Off. The category is designed to reduce the chances of my committing battery or defamation out of an unexpressed frustration. By burdening our blogging community with a gripe, I hope to extend my life and my marriage. Today’s submission is airline baggage policy.
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Federal Judge Throws Out Plea Agreement on Pennsylvania Judges in Juvenile Sentencing Scandal
Published 1, August 3, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 9 Comments
There is a surprising development in the case of former Luzerne County Judges Mark Ciavarella Jr. and Michael Conahan in Pennsylvania. U.S. District Judge Edwin Kosik has rejected the plea bargain given the two former judges who previously pleaded guilty in a scheme to steer juveniles to for-profit detention facilities for $2.6 million in kickbacks. The decision of Kosik shows the dangers of defendants speaking to the media between pleas and sentencings.
Kansas Prosecutor Suspended After Showing Pictures of Rape of Teen Girl
Published 1, August 3, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 13 Comments
Anderson County Attorney Frank Campbell in Kansas was reportedly suspended from practice for six months after he showed pictures of a 17-year-old girl being raped — after declining to prosecute the case. A lawsuit is now being planned, according to news reports.
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Federal Appellate Court Rules in Favor of Santeria Priest in Home Sacrifices
Published 1, August 3, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Religion , Society 6 Comments
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has ruled in favor of a Santeria priest — Jose Merced, 46 — who sacrificed goats in his Texas home in Euless. The court ruled that the prohibition on the ritual violated the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act (TRFRA).
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Sugar Addiction: South Carolina Man Arrested for Second “Buggery” Offense With Same Horse
Published 1, August 3, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 30 Comments
Rodell Vereen, 50, is facing a bizarre charge that he is a recidivist horse rapist after being captured on surveillance video at the Lazy B Stables in Conway, S.C. with the same horse — a 21-year-old mare named Sugar — that he had sex with before an earlier arrest. The crime of “buggery” is tragically not uncommon (here and here and here) but habitual arrests are rare.
Wisconsin Dells is Sued by National Guardsmen Who Claim that They Were Forced to Lick Up Urine in Alley by Officers
Published 1, August 3, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 7 Comments
Wisconsin National Guardsmen have filed a highly disturbing civil rights lawsuit against the city of Wisconsin Dells, its police chief and three officers. The complaint alleges that police officers Wayne W. Thomas and Collin H. Jacobson forced the two gulf war veterans to lick what was believed to be their own urine off the street in an alley as well as eat a plant believed to be doused with urine. Wisconsin Dells called itself the “waterpark capital of the World.”
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Chavez Shuts Down 34 “Bourgeoisie” Radio Stations
Published 1, August 3, 2009 Constitutional Law , Media , Politics , Society 61 Comments
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez continues his authoritarian crackdown in Venezuela with the closure of 34 radio stations for alleged violations of government regulations. Despite the reluctance of some liberals to denounce an obvious dictator in the making, Chavez continues to consolidate power and punish critics — particularly in attacks on the free press.
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In light of today’s story of a creationist killing an evolutionist, this picture throws into question of whether humans have evolved faster than our primate cousins.
Creationist Kills Evolutionist With Knife But Is Sentenced to Just Five Years After Court Finds Him a “Person of Good Character” and the Killing “A Complete Aberration”
Published 1, August 2, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 16 Comments
Scotsman Rudi Boa, 28, and his girlfriend Gillian Brown were on a trip to New South Wales, Australia when they met English backpacker Alexander Christian York, 33. The couple and York had some drinks and soon got into an argument over evolution. York ended up stabbing Boa to death but was given just a five-year sentence because the court found him a decent chap and the killing an “aberration.”
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4500 Year Old Skeleton Found on Italian Beach
Published 1, August 2, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Society 9 Comments
We have all seen them. People who have had far too much cosmetic surgery and skeletal diets who lay on beaches until they turn the color and texture of aged leather. It appears, however, that the Italians were able to find an actual skeleton among these sun-dwellers on a Roman beach — a 4,500 year old Roman.
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New Alleged Victims Come Forward to Accuse Scientology Leader David Miscavige Of Assault
Published 1, August 2, 2009 Bizarre , Religion , Society 14 Comments
In the aftermath of recent stories of alleged abuse, additional former member of the Church of Scientology have come forward with accounts of abuse and claims of cult-like activities — including members who accuse Scientology Leader David Miscavige of assault.
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Graduate Sues College After Failing To Get Job
Published 1, August 2, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Society , Torts 8 Comments
Trina Thompson does not feel that she got a sheepskin from Monroe College — just skinned. Thompson, 27, has sued after she failed to get a job and wants her $70,000 back.
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Mississippi Judge Pleads Guilty To Federal Obstruction
Published 1, August 2, 2009 Courts , Criminal law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 6 Comments
We have been following the lawyers and judges implicated in the corruption scandal surrounding lawyer Richard “Dickie” Scruggs. Now the scandal has claimed another individual: Mississippi judge Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Bobby DeLaughter, 55, has pleaded guilty.
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Bolivia Bans Circus Animals as Matter of Animal Cruelty
Published 1, August 1, 2009 Criminal law , Environment , International , Society 12 Comments
Bolivia has enacted the world’s first ban on all animals at a circus — both wild and domestic animals — because such use “constitutes an act of cruelty.” The ban comes just days after the latest video of alleged abuse of elephants released by PETA. While some countries ban the use of animals in circus, this is the first to encompass both wild and domesticated animals.
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Two Georgia Police Officers Suspended After Allegedly Running Criminal Checks on President Obama From Police Cruiser
Published 1, August 1, 2009 Criminal law , Politics , Society 29 Comments
DeKalb Officers Ryan White and C.M. Route are suspended pending an investigation in why they used a DeKalb County computer to run a check on President Barack Obama. Both are roughly two year veterans of the force.
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