The Supreme Court has accepted a major handgun case, McDonald v. Chicago, that will define the scope of the recently recognized individual right under the Second Amendment. It will also allow new Justice Sonia Sotomayor to vote on the very issue that led to much of the opposition against her in her confirmation.
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Archive for September, 2009
Supreme Court Takes Chicago Handgun Case in Major Test of Second Amendment Rights
Published 1, September 30, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Religion , Society , Supreme Court 16 CommentsDrop Kick Me Jesus Through the Goal Post of Life: Georgia Roots Out Christian Cheerleaders
Published 1, September 30, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 18 Comments
The cheerleaders of Georgia’s Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School appear to be short a cheer for separation of church and state doctrine. They have triggered a constitutional controversy by using Biblical verses as part of their displays to root for the football team to “commit to the Lord” and “take courage and do it.”
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Question of the Day: Who Is The Last Guy You Want As a Character Witness in a Child Molestation Case?
Published 1, September 30, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Media , Society 13 Comments
Answer: Woody Allen. That’s right, Woody Allen who became something of a pariah over his relationship with Mia Farrow’s adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn is now calling for charges to be dropped against fellow filmmaker Roman Polanski for his sex with a thirteen year old girl in 1977.
Pissed Off: Endangered Shrimp Wiped Out By Urinating Tourists
Published 1, September 30, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , International , Politics , Society 3 Comments
Many endangered species are threatened by industry and urban sprawl. However, tourists have made something of a statement by going to Australia’s famed Ayers Rock, or Uluru, and pissed away a rare species of shrimp, Branchinella latzi.
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Free Shooters in Arizona! Friday is Bring Your Gun to Bars Day
Published 1, September 30, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 12 Comments
It is time to get loaded in Arizona. As we previously discussed, Arizona passed a law protecting the right to bear arms in bars. Well, the day has arrived for those who felt naked in bars with everyone ordering shooters while they left theirs at home.
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Citizens Say WTF so Wisconsin Says TFW
Published 1, September 30, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 9 Comments
It appears that blogging and texting lingo has finally brought down the halls of government. The Wisconsin Tourism Federation has been known as WTF for many years until the snickers of the new generation of texting citizens drowned out their message. They are now the Tourism Federation of Wisconsin, thank you very much.
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Florida Supreme Court Upholds Sanction Against Lawyer Who Called Judge a “Witch” on a Blog
Published 1, September 30, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Society 27 Comments
Florida State bar authorities have fined trial lawyer Sean Conway $1,200 for criticizing Ft. Lauderdale Judge Cheryl Aleman on a blog, including calling Conway an “evil, unfair witch.” We previously discussed this case, here. The ruling is a major blow to free speech and another case of courts or the bar overreaching in punishing lawyers and parties for their criticism of judges. What is particularly interesting is that Aleman has been charged with misconduct by the Judicial Qualifications Commission.
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Nothing to Relish: Massachusetts Man Gets 18 Months for Stealing Hot Dog
Published 1, September 29, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 49 Comments
Antonio Judd really really wanted a hot dog. He grabbed a dog from a person on the street in Worcester and will now pay his debt to society with eighteen months in jail.
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Sudafed Head: Indiana Women Arrested for Buying Two Over-The-Counter Medicines Within a Week
Published 1, September 29, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 38 Comments
Sally Harpold is a Sudafed Head . . . or is she an Actifed Head? Well, the important thing is that she has been finally locked away in Clinton, Indiana where she was caught buying two cold medicines within seven days. Vermillion County Prosecutor Nina Alexander (left) racked up the major coup four months after the purchases and charged her with violating Indiana law 35-48-4-14.7, which restricts the sale of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, or PSE, products to no more than 3.0 grams within any seven-day period.
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Teenager Arrested in Duct-Taping of Cat Crime
Published 1, September 29, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments
Police have arrested James Davis, 19, who has reportedly admitted to committing the horrific crime of duct-taping a cat and throwing it away. The gray tabby was rescued and had its fur cut off to get the tape off. The cat was eventually rescued by a Bengal. George Bengal, that is, of the PSPCA.
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Tank Tort: Another Drunk Russian Soldier Takes Armored Vehicle for a Spin
Published 1, September 29, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Military , Society , Torts 3 Comments
We previously watched the video below of a drunken Russian tank driver careening around a town a. Now we have another incident in Perm, Russia where a drunken instructor took an armored infantry vehicle to go buy more booze. He said it was the only vehicle he could locate at the time. He ended up crushing one person and injuring another at a nearby shop.
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Seattle Officer Fired Over Videotaped Beating of Teenage Girl in Cell
Published 1, September 29, 2009 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society , Torts 20 Comments
King County deputy Paul Schene, 31, has been fired over his beating a 15-year-old girl on Nov. 29 incident in a holding cell at SeaTac City Hall. The video below shows a shocking escalation of violence by Schene.
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U.N. Report: Israel Committed War Crimes In Gaza
Published 1, September 29, 2009 Courts , Criminal law , International , Politics , Society 232 Comments
The United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict will issue a report today accusing Israel of “actions amounting to war crimes, possibly crimes against humanity” during its military incursion into Gaza from December 27 to January 18. The mission headed by respected South African judge Richard Goldstone is a major development in the controversy and could put the United States in a very difficult position.
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Court Orders Disbarred Lawyer Locked Out of His Office After He Allegedly Continues to Practice Law
Published 1, September 28, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 4 Comments
Allen Feingold had a less than conventional approach to litigation, such as allegedly choking a 74-year-old judge after an adverse arbitration ruling. Now, Philadelphia Common Pleas Court President Judge Pamela Pryor Dembe has ordered that he be locked out of his office to prevent him from continuing to practice law after his disbarment.
Return to Nature: Georgia Probation Officials Send Sex Offenders to Live in the Woods
Published 1, September 28, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 17 Comments
Over the last decade, legislators have rushed to impose broader and broader restrictions on sex offenders that prohibit them from living within certain distances of churches, schools, and other locations. The result is often effective banishment or homelessness for sex offenders. Georgia’s politicians have been so careless in their legislation that officials are now recommending that sex offenders live in the forests.
Which of These Two Beings Is More Likely to Get You a Date?
Published 1, September 28, 2009 Bizarre , Religion , Society 20 Comments
god
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This Year’s “Must” in Authoritarian Fashion: The English To Launch Campaign Showing Jealous Fingerprints Begging For National Identification Cards
Published 1, September 28, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Media , Politics , Society 6 Comments
While France and Italy may claim to lead fashion, the English have spent over £544,000 to show English citizens what is a must in this year’s wear: a fingerprint. The government is trying to convince the English that only a nerd lives without a fingerprinted national identity card in a new campaign featuring a fingerprint proudly displaying his new national ID card to other jealous fingerprints.
Question of the Day: Is This Impersonating a Police Officer?
Published 1, September 28, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Media , Politics , Society 5 Comments
The Space Hijackers pride themselves on creative and artistic forms of protest — often against police abuse. They were a bit surprised to learn that citizens can easily confuse a person in red high heels, frilly stockings, and a helmet for a police officer. It appears that English officers are far more adventuresome than our own police.
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Kodac and Kevlar Moment: Video Appears to Show Pittsburgh Police During G20 Protests Using an Arrested Citizen as a Prop for a Group Photo
Published 1, September 28, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Society 20 CommentsNow this video is a bit difficult to explain. It appears that police took an arrested protester, made him kneel in front of them, and then took a group picture in Pittsburgh.
Muggle Rebellion: Bush White House Blocked Award to J.K. Rowling Due To Her Connection to Witchcraft
Published 1, September 28, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 23 Comments
In this new book, Speechless: Tales of a White House Survivor, Matt Latimer has an interesting insight into the presidency of George W. Bush. When author J.K. Rowling was proposed as a recipient for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Bush nixed the idea because Rowling’s Harry Potter series “encouraged witchcraft.” While many of us may be unaware of the outbreak of witchcraft, this was no doubt contained in one of those biblically laced briefing books of the President. What is strange is that the President already honored another author of pure fiction — CIA Director George Tenet — for producing false evidence to justify the invasion of Iraq. It must simply be the genre.
William Safire Dies at 79
Published 1, September 27, 2009 Academics , Media , Politics , Society 20 Comments
Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist William Safire died today at 79. Bill was a friend and often encouraged me through the years as a columnist and commentator. He was one of the most interesting men that I have known in my life and, like millions, I will miss him.
Roman Polanski Arrested in Switzerland
Published 1, September 27, 2009 Criminal law , International , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Society 52 Comments
While justice delayed may be justice denied, but justice appears to have caught up with Roman Polanski — just 31 years delayed. To the surprise of his family and lawyers, Swiss authorities arrested the seventy-six-year-old famous director on the outstanding international warrant.
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Breakfast is Served and Served and Served . . .
Published 1, September 27, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , Society 7 Comments
And you thought you had too many mouths to feed.
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Christians Protest Placement of Ganesh (Elephant God) Statue at Calgary Zoo
Published 1, September 27, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 17 Comments
A Christian group in Calgary has organized a campaign to protest an elephant statue in the zoo that resembles Ganesh, the Hindu God. The group is challenging the three-meter statue as “selective religious partiality.”
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Bring Home A Nice Jewish Boy . . . or Else: Illinois Supreme Court Upholds “Jewish Clause”
Published 1, September 27, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 57 Comments
The Illinois Supreme Court has upheld the so-called “Jewish Clause” in a will of a deceased Chicago dentist who wanted to disinherit any children or grandchildren who failed to marry a Jew. Max Feinberg’s will will result in four grandchildren being disinherited.
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Client Fires Orly Taitz and Threatens Bar Complaint Against Her As Judge Explores Sanctions
Published 1, September 27, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Military , Politics , Society , Torts 74 Comments
Orly Taitz, the lawyer and de facto leader of the “Birther” litigation, has filed a motion to withdraw from further representation of Dr. Connie Rhodes after Rhodes accused her of filing new papers in Rhodes v. MacDonald without her approval and after she agreed to be deployed by the military. Taitz is also facing a possible $10,000 fine from United States District Court Judge Clay D. Land, who previously dismissed the action. Taitz declared in one filing: “This case is now a quasi-criminal prosecution of the undersigned attorney.” She is already facing a California bar complaint and Rhodes is promising to file a new complaint against her for her “reprehensible” representation.
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The Menace of Middleville: The Michigan DHS Files Complaint Against Woman Who Watched Neighborhood Kids While They Waited For Their School Bus
Published 1, September 26, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 36 Comments
Lisa Snyder has been finally stopped. Because some parents in her neighborhood have to go to work before the bus picks up their kids in front of Snyder’s house, Snyder watches three children in Middleville, Michigan for the 15 or so minutes while they wait. The Michigan Department of Human Services has now filed a complaint against her for illegally operating a child care home.
Continue reading ‘The Menace of Middleville: The Michigan DHS Files Complaint Against Woman Who Watched Neighborhood Kids While They Waited For Their School Bus’
Lost in Translation: Muammar Gaddafi’s Rambling UN Speech Smites Interpreter
Published 1, September 26, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , International , Media , Politics , Society 18 Comments
Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi (Moamer Kadhafi) shocked many in refusing to use the vaunted United Nations interpreters and instead brought his own. However, in the course of his rambling, stream-of-conscious speech this week, the interpreter was heard saying into a live microphone, “I just can’t take it any more” and reportedly collapsing. Many of us who listened to the speech had the same sensation.
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Air Stalker: California Pilot Arrested for Violating Restraining Order With Private Airplane
Published 1, September 26, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 5 Comments
A California pilot Tom Huey has been arrested for allegedly violating a restraining order by buzzing the neighborhood of a woman and dropping leaflets referring to her from his Beech single-engine plane.
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Surprise Surrogate: Ohio Mother Gives Birth To Baby in Mistaken Implanted Embryo Case
Published 1, September 26, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Torts 18 Comments
Carolyn Savage of Sylvania, Ohio has given birth to a baby boy in a bizarre case of negligence by a fertility clinic. Savage, 40, has agreed that the baby is not hers after the clinic implanted the wrong embryo. The Savages have agreed not only to have the baby but to give up the baby to his biological parents.
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Sacrebleu! The French Move Against Air Brushing and Photoshopping of Magazine Pictures
Published 1, September 26, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 11 Comments
In what may be the most dangerous and potentially explosive act since the storming of the Bastille, French leaders are taking on French models and declaring war on airbrushing. The French Parliament (and members of President Nicolas Sarkozy’s UMP party) is proposing to force magazines and other publishers to print a warning for photographs that have been touched up or photoshopped. It appears that while President Nicolas Sarkozy can insist on only short people appearing behind him to appear taller, the French politicians say “staging Oui, brushing non!” The new campaign for realism has already taken its toll with the untouched up picture on the right of Marianne in La liberté guidant le peuple (Liberty Leading the People).
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Legal Question of the Day: Should A Lawyer Be Able to Wear Jeans and Hats in Court?
Published 1, September 25, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Lawyering , Society 24 Comments
Attorney Todd C. Bank really liked his Operation Desert Storm hat. Almost as much as Eastern District of New York Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis (left) disliked it. Bank, a sole practitioner in Queens, lost his constitutional claim that he had a right to wear jeans and a hat of his choice in court. Garaufis ruled that any desire to accessorize would occur outside of the Constitution and his court (or any other court for that matter).
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School Fires Lunch Lady For Telling Parents That Boys Tied Daughter to Fence and Whipped Her
Published 1, September 25, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 21 Comments
Carol Hill was fired at the Great Tey Primary School in Essex after she told Scott David that his seven-year-old daughter Chloe had been tied to a fence and whipped with a skipping rope by bullies. The school had only mentioned “an incident” and did not reveal the names of the boys.
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Polish Court Awards Damages to Woman Who Was Compared in Article to the Nazis for Trying to Obtain an Abortion for Health Reasons
Published 1, September 25, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 18 Comments
A Polish court has awarded Alicja Tysiac $11,000 against a Catholic magazine, Gosc Niedzielny, after the magazine compared her to a child killer and a Nazi. While it is impressive to see a court levy such damages against a Catholic publication in this very Catholic nation, the ruling does raise freedom of speech issues.
Continue reading ‘Polish Court Awards Damages to Woman Who Was Compared in Article to the Nazis for Trying to Obtain an Abortion for Health Reasons’
New York Judge Uses Decision to Chastise Attorneys on Improper Stapling Motion for “Negligent Stapling”
Published 1, September 25, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Lawyering 8 Comments
New York Supreme Court Judge Charles Markey takes stapling very seriously. He took counsel to task for not just injurious stapling but failing to sign pleading, which were apparently signed in blood by the clerks.
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Two Men Arrested for Attempting to Kidnap 14-Year-Old Girl to Marry a Boy in Fargo
Published 1, September 25, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 7 Comments
Dragan Jovanovic, 42, and Elvis Tahirovic, 18, were arrested this week in a bizarre kidnapping conspiracy: they drove from Fargo, North Dakota to Bowling Green to kidnap a 14-year-old girl so that she could marry a Jovanovic’s 14-year-old son (who met her on the Internet).
Video: New Jersey Children Taught to Sing Obama’s Praises
Published 1, September 25, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 73 CommentsThis video raises an interesting question for educators and lawyers alike. These students at B. Bernice Young Elementary School in Burlington, NJ are being taught to chant and sing praises of President Barack Obama. Is that an appropriate exercise in a public school or does it smack of the type of cult of personality that we see in other nations?
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In Defense of Man-Cow Relations: New Jersey Judge Drops Charges Against Police Officer for Having Sex with Cows On the Grounds That They May Have Enjoyed It
Published 1, September 24, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , Society 104 Comments
New Jersey police officer Robert Melia Jr. will not face criminal charges for allegedly having sex with five calves under a perfectly bizarre ruling by Judge James J. Morley. We previously discussed the case, here. Morley dismissed animal cruelty charges on the grounds that the cows may have enjoyed having sex with Melia.
Self-Diagnosis: Woman Complains About Stabbing Sensations for Months Before Doctors Find The Cause: A Six-Inch Knife
Published 1, September 24, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 3 Comments
Shanghai, China (The Weekly Vice) – Ying Shi, 26, apparently was correct when she complained repeatedly to doctors about a stabbing pain in her stomach, but doctors could not imagine what it might be . . . until they finally took an x-ray months later.
Continue reading ‘Self-Diagnosis: Woman Complains About Stabbing Sensations for Months Before Doctors Find The Cause: A Six-Inch Knife’
Contrition Through Aggression: ACORN Sues Filmmakers While Claiming Regret Over Misconduct of its Employees
Published 1, September 24, 2009 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Society , Torts 104 Comments
As we discussed earlier, ACORN has decided to move forward with a lawsuit against the independent filmmakers who showed its employees engaged in potentially unlawful conduct. While insisting that it is terribly sorry for the actions of its employees, ACORN is pursuing the people who forced the misconduct into the open: filmmakers James O’Keefe and Hannah Giles. It is curious method of contrition but ACORN is seeking massive damages for nonconsensual surveillance.
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Florida Man Challenges Law Criminalizing the Publication of Address and Telephone of Police Officers
Published 1, September 24, 2009 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Society 5 Comments
There is an interesting case developing in Florida where Robert Brayshaw is facing a year in jail under a law that makes it a crime to post a local police officer’s phone number and address. The law raises serious constitutional questions under the first amendment. Brayshaw posted the information on a site called ratemycop.
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When Does Disrespect Become Disorder?
Published 1, September 24, 2009 Columns , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 32 Comments
Below is today’s column on the aftermath of the Joe Wilson controversy. The threat of the Democrats to punish members using certain words to criticize the President raises some novel and unresolved constitutional questions.
Repostiltskin: Repo Man Allegedly Drags Mother Holding Infant and Then Abandons Four-Year-Old Along a Road Five Miles Away
Published 1, September 23, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 6 Comments
A car dealership in Ohio can honestly say that it will not charge customers “their first born.” The second born will do fine. In Cleveland, Ohio, Salimah Tutstone has charged that a repo company employee not only improperly repossessed her car but dragged her and her 1-year-old child while she fought to get her other child out of the towed car. The company allegedly abandoned the car with the 4-year-old child inside five miles away. The car dealership is appropriately called “Keep it Moving.”
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This video of a reporter hit by a studio light somehow missed our “perils of the press” series.
English Judge Orders That Pedophile Teacher May Resume Relationship with Victim
Published 1, September 23, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Society 5 Comments
An English judge, Judge Anthony Pitts, has shocked police and prosecutors by expressly permitting prep school music teacher Helen Goddard, 26, to continue her relationship with a 15-year-old student after she is released from prison. Goodard received a 15-month sentence for her lesbian affair with the 15-year-old student.
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Dr. Phil’s Fun With Felons: Couple Charged After Bragging About Life of Crime on Television Show
Published 1, September 23, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Society 50 Comments
The perils of being on Dr. Phil. Matthew Eaton, 34, and his wife, Laura, 26, appeared on the “Dr. Phil Show” and bragged about how they shoplifted and then sold stolen items on the Internet. The parents of three young children boasted how they had made as much as $1 million. Now, they can go back on talk about how they were arrested after going on Dr. Phil.
Chicago Nurse Sues After Being Arrested for Asking to Speak to a Supervisor Before Taking Blood of a Suspect
Published 1, September 23, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 24 Comments
Lisa Hofstra, a nurse at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, has filed a civil lawsuit against the City of Chicago and a Chicago Police officer named Rodriguez (first name unknown) after she was arrested for wanting to speak to a supervisor before taking the blood from a suspect on Rodriguez’s orders.
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Half-a-Pug Each: Court Orders Joint Custody of Pet for Former New Jersey Couple
Published 1, September 23, 2009 Courts , Society , Torts 8 Comments
A New Jersey court has handed down a ruling that may be cited in thousands of disputes over pets by divorcing or separating couples. Doreen Houseman and Eric Dare split up after 13 years as an unmarried couple in 2006 and agreed on the easy division of possessions with one notable exception: Dexter, their pet pug. Now, Judge John Tomasello has ruled that the former couple must have joint custody of the six-year-old dog — rotating every five weeks.
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Jury Acquits Denver Officer Who Broke Teeth of Man By Slamming His Head Into the Pavement
Published 1, September 23, 2009 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Lawyering , Media , Society , Torts 39 Comments
It took a jury only two hours to acquit Denver Police officer Cpl. Michael Cordova of excessive force, even though a videotape (below) of his actions breaking the teeth of John Heaney caused public outrage. Cordova faced a charge of third-degree assault after he slammed Heaney’s face into the pavement while Cordova served as a member on an undercover anti-scalping Vice unit.
Bowling for Dealers: Florida Police Caught on Tape Playing Wii During Drug Raid
Published 1, September 22, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 11 Comments
When police raided the home of drug dealer Michael Difalco, it did not take long for them to find what they were looking for. The officers of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force were caught on video playing Wii Bowling during the nine-hour drug raid.
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Made in China: Officials Accused of Seizing and Selling Babies for Foreign Adoption
Published 1, September 22, 2009 Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 11 Comments
There is an incredible story in the Los Angeles Times about a new scourge of corruption in China: the removal and selling of babies against the wishes of their parents. The officials are first finding families in violation of child care laws and then, instead of imposing a fine, they are taking the babies to get $3000 in adoption fees.
Naked Gun: Police Called After Citizens See Naked Men Running Around Intersections . . . Only To Find The Police Were Already on the Scene
Published 1, September 22, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 9 Comments
When citizens were alarmed at the sight of naked men running around intersections at 4 pm, they immediately called the police. They then learned that there were already officers on the scene — running around the police van naked.
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Buffy The Propaganda Payer? Obama Administration Accused of Asking NEA Artists To Promote the President and His Policies
Published 1, September 22, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 16 Comments
Buffy Wicks, deputy director of the White House Office of Public Engagement has been accused (with others) of encouraging artists supported by the National Endowment for the Arts to produce works supporting President Obama and his policies. The story first appeared in BigGovernment.com.
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California Police Repeatedly Taser and Partially Strip Double Amputee in Public — But Bring No Charges After Six Days Incarceration
Published 1, September 22, 2009 Criminal law , Society , Torts 19 Comments
Police in Merced, California are looking into a case of a double amputee who claims that he was tasered twice by police in his wheelchair, partially stripped in public, and then held for days without charge. Gregory Williams, 40, was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and resisting arrest but never charged. Neighbors complained that the police were abusive and humiliating in their treatment of Williams.
Continue reading ‘California Police Repeatedly Taser and Partially Strip Double Amputee in Public — But Bring No Charges After Six Days Incarceration’
Flying Human Cargo Class: Meet the Future of Air Travel
Published 1, September 22, 2009 Bizarre , Society 15 Comments
We previously discussed the interest of RyanAir in transporting humans like cargo in planes by removing traditional seats. This is the inevitable continuation of the downward trend in airline comfort and passenger expectations. Now, there is a design by Design Q on the market that could be coming to an airport near you.
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Filings in Jefferson Case Reveal New Improper Relationship Between an FBI Agent and a Witness
Published 1, September 21, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice , Politics , Society 20 Comments
The post-trial proceedings in the case of former congressman William Jefferson took a sordid turn today with the discussion of yet another allegation of an FBI agent having a sexual relationship with a witness. FBI agent John Guandolo appears to have had such a relationship with the government’s lead informant, Lori Mody. The government surprised many in the trial in declining to call Mody to the stand. Judge T.S. Ellis III refused to order a new trial and insisted that the defense had no proof that the relationship had an impact on testimony in the case or, more importantly, the verdict of the jury.
Candy Addiction: Father Arrested After His Son Handed Out Cocaine in Daycare After Being Told It Was “Candy”
Published 1, September 21, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments
Shaheed Wright, 25, was arrested in New Jersey last week after he allegedly hid cocaine in his four-year-old son’s jacket and told him it was “candy. His son believed him and took the cocaine to school and shared it with his classmates.
Continue reading ‘Candy Addiction: Father Arrested After His Son Handed Out Cocaine in Daycare After Being Told It Was “Candy”’
Wife Argues With Husband So She Allegedly Runs Over . . . His Best Friend
Published 1, September 21, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 21 Comments
In Oklahoma, Rebekah Leigh Crouch, 27, has a curious way of preserving a relationship: she is accused of running over her husband’s best friend. Crouch believed that the friend, Mathew Dewayne Dowling, 33, was encouraging her husband to leave her so she allegedly ran him over after an argument with her husband.
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Fair and Balanced . . . and Staged? Fox Producer Found Rallying 9/12 Protesters
Published 1, September 21, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 35 CommentsFox News has announced that it has punished a producer who is captured on this video rallying crowds in a 9/12 protest. According to Huffington Post, the employee is Fox News producer Heidi Noonan.
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Nigeria Demands Apology From Sony for Commercial
Published 1, September 21, 2009 Bizarre , International , Media , Politics , Society , Torts 11 Comments The nation of Nigeria is shocked that Sony is making fun of the country’s reputation as the haven for Internet fraud. The country is demanding an apology for this commercial — and the transfer of money to help release $10 million from the account of a deceased wealthy uncle.
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Teenager Killed on His Way Back From a Birthday Party By a Drunken Ex-Con Driving a Stolen Car — Parents Sue Parents of the Birthday Boy and the Owner of the Stolen Car
Published 1, September 21, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 33 Comments
Lawsuits against bars and businesses under Dram Shop laws have become routine, though still somewhat controversial when owners are sued for the excessive drinking of third parties, here and here and here. We have seen a few cases where parents or home owners have been sued, though those cases are far more controversial, here. A case in New York, however, pushes this line of cases to the farthest extreme. The parents of Robert Ogle, 16, have sued the people who they say are responsible for their son’s death by a hit-and-run driver: the people who threw a birthday party where Robert became intoxicated and the owner of the car that was stolen by the hit-and-run driver.
Continue reading ‘Teenager Killed on His Way Back From a Birthday Party By a Drunken Ex-Con Driving a Stolen Car — Parents Sue Parents of the Birthday Boy and the Owner of the Stolen Car’
Given our evolution stories this week, this picture was apropos.
Continue reading ‘Simian Sensibilities’
Can a Creationist Be A Good Mayor? St. Petersburg Debates Whether a Mayor’s Religious Beliefs Are Relevant to His Competence to Lead
Published 1, September 20, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 207 Comments
There is an interesting debate going on in St. Petersburg where mayoral candidate Bill Foster is being attacked for his belief in creationism. As Florida’s fourth-largest city, St. Petersburg has tried to attract businesses and industry. His critics claim that high-tech companies are going to get the wrong impression if the Mayor believes that the Earth was created in six days and that man walked with dinosaurs.
Obama Administration Moves to Dismiss Lawsuit By Gay Married Couples Over Federal Benefits
Published 1, September 20, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Politics , Religion , Society 9 Comments
Civil libertarians have been objecting that liberals are ignoring the Obama Administration’s continuation of a number of Bush programs and policies — in contradiction to President Obama’s presidential campaign promises. From torture to unlawful surveillance, Obama has continued the positions of President Bush in federal courts in seeking to dismiss lawsuits and claim sweeping executive privilege authority. Now, the Obama Administration is seeking to get a court to dismiss a lawsuit by gay married couples from Massachusetts who are challenging the denial of federal marriage benefits.
Continue reading ‘Obama Administration Moves to Dismiss Lawsuit By Gay Married Couples Over Federal Benefits’
Texas Woman Speaks At Length About a Sex Ed Proposal and Her Own Virginal Status . . . Only To Be Told That The Board Addressed the Issue The Day Before
Published 1, September 20, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Society 16 CommentsIn his video, former schoolteacher Deborah Parish shows the value of a good day planner. Parish speaks passionately about what she believed was a sex education proposal and goes at great lengths to explain her own status as a 56-year-old virgin and how she still “technically” maintains this status . . . before being told that the Texas Education Agency was discussing some mundane matter. The proposal had been on the agenda the previous day.
Continue reading ‘Texas Woman Speaks At Length About a Sex Ed Proposal and Her Own Virginal Status . . . Only To Be Told That The Board Addressed the Issue The Day Before’
“Suffer Little Children . . . and Forbid Them Not”: California Pastor Gets Life Sentence For Abuse of Adopted Daughters
Published 1, September 20, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 12 Comments
Pastor Jessica Banks, 65, has been sentenced to life in prison for drugging, beating, and locking up her five adopted daughters. The conviction includes counts of sexual abuse for two of the girls.
Continue reading ‘“Suffer Little Children . . . and Forbid Them Not”: California Pastor Gets Life Sentence For Abuse of Adopted Daughters’
South African Sports Head Apologizes for Concealing Semenya’s Gender
Published 1, September 19, 2009 Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 8 Comments
During the controversy over the gender of Caster Semenya, one person was absolutely clear in denying rumors that Semenya was a man or hermaphrodite: the president of Athletics South Africa Leonard Chuene. Chuene now admits that he lied to the international sporting officials and the public. He knew all along about tests that indicated that Semenya was a hermaphrodite. Where is Joe Wilson when you need him
Continue reading ‘South African Sports Head Apologizes for Concealing Semenya’s Gender’
I Walk The Line: Town Mayor Bans Police From Chasing Suspects
Published 1, September 19, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society , Torts 11 Comments
The city of Wellford, South Carolina may be a felon’s dream come true. Mayor Sallie Peake has banned police officers from chasing suspects on foot or in a car.
Continue reading ‘I Walk The Line: Town Mayor Bans Police From Chasing Suspects’
“It’s Waaaay Better Than Fast Food”: Man Finds Wendy’s Spoon Lodged in Lung
Published 1, September 19, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Torts 15 Comments
For most personal injury lawyers it does not get better than this. Your client has suffered from two years of poor health, vomiting and stomach pain. Doctors finally use an endoscope and find the culprit: a spoon bearing the clearly marked name of Wendy’s. That is what happened to John Manley of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Continue reading ‘“It’s Waaaay Better Than Fast Food”: Man Finds Wendy’s Spoon Lodged in Lung’
Baltimore Mom Accused Telling Son to Attack Teenage Boy
Published 1, September 19, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 6 Comments
This week, prosecutors charged a mother with holding a six-year-old boy down while ordering her five-year-old son to beat him in the face, here. Now, a Maryland mother, Kimberley Lyn Cudanin, 34, is accused of telling her 16-year-old son Audre and at least four friend to attack a 14-year-old boy, Malaki Malloy. Malloy was stabbed and beaten.
Continue reading ‘Baltimore Mom Accused Telling Son to Attack Teenage Boy’
Jewish Patrols in Jerusalem Are Targeting “Mixed” Jewish and Arab Couples in Campaign for Religious Separation
Published 1, September 19, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 24 Comments
There is a growing controversy in Jerusalem’s Pisgat Ze’ev neighborhood where groups of Jewish men are regularly patrolling the streets to prevent Jewish women from dating and socializing with Arab men. The group called Eish L’Yahadut (Fire for Judaism) is composed of roughly 40 men who have been accused of some violent encounters as they seek to break up such socialization. They deny that they use force, but admit that sometimes confrontations have turned violent.
Continue reading ‘Jewish Patrols in Jerusalem Are Targeting “Mixed” Jewish and Arab Couples in Campaign for Religious Separation’
At the request of some of our regulars, I am posting two pictures from the recent paint war battle referenced earlier. To avoid embarrassment to my fellow soldiers, I have not posted their own battle-scared images.
Happy Rosh Hashanah From Ahmadinejad: Holocaust is a “Lie” and Israel “Will Not Last Long”
Published 1, September 18, 2009 Bizarre , International , Religion , Society 15 Comments
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave his traditional Rosh Hashanah speech — effectively wishing Jews a Happy New Year by saying that they may not see another.
Sneezegate: Chuck Todd Contaminates White House With Unguarded Sneeze
Published 1, September 18, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 14 Comments
The White House was the scene of a bio-hazard attack today when NBC White House reporter Chuck Todd sneezed into his hand rather than into his government-approved, network-supplied sleeve. The shocking violation of health security rules was captured on the video below and immediately caught by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius who called for Purell and police (Ok, just the Purell).
Continue reading ‘Sneezegate: Chuck Todd Contaminates White House With Unguarded Sneeze’
Seller Beware: New Federal Program Allows for Casual Sellers to Be Fined for Up to $15 Million
Published 1, September 18, 2009 Criminal law , Society , Torts 7 Comments
Generally, the law distinguishes between casual buyers and commercial sellers in tort and criminal law. For example, product liability for defects does not extend to garage sales and transactions between private individuals. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning that the government will now be enforcing rules under the “Resale Round-up” program that can result in fines of $15 million for that Easy-Bake Oven that you want to unload.
Continue reading ‘Seller Beware: New Federal Program Allows for Casual Sellers to Be Fined for Up to $15 Million’
Demonstrated Genius: Video Prank Shows How Innocent People Can Unwittingly Become Radical Protest Leaders
Published 1, September 18, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 9 CommentsAs someone who represents people accused of unlawful demonstrations (and were not in fact protesters), I have finally found a video that I can use in their defense.
Continue reading ‘Demonstrated Genius: Video Prank Shows How Innocent People Can Unwittingly Become Radical Protest Leaders’
Minnesota Judge Accused of Steering Parties in His Court to His Own Divorce Attorney and Getting a Discount on His Own Bill Is Given a Six-Month Suspension — But Allowed to Remain on the Bench
Published 1, September 18, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Lawyering , Society 5 Comments
Goodhue County District Judge Timothy Blakely, 46, is accused of being a rainmaker from the bench. He was found by a state investigation to have been referring parties in his court to his own divorce lawyer, “Super Lawyer” Christine Stroemer who allegedly gave him a discount on his own bill for fees.
Arizona Couple Sues Wal-Mart After Store Calls the Police on Them For Developing Pictures of Their Children in a Bathtub — And the Children Are Taken By the State
Published 1, September 18, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 26 Comments
An Arizona coupe, Lisa and Anthony “A.J.” Demaree, have filed an interesting lawsuit against Walmart (and the state) after being accused of sexual abuse and having their children taken away the State. Their suspected crime? Developing pictures of their children taking a bath.
Continue reading ‘Arizona Couple Sues Wal-Mart After Store Calls the Police on Them For Developing Pictures of Their Children in a Bathtub — And the Children Are Taken By the State’
Alleged West Virginia Burglar Nailed After Facebook Fix
Published 1, September 18, 2009 Academics , Criminal law , Society 5 Comments
We have seen Facebook involved in various alleged crimes through the years (here, here). However, Jonathan Parker, 19, in Martinsburg, West Virginia, has created a category of his own in alleged Facebook felonies: he was arrested after leaving his Facebook account on a victim’s computer — apparently after stopping during a burglary to log into his page.
Continue reading ‘Alleged West Virginia Burglar Nailed After Facebook Fix’
Cincinnati Mother Arrested After Holding Down Six-Year-Old Boy and Ordering Her Five-Year-Old To Beat Him
Published 1, September 18, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 4 Comments
Tiffany Hunter, 26, takes a different approach to neighborhood or schoolyard fights than most parents. While most parents tell their children to avoid fights, Hunter is accused of holding down a 6-year-old boy and ordering her 5-year-old boy to beat him in the face.
Louisiana Approves New Rules Allowing Teachers to Challenge the Basis of Evolution While California Court Rules that Teacher Violated Constitution By Criticizing Creationism
Published 1, September 17, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 125 Comments
There are a couple of interesting stories on the continued struggle over teaching evolution in public schools. In Louisiana, the state has approved special rules allowing teachers to challenge the basis of the theory of evolution. In California, a court ruled that a history teacher’s criticism of creationism violated the Constitution.
Poll: Thirty-Two Percent of Conservatives Believe Obama is Foreign-Born While Almost Twenty Percent Believe He Is the Actual Anti-Christ
Published 1, September 17, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 44 Comments
A new poll by the Public Policy Polling group of New Jersey voters is out, here. An impressive 32% of conservatives believe that President Barack Obama is foreign born. With an additional 19% expressing uncertainty, that brings the figure to 51% of the polled citizens expressing the belief or suspicion that he is foreign born and not eligible to serve a President. Another 14% of Republicans and 18% of conservatives believe he is the Antichrist. That is by no means contradictory since the Antichrist is also foreign born.
Continue reading ‘Poll: Thirty-Two Percent of Conservatives Believe Obama is Foreign-Born While Almost Twenty Percent Believe He Is the Actual Anti-Christ’
Video: English Police Search for Mad Chicken Licker
Published 1, September 17, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 2 CommentsPolice in England are using this video put on the Internet to search for a man who calls himself Adeel Ayub after he (and apparently an accomplish) filmed Ayub committing gross acts of vandalism at a Asda store (owned by Walmart), including opening packages and licking fresh chickens.
Continue reading ‘Video: English Police Search for Mad Chicken Licker’
Happy Constitution Day (Explanation Below)
Published 1, September 17, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Media , Politics , Society 31 Comments
Today, I have the honor of being the Constitution Day Speaker for the Kent Gardens Elementary School in McLean, Virginia. A recent poll in Oklahoma City, however, suggests that before we celebrate the Constitution, we may have to explain what it is. This includes gaps in such basis knowledge as “who was the first president of the United States?” Only 23 percent could name George Washington.
Continue reading ‘Happy Constitution Day (Explanation Below)’
Federal Judge Calls Obama “Birther” Challenge “Frivolous” and Orly Taitz Calls for Judge to Be Tried for Treason
Published 1, September 17, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Lawyering , Politics , Society 517 CommentsU.S. District Court Judge Clay Land issued a stern warning to attorney Orly Taitz (left) and others in the so-called “birther” campaign: do not file another such “frivolous” lawsuit or you will face sanctions. Land threw out the lawsuit filed on behalf of Capt. Connie Rhodes who is an Army surgeon challenging her deployment orders due to President Barack Obama’s alleged ineligibility to serve as President. Land (a Bush appointee) noted that “[u]nlike in ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ simply saying something is so does not make it so.”
Mommy’s Little Helper: Cincinnati Woman Arrested for Spanking Two-Year-Old Son of a Stranger
Published 1, September 16, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 12 Comments
Grandmother Gloria Ballard is accused of spanking another person’s two-year-old child in a Cincinnati store.
Continue reading ‘Mommy’s Little Helper: Cincinnati Woman Arrested for Spanking Two-Year-Old Son of a Stranger’
The True Test of a Father’s Love: Dad Catches Foul Ball in Phillies Game Only To Watch in Horror As Daughter Throws It Back
Published 1, September 16, 2009 Bizarre , Society 33 Comments
(available here). Steve Monforto is overjoyed with catching a foul ball in the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals. He proudly gives the ball to his daughter only to watch three-year-old Emily throw it back.
Continue reading ‘The True Test of a Father’s Love: Dad Catches Foul Ball in Phillies Game Only To Watch in Horror As Daughter Throws It Back’
To Do List: Buy Milk, Visit Grandpa, Drop Off Corpse — North Carolina Man Arrested for Driving Around Dead Friend on Errands
Published 1, September 16, 2009 Bizarre , Society , Torts 12 Comments
Eric Henry, Jr., 19, of Winnabow, North Carolina may have had the best intentions when his friend, John Ferguson, 23, died from a suspected overdose and put him in the car. However, he appears to have concluded that there was a lack of urgency in getting him to a hospital and instead drove around town with the body in the passenger seat as he handled various errands.
Continue reading ‘To Do List: Buy Milk, Visit Grandpa, Drop Off Corpse — North Carolina Man Arrested for Driving Around Dead Friend on Errands’
Ohio Death Row Inmate Given One-Week Reprieve After Officials Fail to Find a Vein
Published 1, September 16, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 148 Comments
Romell Broom, 52, was given a rare one-week reprieve when officials struggled for hours to find a vein strong enough to handle lethal injection. The scene was particularly grotesque for critics of the death penalty as Broom awaited his death for hours as he was pricked and probed. Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland eventually ordered the one-week delay to allow prison officials time to figure out the best vein to use to execute him.
Continue reading ‘Ohio Death Row Inmate Given One-Week Reprieve After Officials Fail to Find a Vein’
House Democrats Seek to Curtail Member Speech in the Wake of Wilson Controversy
Published 1, September 16, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law 33 Comments
In a move that raises serious questions under Article One and the First Amendment to the Constitution, House Rules Committee Chairwoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) has announced new rules for what members can and cannot say on the floor and in committee. The rules are remarkably broad and arbitrary in limiting comments regarding the President.
Continue reading ‘House Democrats Seek to Curtail Member Speech in the Wake of Wilson Controversy’
For a Good Time, Call Juror 12: Juror Held in Contempt in Trial of Anand Jon Alexander For Contacting Sister
Published 1, September 16, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Lawyering , Society 4 Comments
Alvin Dymally selected a poor place for a pick up. Dymally was a juror in the rape trial of fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander, 35. While other jurors were staring at the defendant, Dymally apparently could not take his eyes off the defendant’s sister Sanjana. Dymally would later, before the jury verdict was announced, pass Sanjana a note indicating his interest in her. Alexander was eventually sentenced to 59 years to life for 16 counts of rape while Dymally, Juror No. 12, will receive a $1000, 120 hours of community service, and a year’s mandatory participation in EHarmony. (Ok, I made up the last condition).
Grudge Match: Hulk Hogan Sues Zuckerman Spaeder For Malpractice
Published 1, September 16, 2009 Bizarre , Lawyering , Society 19 Comments
The death match is on! Hulk Hogan versus Morris “Sandy” Weinberg Jr. This grudge match is set for Florida with a $1.5 million purse.
Continue reading ‘Grudge Match: Hulk Hogan Sues Zuckerman Spaeder For Malpractice’
Wilson Admonished — With Only Seven Republicans Voting for the Sanction
Published 1, September 15, 2009 Congress , Politics , Society 65 CommentsRep. Joe Wilson, R-South Carolina, has achieved the ignoble distinction of being admonished by the House after refusing to apologize on the floor for his outburst during the presidential address of President Barack Obama. What is astonishing is that only seven Republicans voted to uphold the House rules and to admonish their colleague in a 240-179 vote.
Continue reading ‘Wilson Admonished — With Only Seven Republicans Voting for the Sanction’
Burglary and Bushidō: Johns Hopkins Student Kills Intruder With Samurai Sword
Published 1, September 15, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 17 Comments
A Johns Hopkins University student appears to take a literal view of the Castle Doctrine: he defended his domicile the old-fashioned way with an actual sword. The student encountered a man who had broken into the garage of his off-campus housing and proceeded to kill him with a Samurai sword.
Continue reading ‘Burglary and Bushidō: Johns Hopkins Student Kills Intruder With Samurai Sword’
Urine Good Company, Mr. Stark: Congressman Tells Constituent that He Will Not Pee on His Leg
Published 1, September 15, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Society 11 CommentsRep. Pete Stark (D-Calif) appears to have a curious way of showing respect: he urinates on your leg. At least that is the impression from this YouTube clip where Stark tells a critic of the health bill: “I wouldn’t dignify you by peeing on your leg, it wouldn’t be worth wasting the urine.” He is not alone in retaining his “precious bodily fluids.”
Continue reading ‘Urine Good Company, Mr. Stark: Congressman Tells Constituent that He Will Not Pee on His Leg’
Lawyer Loses Bid To Claim Over $100,000 in Deductions for Prostitutes and Related Expenses
Published 1, September 15, 2009 Bizarre , Lawyering , Society 9 CommentsAttorney William Halby has lost another effort to allow him to deduct his “medical” use of prostitutes from his taxes. He lost a claim of over $100,000 in deductions before the federal Tax Court.
The Tweet That Got Away: Obama Calls Kanye West a “Jackass”
Published 1, September 15, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Society 17 Comments
In the rush to tweet the news by leading networks, journalists can sometimes find that technology moves a bit faster than editors. It appears that President Barack Obama made an off-the-record comment that called Kanye West a “Jackass.” It ran on a twitter from ABC’s Terry Moran and appears to have led to a ballistic response by the White House. Now, there is the video below of the President’s unguarded moment.
Continue reading ‘The Tweet That Got Away: Obama Calls Kanye West a “Jackass”’
Guilty By a Hair? Florida Woman Accused of False Imprisonment By Holding Customer’s Hair
Published 1, September 15, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society , Torts 5 Comments
Chanda Davina Warren, 21, has a novel criminal charge. Police say that she was running a beauty shop out of her apartment when she demanded payment for a hair styling half way through the haircut to pay her bills. When the customer refused, she allegedly grabbed her hair and held scissors to it to demand payment forthwith.
Florida Man Insists on Being Able to Drink Shoplifted Beer Before Paying Debt to Society
Published 1, September 15, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law 4 Comments
There is a certain logic to the position of George R. Linthicum II, who was arrested after shoplifting beer from a Florida convenience store. If he was going to go to jail, he insisted that the police at least allow him to drink one of the beers.
Lord of the Flies II: Parents and Activists Call For End of School Farm Program After Students Vote to Cull Lamb
Published 1, September 15, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Environment , Society 23 Comments
A popular farming and livestock program at a primary school in Kent may be shutdown after the student council voted to ignore objections from parents and animal activists and have a six-month-old lamb named Marcus slaughtered for cash. The 14-member council composed of 6 to 11 year old children voted to turn Marcus into chops and to use the money to buy pigs for the program at Lydd primary school.
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