This interview on National Public Radio explores the two cases of Jason Chen and James Risen in the news this week.
Continue reading ‘Will Gizmodo Set the Standard for Journalistic Privilege?’
Archive for April, 2010
Will Gizmodo Set the Standard for Journalistic Privilege?
Published 1, April 30, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Politics 6 CommentsAnswering the Call: Lady Gaga “Telephone” Remake From Afghanistan Becomes Instant Hit
Published 1, April 30, 2010 Bizarre , Military , Society 8 CommentsThis is what shock and awe is all about. This is also why the Taliban do not stand a chance.
Continue reading ‘Answering the Call: Lady Gaga “Telephone” Remake From Afghanistan Becomes Instant Hit’
I Help Orphans: “Finder” of 4G IPhone Identified and Expresses Regrets
Published 1, April 30, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 8 Comments
Wired Magazine has identified the “finder” of the next generation IPhone given to Gizmodo for $5000. He is Brian Hogan, 21, whose lawyer has stressed that he regrets his actions and is a good kid who helps orphans in Kenya. I will be discussing the case on NPR’s On The Media today.
Continue reading ‘I Help Orphans: “Finder” of 4G IPhone Identified and Expresses Regrets’
Ox Tale: Chinese Gymnast Stripped of Medal After Officials Find China Lied About Her Age
Published 1, April 30, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Society 9 Comments
For years, experts have accused China of lying about the age of its gymnasts in using underaged girls at the Olympic Games. Now, the International Olympic Committee has confirmed that China did lie to the world about the age of gymnast Dong Fangxiao who won the bronze medal in the Sydney Games. Her blog states that she had been born in the Year of the Ox, which ran from February 1985 to February 1986 — three years later than previously stated by China.
Continue reading ‘Ox Tale: Chinese Gymnast Stripped of Medal After Officials Find China Lied About Her Age’
Iran Elected to the United Nations Women Rights Commission
Published 1, April 30, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 25 Comments
Women of the World, rest easy! The United Nations has chosen the next country to join the Women Rights Council to defend your rights: Iran. That’s right, the nation that beats women in the street, allows the raping of women in custody (here), raids human rights organizations (here), stones women to death (here), arrests women for “satanic” clothing styles (here), bans makeup on television (here), enforces segregation based on gender (here), searches for women with tans to punish (here), and blames women for earthquakes (here) will now sit on the United Nations Women Rights Council.
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It Came From Inner Space: NASA Balloon Goes on Rampage in the Outback
Published 1, April 30, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Environment , International , Science , Society 5 CommentsPeople in the Australian outback found themselves dodging a massive 400-foot balloon carrying a payload of scientific equipment this week when the launching of NASA’s Nuclear Compton Telescope (NCT) went awry. The balloon crashed through a fence and turned over a sports utility vehicle before stopping its rampage.
Continue reading ‘It Came From Inner Space: NASA Balloon Goes on Rampage in the Outback’
Norton: Justice Thomas Just “Proposes” To Be African-American
Published 1, April 30, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Media , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 143 Comments
D.C. Democratic Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton made a shocking comment about Associate Justice Clarence Thomas this week, stating that ” We’ve got someone who proposes to be African-American on the court.” It is a shocking insult directed at Thomas and it is unworthy of Norton. It also seems to suggest that someone cannot be a true African-American if they are conservative.
Continue reading ‘Norton: Justice Thomas Just “Proposes” To Be African-American’
Spill, Baby, Spill: White House Remains Committed To Off-Shore Drilling Plan As Spill Destroys Gulf Coast
Published 1, April 30, 2010 Academics , Environment , Science , Society , Torts 111 CommentsThe White House is under attack on its plan to open up areas for drilling off the East Coast — a plan long opposed by environmentalists and now attracting renewed criticism with the growing disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.
Supreme Court Reverses Lower Courts on Mojave War Memorial Cross
Published 1, April 29, 2010 Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 19 Comments
The Supreme Court’s voted in a 5-4 decision to reverse lower courts in California in the case involving the cross in the Mojave National Preserve. The decision is significant in showing a more permissive approach to such religious symbols.
Continue reading ‘Supreme Court Reverses Lower Courts on Mojave War Memorial Cross’
English Court Rules Against Counselor Who Objected to Working With Same-Sex Couples
Published 1, April 29, 2010 Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 3 Comments
Gary McFarlane, 48, from Bristol triggered a heated court fight when he challenged his termination as a counselor with Relate Avon, a counseling service, due to his religious conflict with assisting homosexual couples. An English court ruled against him in a case that led to sharp condemnations on both sides. In a statement that drew objections from the court, former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey called for judges to handle the case who show greater appreciation for religious individuals.
Continue reading ‘English Court Rules Against Counselor Who Objected to Working With Same-Sex Couples’
Video: Ft. Lauderdale Officer Arrests Man After Being Asked for Badge Number
Published 1, April 29, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 36 CommentsThis video shows a disturbing scene as a man, Brennan Hamilton, who is arrested after he asks for the name and badge number of a Fort Lauderdale police officer who is identified as Jeff Overcash. On the video, Overcash is asked why he is arresting Hamilton for just asking for his badge number and he responds by saying it was for something that he did earlier (but apparently something that Overcash did not appear to believe warranted an arrest at that time).
Continue reading ‘Video: Ft. Lauderdale Officer Arrests Man After Being Asked for Badge Number’
They Chip Horses, Don’t They? Iowa GOP Candidate For Congress Calls For Micro-Chipping Illegal Aliens
Published 1, April 29, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 20 Comments
Pat Bertroche, a physician and GOP candidate for Iowa’s Third District primary, has called for a program in which illegal aliens are forced to be micro-chipped to keep track of them. He asked an audience recently, “I actually support micro-chipping them. I can micro-chip my dog so I can find it. Why can’t I micro-chip an illegal?”
Duncan Hunter: Deport the Children of Illegal Aliens
Published 1, April 29, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 34 Comments
Rep. Duncan Hunter has called for the deportation of the children of illegal aliens born in this country. I discussed this issue last night on Countdown. Jus soli (“law of ground”) or “birthright citizenship” is recognized in some form by nations like France and the United States while rejected by others.
Continue reading ‘Duncan Hunter: Deport the Children of Illegal Aliens’
Report: Justice Department Moving to Challenge Arizona Law
Published 1, April 28, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 42 Comments
The Justice Department is reportedly moving toward challenging the Arizona law. If true, it would be a rare case where the United States directly challenges a state law as opposed to waiting to intervene as an amicus. Given the increasing number of cities and citizens planning to challenge the law, there is no paucity of plaintiffs requiring such a challenge. I will be discussing this issue tonight on Countdown.
Continue reading ‘Report: Justice Department Moving to Challenge Arizona Law’
Riddle Me This: Texas Rep Calls for Adoption of Arizona Immigration Law
Published 1, April 28, 2010 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 31 Comments
Rep. Debbie Riddle of Tomball, Texas has announced that she will seek to introduce the Arizona immigration law in Texas. While criticized as unconstitutional by both conservatives and liberals alike, Riddle wants to see the law adopted in the Lone Star state. I will be discussing the constitutionality of the law on tonight’s Countdown.
Continue reading ‘Riddle Me This: Texas Rep Calls for Adoption of Arizona Immigration Law’
Finally, Some Clarity in the War on Terror . . .
Published 1, April 28, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Military , Society 19 Comments
I can’t understand why this wasn’t clear before . . .
Continue reading ‘Finally, Some Clarity in the War on Terror . . .’
Palestinian Cleric on Icelandic Volcano: Allah Did It
Published 1, April 28, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 11 CommentsThis Hamas sermon is the latest example of a religious leader taking credit or assigning divine blame for a natural disaster. In this case, it turns out that the Iceland volcano was retribution by Allah.
Continue reading ‘Palestinian Cleric on Icelandic Volcano: Allah Did It’
Ukraine Legislators Vote on Russian Lease Amid a Torrent of Eggs, Smoke Bombs, and Catcalls
Published 1, April 28, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics 5 CommentsThis video shows Ukraine legislators debating the extension of a Russian lease for a military base with eggs and smoke bombs. It appears that Roberts’ Rules of Order is not widely read in the Ukraine.
Hell: Exothermic or Endothermic?
Published 1, April 28, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Religion , Science 30 Comments
This answer to a college chemistry exam was sent to me recently and restores my faith in the new generation of college students. The answer was purportedly in response to the bonus question on a University of Arizona chemistry midterm: “Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?”
Shades of Satan: Iran Cracks Down on Suntanned Women
Published 1, April 28, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Religion , Society 11 Comments
Iranian police have found another pocket of immorality amidst their population. Of course, it is again women — specifically sun-tanned women. Brig Hossien Sajedinia, Tehran’s police chief, announced that his officers would be looking for suntanned women as a mark of immorality. It appears that the good people at Arrest Sun Lotion may have found a niche.
Continue reading ‘Shades of Satan: Iran Cracks Down on Suntanned Women’
Charges Against Chicago Police Officer for DUI and Killing Two People Are Dropped — Police Then Arrest Upset Members of Victim’s Family
Published 1, April 28, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 19 Comments
When off-duty Chicago Police Officer John Ardelean, 36, was involved in a suspected DUI accident on Thanksgiving that killed two people — Miguel Flores, 22, and Erick Lagunas, 21 — he was not arrested immediately after the crash or at the hospital. Instead, a police Lt. John Magruder ordered him arrested hours after the crash when he smelled alcohol on the officer. An judge has now thrown out the charges due to a lack of probable cause. In the ultimate twist, family members of the victims were then arrested when they express outrage at the decision.
Continue reading ‘Charges Against Chicago Police Officer for DUI and Killing Two People Are Dropped — Police Then Arrest Upset Members of Victim’s Family’
The Few, The Politicians: Candidate Told By Marines To Withdraw Campaign Ad
Published 1, April 28, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 12 Comments
GOP candidate Vaughn Ward has run into problems over his campaign ads, but not with the FCC. The Marine Corps has ordered him to change his campaign ad in which he appears in uniform and promises to help repeal Obamacare. The body armor shown in the picture may now become useful. The ads violate a prohibition on involving the military in political campaigning.
Continue reading ‘The Few, The Politicians: Candidate Told By Marines To Withdraw Campaign Ad’
Why Funches Throws Punches: Women Attack Man for Failing to Hold Elevator Door
Published 1, April 27, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 17 Comments
Waltia Funches, 28, and Kenyana McQuay, 27, have a curious way to showing a man how to treat a lady. After a man failed to hold an elevator door for them, the two women proceeded to dump pasta on him, kick him, and beat him with their handbags.
Continue reading ‘Why Funches Throws Punches: Women Attack Man for Failing to Hold Elevator Door’
Video: Meet Buddy The Real Lassie
Published 1, April 27, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , Society 9 CommentsBuddy, a German Shepherd, is being credited with leading the Alaskan State Police to a fire at his owner Ben Heinrichs’s house.
Citizens in Lebanon Rally Against Religion in Government
Published 1, April 27, 2010 Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 10 Comments
There is a glimmer of hope in the Middle East. In a recent large-scale protest, citizens rose up in a rare public demonstration to get religion out of politics. Sunday’s Secular Pride March shows that there are many people in countries like Lebanon who are want a separation of church and state — and are willing to risk their lives to fight for secular government. In the meantime, people in the United States like Sarah Palin are trying to take this country in the opposite direction by taking down the wall of separation, here.
Continue reading ‘Citizens in Lebanon Rally Against Religion in Government’
Scientist in Global Warming Scandal Threatens To Sue Over Spoof Video
Published 1, April 27, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Media , Politics , Society 7 Comments
Professor Michael Mann, the scientist at the heart of the climate-data scandal, has sent a letter through his lawyers threatening a lawsuit over the video below — a popular spoof on YouTube.
Continue reading ‘Scientist in Global Warming Scandal Threatens To Sue Over Spoof Video’
New Hampshire Approves New Two-Year College For Potential Law Students
Published 1, April 27, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 16 Comments
New Hampshire legislators have approved a new two-year college for students who want an accelerated path to law school. I am steadfastly opposed to such abbreviated undergraduate programs and believe that law schools should oppose such efforts — as they should oppose proposals for two-year law schools. It is part of the “cheaper, faster” approach to American education that is destroying our intellectual foundation. It is treating education like instant cream of wheat.
Continue reading ‘New Hampshire Approves New Two-Year College For Potential Law Students’
Rotten Apple II: Police Raid Gizmodo’s Office and Seize Computers and Servers
Published 1, April 27, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 16 Comments
We have been following the story of the stolen IPhone and the implausible arguments of Gizmodo that it was merely playing a “source” when it bought the phone and took it apart. Now, police have raided Gizmodo’s offices, whose editors may want to look for a handy App for lawyers in the area. I discussed the issue on this segment of Countdown.
Continue reading ‘Rotten Apple II: Police Raid Gizmodo’s Office and Seize Computers and Servers’
Video: Graduation Prayer Meltdown
Published 1, April 26, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Religion , Society 40 CommentsWhat I particularly love about this meltdown graduation speech is the apology for the sin of “worshipping the intellectual mind.”
Continue reading ‘Video: Graduation Prayer Meltdown’
Flashpoint? Evidence Points to a North Korean Torpedo as Cause of Warship Sinking
Published 1, April 26, 2010 Bizarre , International , Military , Politics 12 Comments
North Korea has long succeeded in committing crimes ranging from kidnapping to murder with little consequence as the West tries to avoid a full-out war in Asia. That may get increasingly difficult after both South Korean and U.S. officials confirmed that North Korea likely sank the warship Cheonan (Pohang-class corvette) with a torpedo.
Continue reading ‘Flashpoint? Evidence Points to a North Korean Torpedo as Cause of Warship Sinking’
Former Death Row Inmate is Arrested for Seventh Time
Published 1, April 26, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 2 Comments
Literature and life has countless examples of criminals who are spared long incarceration or death and become model citizens who use their “second chance” to live a worthy life. Thomas Anderson, 57, is just not one of them. After since he was spared death in 1988, Anderson has racked up seven felony cases — and supplied pro-death penalty advocates with a rallying cry for tougher sentencing laws.
Continue reading ‘Former Death Row Inmate is Arrested for Seventh Time’
Danish Newspaper Allegedly Forces Controversial Cartoonist Into Retirement in Wake of Threats From Muslim Extremists
Published 1, April 26, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Media , Politics , Religion 17 Comments
Danish cartoonist Kurt Westergaard recently survived worldwide calls by Muslims for his murder and a recent attack at his home by a Muslim with an axe. His newspaper the Jyllands-Posten daily newspaper has responded by effectively firing him — allegedly to avoid further death threats from extremists. If true, it is only the latest example of newspapers and publishers caving in to such threats, including the shameful act of censorship by Comedy Central and a similar act by Yale University Press.
Continue reading ‘Danish Newspaper Allegedly Forces Controversial Cartoonist Into Retirement in Wake of Threats From Muslim Extremists’
Mother Starves 16-Month Baby To Death — Receives No Jail Time
Published 1, April 26, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 18 Comments
We have another case of religious homicide and a comparatively light sentence (For a prior column, click here). In the case of Javon Thompson, he was starved to death because he would not say “Amen” after meals. The mother received no jail time and five years probation.
Continue reading ‘Mother Starves 16-Month Baby To Death — Receives No Jail Time’
Criminal Adultery: States Ponder The Continuation of Puritanical Laws
Published 1, April 26, 2010 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society , USA Today 40 Comments
Today’s column is on the continued criminalization of adultery in states across the country. It is a critical battle over morality legislation in the United States.
Continue reading ‘Criminal Adultery: States Ponder The Continuation of Puritanical Laws’
Shock Video: Homeless Man Reportedly Left To Die on Sidewalk After Rescuing Woman
Published 1, April 25, 2010 Academics , Criminal law , Society 14 CommentsThis is a disturbing video that purportedly shows a homeless man who was stabbed when he intervened to help a woman in New York City.
Continue reading ‘Shock Video: Homeless Man Reportedly Left To Die on Sidewalk After Rescuing Woman’
Welcome Number One, I Have Been Expecting You . . .
Published 1, April 25, 2010 Environment 16 Comments
If this is not an evil genius dog, she has missed her calling.
Continue reading ‘Welcome Number One, I Have Been Expecting You . . .’
This shows that there is a highway sign for every danger . . .
Continue reading ‘Yield to Santas?’
Prosecutors Charge Former Nurse With Encouraging Suicide
Published 1, April 25, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 10 Comments
There is a fascinating case in Minneapolis that raises some important free speech issues in an assisted suicide case. William Melchert-Dinkel, 47, was charged with two felony counts of aiding suicide under a Minnesota law that criminalizes even verbal encouragement of suicide. Adding to the novelty is the fact that state prosecutors are charging Melchert-Dinkel in deaths that occurred not only outside the state but outside the country.
Continue reading ‘Prosecutors Charge Former Nurse With Encouraging Suicide’
Seattle Cartoonist Declares May 20th as “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day”
Published 1, April 25, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 49 Comments
While a Saudi lawyer is suing in England over the Danish cartoon controversy (here), Seattle cartoonist Molly Norris has declared May 20th “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day.” Norris took the action after the shameful decision of Comedy Central to censor an episode of South Park after Muslims threatened to kill the creators of South Park for showing Mohammed in a bear suit.
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Saudi Lawyer To Sue In England Over Danish Cartoons on Behalf of the Descendants of Mohammed
Published 1, April 25, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 4 Comments
Muslim lawyers are continuing their campaign against Danish newspapers over those Mohammed cartoons, even after one newspaper, Politiken, apologized to Muslims. Now, in England, they have filed a lawsuit on behalf of 95,000 direct descendants of Mohammad over the cartoons filed in Denmark.
Continue reading ‘Saudi Lawyer To Sue In England Over Danish Cartoons on Behalf of the Descendants of Mohammed’
Governor Signs Controversial Immigration Law Amid Promises of Legal Challenges
Published 1, April 24, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 45 Comments
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has signed that state’s new immigration bill despite widespread questions over its constitutionality. Shortly before Brewer announced the signing, President Barack Obama ordered the Justice Department to monitor possible civil rights violations, here.
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Carina, Carina, Where You Been So Long . . .
Published 1, April 24, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Environment , Science 14 Comments
This amazing picture was snapped by the NASA Hubble Space Telescope image, showing “activity atop a three-light-year-tall pillar of gas and dust that is being eaten away by the brilliant light from nearby bright stars.” For the rest of us, it is a picture of a cool colorful space cloud. NASA is celebrating 20 years with Hubble with its greatest hits series.
Continue reading ‘Carina, Carina, Where You Been So Long . . .’
Rotten Apple: Police Investigating After Gizmodo Pays “Source” $5000 For Prototype Apple Phone
Published 1, April 24, 2010 Bizarre , Society 10 Comments
The story of how an Apple employee left a prototype phone at a bar has been out this week after Gizmodo bought the phone, took it apart, and featured it on its site. What I find interesting is that someone found the phone at a bar and proceeded to take it and sell it to Gizmodo for $5000. Putting aside the dishonesty of this act, Gizmodo may have bought stolen property. This was clearly not abandoned or discarded property, as both the “source” and Gizmodo were aware. Moreover, Gizmodo knew its true owner — Apple.
It is now being reported that police are investigating the alleged theft, here. They have ample reason to investigate.
Continue reading ‘Rotten Apple: Police Investigating After Gizmodo Pays “Source” $5000 For Prototype Apple Phone’
Belgium Bishop Admits To Prior Child Abuse and Resigns
Published 1, April 24, 2010 Criminal law , Religion , Society 11 Comments
Another high-ranking Catholic priest has resigned in the wake of the child abuse scandal. In Belgium, the highest-ranking bishop Roger Vangheluwe, 73, the Bishop of Bruges, has resigned after admitting that he also engaged in child abuse.
Continue reading ‘Belgium Bishop Admits To Prior Child Abuse and Resigns’
Catcher in the Why: Student Leaps To Victory As Catcher Wonders Where the Runner Went
Published 1, April 23, 2010 Bizarre , Society 5 CommentsFordham’s Brian Kownacki shows why the best baseball is not always found in major league parks.
Two California University Students Arrested for Torturing Hamsters and Then Posting Video on YouTube
Published 1, April 23, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 12 Comments
Henry Nguyen, 18, of Oakland, and Josue Melendez, 19, are accused of a bizarre crime: torturing two hamsters and posting the video on Facebook and YouTube.
Pennsylvania Representative “Outs” Opponent For Being a Faux Bisexual
Published 1, April 23, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 5 Comments
Pennsylvania Rep. Babette Josephs (D., Phila.) has outed her opponent, Gregg Kravitz, in a bruising campaign in Philadelphia. While politicians often face allegations of being a closeted homosexual, Josephs is accusing Kravitz of being a closet heterosexual in the liberal district.
Continue reading ‘Pennsylvania Representative “Outs” Opponent For Being a Faux Bisexual’
Pope on a Rope: Benedict XVI Named in New Abuse Lawsuit
Published 1, April 23, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society , Torts 18 Comments
Pope Benedict XVI is named in a new lawsuit on child abuse in a case that will test the claims of diplomatic immunity claimed by the Vatican’s lawyers, here. The claims stem from the alleged cover-up of abuse by a priest at a Catholic school in Wisconsin, Father Lawrence Murphy. The lawsuit seeks the names of potentially thousands of similar priests facing “credible allegations of sexual misconduct” against them.
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Hold It For New York: Governor Closes Last Restrooms on Non-Toll Roads in New Jersey
Published 1, April 23, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 63 Comments
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie strongly suggests that you go before taking to the New Jersey non-toll roads. As another example of how states are selling or reducing basic services in this economic crisis, Christie will close the last two restrooms to save $270,000.
Not Funny: Comedy Central Accused of Self-Censorship of South Park
Published 1, April 22, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 46 CommentsWe previously posted on the death threats levied against South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, here. 
The extremists appear to have succeeded. Comedy Central confirmed that they blocked out mention of Mohammad’s name and image in the later episode.
Continue reading ‘Not Funny: Comedy Central Accused of Self-Censorship of South Park’
This video of a person named William Gheen shows more than any other how this country is descending into bigoted and shrill demagoguery. Gheen not only accuses Sen. Lindsey Graham of being gay but suggests that he is being blackmailed by mysterious forces in Washington.
Continue reading ‘The Politics of Hate’
Obama to Gay Rights Protesters: You Don’t Have To Holler
Published 1, April 22, 2010 Bizarre , Politics , Society 12 CommentsPresident Barack Obama chastised liberal protesters who interrupted his speech this week in support of Senator Barbara Boxer by asking why they think they need to holler to be heard. In the meantime, back in Washington, the White House was clearing Lafayette Park of media who were unable to hear protesters who handcuffed themselves to the fence. They apparently needed to holler but it did little good.
Continue reading ‘Obama to Gay Rights Protesters: You Don’t Have To Holler’
Three Kentucky Teens Arrested For Allegedly Beating Lesbian High School Student and Trying to Throw Her Off a Cliff
Published 1, April 22, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Society 48 Comments
In what could be a female version of the Matthew Shepard case, three high school girls from Kentucky are accused of beating a friend and trying to throw her off a cliff because she is a lesbian. Corinne Schwab and Ashley Sams, both 18, and an unnamed 17-year-old girl have been arrested in the case.
Continue reading ‘Three Kentucky Teens Arrested For Allegedly Beating Lesbian High School Student and Trying to Throw Her Off a Cliff’
Here Comes the Sun
Published 1, April 22, 2010 Academics , Environment , International , Science , Society 10 Comments
NASA has unveiled new images of the sun from the Solar Dynamics Observatory, a space telescope designed to study the Sun. They are quite impressive –particularly on Earth Day.
Continue reading ‘Here Comes the Sun’
New York Town Threatens To Use Eminent Domain If Citizens Do Not Sell Out To Powerful Developer
Published 1, April 22, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Society 18 Comments
Despite the criticism of the Supreme Court’s eminent domain ruling in Kelo, the city of Auburn, New York appears undeterred and is threatening to invoke eminent domain to seize private property for a private company. The Kelo opinion was wrongly decided in allowing a Connecticut town to seize homes to give the land to a private company. Putting that flawed legal logic aside, I am astonished that elected officials continue to abuse eminent domain powers in this way and shows the need for state laws barring the practice. Mayor Mike Quill insists that the interests of the majority (and one powerful developer) must trump the property rights of a few citizens.
Continue reading ‘New York Town Threatens To Use Eminent Domain If Citizens Do Not Sell Out To Powerful Developer’
Playing Center Field: Three Men Sue Organization Over Allegedly Being Found Insufficiently Gay
Published 1, April 22, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Society , Torts 7 Comments
There is an interesting discrimination lawsuit filed in Seattle where three bisexual men –Steven Apilado, LaRon Charles and Jon Russ — say that were barred by the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance from participating in the Gay Softball World Series because they were insufficiently gay. According to the lawsuit, the men are playing center field in their private life and need to pick a team — totally gay or straight.
South Park Creators Threatened With Death Over Depiction of Muhammad
Published 1, April 22, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 19 CommentsTrey Parker and Matt Stone are the latest writers or artists to face death threats over a depiction of Muhammad. In this case, the threats are based on an image of Muhammad in a bear suit on the cartoon program “South Park.” Abu Talhah Al-Amrikee of RevolutionMuslim wrote on his Twitter account “May Allah kill Matt Stone and Trey Parker and burn them in Hell for all eternity. They insult our prophets Muhammad, Jesus, and Moses…”
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H.R. 5069: Chairman Johnson Introduces Bill To Remove Barriers To the Courts
Published 1, April 21, 2010 Congress , Politics , Society , Torts 14 Comments
Rep. Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr., chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy, has taken on an important and worthy cause — reforming the federal rules to remove barriers to average citizens and public interest groups in the forms of financial costs and penalties. It is a move that should be supported by lawyers and lay persons alike — who should contact other members of the subcommittee and committee to convey their support. This is a bill that does not have any headline grabbing elements and, unlike Chairman Johnson, members may not see the value in supporting its passage. For that reason, civil libertarians and citizens need to rally behind Chairman Johnson.
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In a torts case, the chain of causation is rarely captured on videotape, but this film shows a runaway street blade looking for a tort.
Continue reading ‘Video: Runaway Saw Blade Damages House’
Congress Pulls D.C. Vote Bill
Published 1, April 21, 2010 Congress , Constitutional Law , Society 23 Comments
The Democrats have finally pulled the plug on the D.C. Vote bill — citing an amendment that would strip the city of its gun control laws. While D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) previously stated (here and here) that there was an agreement to pass the amendment as the cost for the D.C. vote, House leadership decided yesterday to pull the bill.
Terror Tots: Girl Suspended for Terroristic Threat in Pointing Finger At Teacher and Saying “Pew, Pew”
Published 1, April 21, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Society 74 Comments
Our war on terror has nailed another domestic terrorist in our midst. This one is Taylor Trostle who was found lurking in the Bleyl Middle School in Houston, Texas. Trostle, 13, made her move at the end of math class when she suddenly turned on a teacher pointing her finger at her and said “Pew! Pew!” Thankfully, the teacher survived and Trostle was charged with terroristic threat.
Continue reading ‘Terror Tots: Girl Suspended for Terroristic Threat in Pointing Finger At Teacher and Saying “Pew, Pew”’
State Liquor Commissioner Fired After Arrest for DUI
Published 1, April 21, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 6 Comments
Richard Simard appears out of a job after he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Not good for anyone, but particularly for the New Hampshire State Liquor Commissioner.
Continue reading ‘State Liquor Commissioner Fired After Arrest for DUI’
Saudi Head of Virtue Police Fired For Suggesting Men and Women Can Mix in Mecca
Published 1, April 21, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 7 Comments
Ahmed bin Qassim al-Ghamidi is no longer the head of the religious police in Mecca. His offense is not corruption or nepotism or adultery. It is a single statement made in an interview in a newspaper where he suggested that men and women should be allowed to mingle in the district. He was immediately fired as head of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. There will be no mixers in Mecca.
Continue reading ‘Saudi Head of Virtue Police Fired For Suggesting Men and Women Can Mix in Mecca’
Video: White House Pushes Media Out of Lafayette Park
Published 1, April 21, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Society 16 Comments This is a very disturbing video. A small number of veterans chain themselves to the White House fence. Reporters are eager to take pictures — even from across the street — and to shout questions on their protest of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Instead, the White House orders media pushed entirely out of the Lafayette Park.
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Supreme Court Strikes Down Dog Fighting Video Law
Published 1, April 20, 2010 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Environment , Politics , Society 46 Comments 
In a major free speech victory, the Supreme Court has ruled in the Stevens cases — striking down a law designed to punish the sale of dog fighting and so called “crush films.” The vote was 8-1.
Continue reading ‘Supreme Court Strikes Down Dog Fighting Video Law’
Lawmiss: Judge Refuses to Recuse Herself While Suing Newspaper For Revealing Her Identity in Anonymous Postings
Published 1, April 20, 2010 Courts , Society , Torts 7 Comments
There is an interesting lawsuit filed over Cuyahoga Court of Common Pleas Judge Shirley Strickland Saffold who is suing the Plain Dealer over disclosing her identity and that of her daughter after the posted anonymous comments on articles. They are seeking $25 million in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages for alleged breach of contract and invasion of privacy. Her lawyer admitted that the judge may indeed have posted under the pseudonym “Lawmiss.”
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City Backs Down From Smoking Ban for Employees in Their Homes and After Hours
Published 1, April 20, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Society 9 Comments
The officials in Brooksville, Florida have shelved a controversial measure that would have required city employees to quit smoking and disqualifying others from employment who are already smokers.
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Woman Charged After Tug-of-War Over Elderly Mother’s Applesauce
Published 1, April 20, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 12 CommentsThis video is getting a great deal of attention after the TSA brought charges against a woman, Nadine Hays, who is accused of hitting a TSA agent. Nadine Hays and a TSA agent got into a tug of war over a cooler with her grandmother’s applesauce. While you may want to do without the narrative, the video does raise the question of the basis for an assault charge.
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Man Arrested While Driving Barbie Car While Intoxicated After A Very Very Slow Car Chase
Published 1, April 20, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International 6 Comments
No it was not Ken. Paul Hutton, 40, was arrested for driving a child’s Barbie car while drunk on a city road in England. He is accused for failing to stop and trying to flee at speeds reaching as high as 4 miles per hour.
Saudi Hunters Post Video Bragging About Killing Endangered Species
Published 1, April 20, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Environment , International 15 Comments
The video below features two of Saudi hunters who filmed their own depraved sense of sport: competing who could shot more endangered animals. The hunters display prohibited sniper rifles used to hunt gazelles in a massacre — that they proudly lay out on the desert floor.
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Iranian Cleric: Women Causing Earthquakes with Their Revealing Clothing Styles
Published 1, April 19, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , International , Religion , Society 23 Comments
Remember in high school feeling that that cute girl made the Earth tremble at your feet. It turns out that she does, at least according to Senior Iranian cleric Hojatoleslam Kazem Sedighi.
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Mayor Allegedly Urinates on Tree . . . Then Defends Himself With Comparison to Jesus
Published 1, April 19, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Society 11 Comments
North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams in New Zealand appears to be an expert in moving things rapidly from bad to worse. When confronted over allegations that he drank heavily at a restaurant and then urinated on a tree, Williams reportedly defended himself by comparing the accusations to the crucifixion of Christ.
Kansas Man Shows Bird in the Hand Is Worth Five Grand
Published 1, April 19, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 6 Comments
Police in Olathe, Kansas are going to pay Scott Schaper $4000 after he was ticketed for flipping off an officer following a traffic ticket.
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Ohio Death Row Inmate Challenges Execution on the Basis That He Is Allergic To Anesthesia
Published 1, April 19, 2010 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Society 6 Comments
Ohio death row inmate Darryl Durr has filed a novel challenge to his scheduled execution: he claims to be allegic to the anesthesia used in lethal injection.
The essay below appeared on Reddit and purportedly succeeded in getting the student accepted to NYU. I hope it is true because is a great admissions essay.
Police Arrest Three in YouTube Assault on Mentally Disabled Man
Published 1, April 19, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Society 5 Comments
We have another couple of alleged felons who posted their crime on YouTube. In this case, the crime was particularly horrific: the alleged beating and raping of her mentally disabled roommate. David Rahman, 20, and Eli Smith, 20, are charged in the case. Elizabeth Haela, 17, is charged on separate abuse grounds.
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Arizona Repeals Requirement of a Permit for Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Published 1, April 19, 2010 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Society 94 Comments
Arizona has become the third state to eliminate the need to have a permit to carry a concealed gun. Now, you can pack a gun without a permit in Arizona, Alaska, and Vermont.
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Well, here is the newest addition to the Turley clan: Molly, our ten-week-old Goldendoodle.
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George Washington: War Hero, Father of Our Country . . . Book Scofflaw
Published 1, April 18, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Society 65 Comments
It took over two centuries, but the truth has finally caught up with George Washington. For 220 years, Washington’s dark secret laid undiscovered in a ledger of The New York Society Library, but it is now public: George Washington is a book scofflaw with overdue charges piling up for over 220 years on two books.
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Abercrummy and Filch: One of the Country’s Highest Paid, Worst Performing CEOs Receives Millions for Giving Up Unlimited Use of Corporate Jet
Published 1, April 18, 2010 Bizarre , Society 23 Comments
Abercrombie & Fitch has been criticized as a company that has refused to heed economic indicators and, as a result, plummeted in sales. The blame is placed on its chairman and CEO Mike Jeffries, who in 2008 received $71.8 million in total compensation — making him one of the five Highest Paid Worst Performers of 2008 by the Corporate Library. Now, it is alleged that he will receive $4 million to simply stop unlimited use of the corporate jet and travel budget. In 2008, his travel budget cost the company $1.3 million.
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Phelps Responds To Westboro Column
Published 1, April 18, 2010 Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society , Torts 38 Comments
Margie Phelps, the lawyer representing Westboro in the current Supreme Court case and daughter of the Church’s founder, has responded to my recent column on that case. Since I do not believe it was published, in fairness I am publishing it in full on the blog:
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Faithful Discrimination: Are Non-Discrimination Policies Themselves Discriminatory?
Published 1, April 18, 2010 Academics , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Media , Politics , Religion , Society , Supreme Court 22 Comments
Below is my column this morning on conflicts forming around non-discrimination laws and free exercise. Much of the attention this term in the Supreme Court has focused on the campaign finance ruling striking down limits on corporate spending. However, an equally (if not more) important case has been given little attention before its oral argument on April 19, 2010. Christian Legal Society v. Martinez is the classic “sleeper case”: a case that has a low profile but could have a sweeping impact on our society. While the immediate issue is the refusal of the Hastings College of Law in California to recognize the Christian Legal Society (CLS) as an official student organization, it is a case that could address a growing conflict between anti-discrimination laws and the free exercise of religion. The question is whether anti-discrimination laws are themselves discriminatory against some faith-based organizations. Notably (while it was cut for space), we have followed other cases around the country and the world. This includes Philadelphia evicting the Boy Scouts from a historic building after over 70 years (here).
This is not a unique problem for the United States. For example, in England, the famous Jewish Free School (founded in 1732) denied entry to a student because he was not viewed as Jewish under orthodox rules since his mother was not Jewish as opposed to his father. (His mother converted to Judaism). An appellate court ruled that the use of such religious principles violated anti-discrimination laws and that the school had to admit students that it does not consider Jewish (here).
Universities have also struggled with the line between non-discrimination and religious values. Harvard recently was criticized for setting aside time in a student gym for only women to accommodate the customs of Muslim women who could not exercise in the presence of males (here).
Here is the column:
Texas City Brings Back Paddling As Congresswoman Seeks National Ban
Published 1, April 17, 2010 Uncategorized 41 Comments
The citizens of Temple, Texas have reinstituted corporal punishment for students in the form of paddling for everything from skipping classes to wearing inappropriate clothing. In the meantime, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.), has stated her intention to pass legislation banning the practice — a proposal that could raise some serious constitutional issues.
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Massa Wrote $40,000 Check to Aide Day Before Resignation
Published 1, April 17, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society 7 Comments
Former New York Rep. Eric Massa wrote a $40,000 check to his chief of staff Joe Racalto — the day before his resignation. Racalto has accused Massa of sexual harassment.
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“We Have California Blend Fresh From Beijing on Aisle Nine”: Whole Foods Accused of Selling Questionable Organic Foods
Published 1, April 17, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , International , Society 19 Comments
A local ABC station is questioning the organic labeling of food from Whole Foods after learning that a considerable amount of produce comes from China. This includes “California blend”vegetables which come from China.
Gee, No GE: Global Company With Almost $11 Billion in Profits
Published 1, April 17, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , International , Society 30 Comments
Recently, we discussed that almost 50 percent of Americans pay no federal taxes. Now, we can add General Electric to that list. While the company made an estimated $10.0 million globally, it paid zero taxes last year through deductions and adjustments.
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Liu Confirmation Hearing Erupts Into Partisan Fight Over Experience and Philosophy
Published 1, April 16, 2010 Bizarre , Congress , Politics , Society 53 Comments
The long-awaited judicial confirmation hearing today of Berkeley Law Professor Goodwin Liu erupted into open warfare today as Republicans attacked Liu on his background and perceived bias. I discussed the confirmation fight on the segment below of Rachel Maddow.
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Man Receives Kidney Transplant . . . Only To Develop Cancer From the Kidney
Published 1, April 16, 2010 Bizarre , Society , Torts 6 Comments
We have another story of a hospital implanting a cancerous organ. (For a prior such story, click here) Bob Warzel, 66, was given a new kidney a year ago only to learn that he now has cancer from the organ transplanted by the UNC Hospitals.
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Germany Prosecutes Bishop for Questioning the Holocaust
Published 1, April 16, 2010 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , International , Media , Politics , Society 117 Comments
We have been following the steady decline of free speech in the West (here and here and here) and we have another interesting case on criminal charges for uttering prohibited thoughts. Germany has long made it a crime to deny the holocaust. Now, controversial British clergyman Richard Williamson has started a trial in Germany on Friday for his denial that the Nazis had systematically murdered millions of Jews.
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Phillies Fan Arrested for Purposively Vomiting on Girl At Stadium
Published 1, April 16, 2010 Criminal law , Society , Torts 16 Comments
Matthew Clemmens, 21, is accused of a unique criminal act that is also uniquely disgusting. He was arrested after allegedly vomiting on purpose on an 11-year-old girl at a Phillies game.
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CBS Deletes Blog After White House Denounces Column Alleging Kagan Is a Lesbian
Published 1, April 16, 2010 Bizarre , Courts , Politics , Society , Supreme Court 58 Comments
There is a firestorm of controversy this morning over a piece that ran on the CBS blog by Ben Domenech, a former Bush administration aide and Republican Senate staffer. In his blog, Domenech alleged that Solicitor General (and possible Supreme Court nominee) Elena Kagan is a lesbian. The White House went ballistic and called the story false. CBS stood by the blogger and then issued an apology, saying that it was based on pure speculation.
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Nose Leech . . . No Kidding
Published 1, April 16, 2010 Bizarre , Environment , International 7 Comments
In case you did not have enough things to worry about this morning, you may want to add nose leeches to your phobias. Dr. Renzo Arauco-Brown, from the School of Medicine at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima extracted this little beauty out of the nose of a little girl who went swimming in the Amazon. It appears to prefer the inside of your nose as its happy domicile.
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Federal Judge Declares National Day of Prayer To Be Unconstitutional
Published 1, April 16, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 28 Comments
Federal trial judge Barbara Crabb handed down a major decision this week that found the National Day of Prayer to be unconstitutional.
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Catholic Priest Arrested In Prostitution Sting
Published 1, April 15, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 17 Comments
Rev. William Ventura, 31, of St. John the Evangelist Church in Chelmsford was one of eight men arrested this week in a prostitution sting.
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Goldstone Reporteldy Barred From Grandson’s Bar Mitzvah Due To U.N. Report
Published 1, April 15, 2010 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 7 Comments
Judge Richard Goldstone, the author of a United Nations report accusing Israel of war crimes in the Gaza Strip, has been reportedly barred from his own grandson’s bar mitzvah in South Africa.
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Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold (and Slimy): Chinese Brothers Unleash 500 Vipers on Foe
Published 1, April 15, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International 4 Comments
Note to self: do not feud with the Guo brothers. Guo Gongwei and Guo Gongtian were arrested in Guangzhou after releasing 500 short-tail pit vipers around the house of a man with whom they were feuding.
University President Claims Palin Contract Was Stolen
Published 1, April 15, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law 33 Comments
California State University, Stanislaus president Hamid Shirvani has been under attack for reportedly paying Sarah Palin as much as $100,000 for a speech. Shirvani is now charging that someone stole the contract — from the recycling bin — of one of his vice presidents and has demanded a police investigation.
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How Not To Dress For Your Mug Shot
Published 1, April 15, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , Society 6 Comments
Julie Root might want to develop some other clothing options for her mug shot appearances.
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Iran Hangs 17 People and Amputates Hand and Leg of Robber
Published 1, April 15, 2010 Bizarre , Criminal law , International 10 Comments
Iran continued to put its brutal Sharia-based legal system on display this week. It hanged 17 people and amputated the hand and leg of a robber.
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U.S. News and World Report Rankings Leaked: George Washington Reportedly Jumps Eight Spots to 20th Position
Published 1, April 14, 2010 Academics , Bizarre , Society 19 Comments
As with last year, the law school ratings from U.S. News and World Report have been leaked according to Above the Law. It would be good news for George Washington University, which is shown moving back up to the 20th position after last year’s drop due to a change in the method of calculation at the magazine (here).
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