Judge Accused of Spanking Prisoners

Mobile County Circuit Judge Herman Thomas is accused to taking prisoners about the jail, ordering them to remove or drop their pants, and spanking them in a room in the Courthouse. Thomas has refused comment. However, if true, this would follow a gradual erosion of judicial restraint and growth in novel punishments, which appear to cable shows and public sentiment. For prior column, click here
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Defamation: Birkhead To Sue Over Crosby’s Book on Anna Nicole Smith

Photographer Larry Birkhead has stated that he will sue Rita Crosby over her new book alleging that he was the homosexual lover of Howard K. Stern, Smith’s attorney and companion. Thee book, “Blond Ambition: The Untold Story Behind Anna Nicole Smith’s Death,” will now be the basis for a defamation lawsuit and Birkhead has warned that “If I were Rita Cosby, I’d be very concerned.” He’s right. Continue reading “Defamation: Birkhead To Sue Over Crosby’s Book on Anna Nicole Smith”

Latest Product Liability Claim: Popcorn Lung

For many years, it has been suspected that workers at factories making microwave buttered popcorn have a higher risk of lung cancer. Called “popcorn lung,” this condition has now been found in at least one consumer. Denver doctors have notified the government that the case involves an individual who made the popcorn several times a day. While this is a lot of popcorn consumption, it is not a great deal of exposure when you consider most risks found in defective products. The suspected culprit is the diacetyl in butter flavorings, which is an approved flavor from the FDA. This is now shaping up into a classic products case and the industry will have to decide what steps to take after being notified of the potential dangers to consumers. For the full story, click here

Helmsley Family and State Law Bar Fulfillment of Will

It appears that the will of Leona Helmsley may go unfulfilled in critical parts. State law prevents Helmsley’s dog from being buried with her. Helmsley left the eight-year-old Maltese $12 million to live on — an amount viewed widely as obscene, particularly after Helmsley’s notorious treatment of employees, cutting off family members, and financially ruining her son’s widow. Now, her brother has indicated that he will not comply with the demand to take care of the dog.