Constitutional Law, Courts, Criminal law, Supreme Court

Supreme Court Upholds Use of Dying Statements as “Non-Testimonial” Evidence

The Supreme Court has ruled that a mortally wounded man’s dying statement is “non-testimonial” and can be used to convict a man of murder. The ruling, written by Justice Sonia Sotomayor raised serious concerns under the confrontation clause of the Constitution. Notably, the strongest voice against the ruling came from Justice Antonin Scalia. Justice Kagan did not participate in the decision in Michigan v. Bryant.

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Bizarre, Environment, International

As Ukraine Heralds Chernobyl as Tourist Site, Scientists Warn of Catastrophic Collapse and Radioactive Release

Some of us expressed alarm or disgust at the recent push by Ukrainian officials to bring tourists to Chernobyl (here and here). Now, it appears that these officials were likely aware that the reactor is in danger of leaking deadly radiation due to the potential collapse of part of the structure.

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Academia, Bizarre, Society

Fourth Grader in New York Suspended Over Kick Me Sign

A New York school has suspended a 9-year-old boy in the fourth grade for putting a “kick me” sign on the back of a classmate. The suspension was handed down for “bullying.” While I have written about the need for greater efforts against bullying, I hope that this incident is not just limited to a classic school prank.

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Bizarre, International, Religion

Iran Protests Symbol for London Games As Hidden Zionist Message

When you look at this image, what do you see? It turns out that the Iranian government sees a Zionist conspiracy bent on taking over the 2012 Olympics. The Iranian government has sent a formal letter of protest to the International Olympic Committee objecting that the logo for the 2012 London Olympics spells out “Zion.” This is something of real Rorschach test. When I look at it, I see Mahmoud Ahmadinejad beating a protester in Enghelab square.
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Bizarre, Justice, Lawyering, Media, Politics, Society, Supreme Court

Thomas Condemns His Critics As Undermining The Supreme Court

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has reportedly unleashed an attack on his critics for his violations of disclosure laws and alleged conflicts of interest. He warned law students that these critics are “undermining” the Court and endangering the country by weakening core institutions. As one of those critics, I am flabbergasted by Thomas’ remarks which show an implied disregard that seems to have now reached open contempt for certain principles of judicial ethics. There is not a hint of concern for his own conduct and how it has undermined the Supreme Court as an institution. For a prior column, click here

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Criminal law, International, Military, Society

The Obama Administration Inserts Provision Into UN Security Council Measure To Protect Mercenaries From War Crimes Prosecutions

The recent United Nation Security Council decision to freeze the assets of the Gaddafi family was heralded as a high-point of international cooperation to fight authoritarian abuse. What has gotten less press attention is the role of the United States in drafting the resolution. The Obama Administration insisted on adding a provision that barred the punishment of mercenaries for war crimes committed in the country — out of concern that the same principle could be used against U.S. contractors in places like Iraq.

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Criminal law

Canadian Judge Under Fire For Light Rape Sentence and Comments on Victim

Manitoba Justice Robert Dewar is under attack for his sentencing of Kenneth Rhodes, 40, for sexual assault. Dewar gave Rhodes just a two-year conditional sentence to be served at home for raping a 26-year-old woman. Dewar appeared to blame the victim in part for the attack.
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Bizarre, International, Religion, Society

U.S. Site Blames New Zealand Earthquake on . . . Gays

It didn’t take long for religious fanatics in the United States to uncover a nugget of prejudicial hate in the ruins of the recent earthquake in New Zealand. Christchurch Quake is registered in Utah and claims that the earthquake was God’s judgment on the people of New Zealand for allowing “lesbians running loose on the South Island as if they own the place.”
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Bizarre, Criminal law, Society

Illinois Man Sends Over $200,000 To Fake Web “Girlfriend”

I am always shocked by folks who fail for Nigerian Internet schemes or web cons. The saddest, however, are the ones (as we have seen) that prey upon people looking for companions. A 48-year-old Naperville man has added himself to that lonely hearts club after giving $200,000 to a fake “girlfriend” whom he only knew over the Internet.
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Congress, Justice, Politics

Big Corporations and Federal Taxes

Submitted by Lawrence Rafferty, (rafflaw), Guest Blogger

With the constant news reports highlighting the economic woes of the State and Federal governments and the important battle in Wisconsin and other states over the claim that workers need to sacrifice a little more to help out their state governments, it is interesting to learn just how much big corporations pay in Federal Taxes. Would it surprise you if I told you that many of our largest corporations pay zero Federal taxes? Continue reading “Big Corporations and Federal Taxes” →

Animals, Bizarre, International, Society

Do The Rooms Come With Fire Hydrants: Paris Has Luxury Pet Hotel

Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

Jet-setting canines have a new stop on the luxury hotel circuit. Hoteliers in Paris have opened a new dogs-only luxury hotel. To cater to their four-legged guests, Devi and Stan Burun, have included a heated pool, masseuse, televisions equipped with DVDs, and a doggie workout room with treadmills and a decor adorned with framed doggie prints.

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Courts, Media

Applying Trademark Law to Fictional Brands

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

Benjamin Arrow, a 3L at Fordham University School of Law, has raised an interesting question in his article for The Fordham Intellectual Property, Media & Entertainment Law Journal. Can a use in fiction constitute a “use in commerce” sufficient to reserve priority rights in a trademark?

In 1996, Fox won a preliminary injunction against two Australian breweries for manufacturing a product called “Duff Beer.” Fox is also pursuing lawsuits against other breweries, but what harm could Fox allege?

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Lawyering, Media

Lawyers Using Groupon – Ethical?

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

We have previously discussed the law firm with the drive-thru window, here. That notion seems upscale compared to law firms using Goupon. Groupon (group coupon) is a deal-of-the-day website that can determine your computer’s location through it’s IP address and offer you discounts on goods and services in your area. If enough people sign up for the deal, it becomes available. If the predetermined minimum is not reached, no one gets the deal. Groupon makes money by keeping approximately half of the cost of the deal.

Groupon recently turned down a rumored $6 billion buy-out offer from Google.

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