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February 2011

February 27 2011

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Let’s Get Ethical

posted by Allie

Alternatively titled, “What Michael Scott Would Say to the Supreme Court of the United States.”  One of my proudest accomplishments in law school so far, other than surviving, has definitely been passing the MPRE on the first try.  Not only does that mean that I don’t have to pay the $60 registration fee again, but it also means that I am extremely ethical….errr….or maybe it means that I studied hard enough to get the right answers even when the correct answers technically seemed rather unethical (I still cannot get over that if my client tells me where he buried the bodies of his victims, I may tell the police, but I do not have to tell the police.....uhhhh…..)

 

Well it turns out my little achievement may not be so minor at all given the fact that recent reports reveal that members of our country’s highest court may need a refresher course on conflicts of interest.  The Washington Post reported last week that more than 100 law professors have joined in writing a letter petitioning Congress to create an ethical code that would outline situations when the individual justices would be forced to recuse themselves from the bench.  Currently, there are no guidelines; recusal is left to the sole judgment of the justice. 

 

The letter stems from recent criticisms aimed at Justices Thomas and Scalia for attending private political meetings in previous years.  Not only did the justices attend the meetings, their expenses for attending were paid for in full.  Even more interesting is the fact that the organizers of these events have ownership interests in several legal cases that have come before the Supreme Court, most recently Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. 


The widespread acceptance of these clear conflicts is even more surprising when you compare these actions to the justices’ behavior at the State of the Union addresses.  They can’t smile, applaud, stand, or otherwise show any emotion for fear of impropriety, yet two of the justices can attend an event described as a biannual meeting “to review strategies for combating the multitude of public policies that threaten to destroy America as we know it.” 

 

Now, I am well aware that most justices give multiple public addresses every year.  Some of these speeches occur on college campuses, while others are given at political think tanks, but where do you draw the line?  Perhaps general ideology isn’t enough to “create the appearance of impropriety” (that’s right MPRE, booya!), but when there are direct links between organizers at an event and the actual parties arguing before the Supreme Court, have the justices gone too far?

 

Well, I don’t know where you fall on this issue, but I do know what Michael Scott would say…….

February 24 2011

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Judicial Opinion: Rhyme and Reason[ing]

posted by Mac

In Brown v. State, Judge Randall Evans, Jr. wrote one heck of an interesting opinion. Was it the subject matter that made it so interesting? His use of persuasive reasoning? No. He rhymed the entire opinion. In the second footnote Judge Evans explained that: "This opinion is placed in rhyme because approximately one year ago, in Savannah at a very convivial celebration, the distinguished Judge Dunbar … continue

February 22 2011

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5 Craziest Sexual Harassment Cases in HIstory

posted by Christy

The 1990s brought a wave of sexual harassment cases and the flood gates have since been busted open.  The past 20 years have shown that no one is safe from a sexual harassment claim, as suits were brought against Presidents, clergymen, and famous athletes.  While the majority of cases are filed against men or corporations, woman have also had their day at the defense table. … continue

February 17 2011

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Famous Family Feuds: The Mel Simon Estate

posted by Christy

Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems. I guess multimillions aren’t enough for the heirs of celebrities now a days because wills and trusts are constantly being contested. Princess Diana’s will instructions gave millions to her godchildren, but her wishes were subsequently ignored and kept secret.  Jimi Hendrix left a substantial amount of money to his family as a result of his amazing musical career, only to have his family … continue

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