From Courtroom Challenge to Crowdfunded Innovation: A Trial Lawyer’s Quest for the Ideal iPad Case
Jamie Daigle, a trial lawyer based in Portland, Oregon, frequently utilizes his iPad in court proceedings. However, like many users, he recognized the challenges associated with using the device for extended periods, particularly its lack of stable, comfortable handling and stand options. This recognition spurred him to develop a superior casing solution almost immediately after […]
Food and Agriculture Law: A Review of Current Issues
The field of food and agriculture law continues to evolve, presenting new legal and policy challenges across various sectors. This roundup highlights recent developments ranging from federal regulatory initiatives and legislative debates to emerging legal disputes and successful environmental management strategies. Federal Regulation and Dietary Policy The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun to […]
Legal Implications of Public Official Blogs on Labor Relations
The intersection of a public official’s personal blog content and their duties on a governing body can lead to significant legal complications, particularly in the context of labor negotiations. A case from Massachusetts illustrates this delicate balance and the potential for legal action arising from online commentary. The Massachusetts Case: Public Commentary Interferes with Negotiations […]
Assessing Proposed Covert Tactics and Ethical Considerations for Law Firms
Introduction The legal profession occasionally encounters situations that raise serious ethical questions regarding the appropriate boundaries of client advocacy and the use of investigatory tactics. A notable instance involved the law and lobbying firm Hunton & Williams (now Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP) and its relationship with subcontractors who proposed using aggressive, covert methods against critics […]
The Food Safety Modernization Act: Examining the Alliance of Big Business and Regulatory Advocacy
The push for S. 510, the food safety bill pending before the Senate (also known as the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA), has featured an unexpected coalition. Certain prominent business groups, such as the Grocery Manufacturers of America, have aligned themselves with consistent advocates for expansive government regulation, including the Consumer Federation of […]
Legal Challenge to Teacher English Fluency Requirement: The Robishaw Case
The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts is currently reviewing a significant case concerning teacher English fluency requirements following a dismissal from the Lowell school system. The case, Robishaw v. Lowell School Committee, involves Phanna Rem Robishaw, a native of Cambodia initially hired to teach in bilingual programs. Background of the Dispute For several years, Ms. […]
The New York Times’s Delayed Coverage of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) has been a subject of widespread discussion and controversy since its enactment. A recent article appearing in the business section of Saturday’s New York Times finally addresses some of the law’s significant implications. The piece itself offers a competent overview of the issues, beginning with the […]
The Role of Legal Blogs in Promoting Professional Accountability
Legal commentary published through blogs has emerged as a significant new mechanism for scrutinizing the conduct of legal professionals and the positions taken in litigation. Venkat Balasubramani, writing for the blog Spam Notes, authored an insightful guest column on the AvvoBlog arguing that blog coverage functions as a modern check on the potential for overzealous […]
Procedural Nuances in a Product Liability Case: Analyzing Federal Removal Jurisdiction in Moltner v. Starbucks Coffee Co.
In the realm of product liability, cases involving spilled hot beverages frequently draw comparisons to the landmark McDonald’s hot coffee case (also known as the Liebeck case). A recent matter filed in Manhattan illustrates a similar scenario, alongside an interesting procedural quirk concerning federal removal jurisdiction. The plaintiff, 77-year-old Rachel Moltner, alleged that she suffered […]
Coaching Liability and Athlete Injuries: A Legal Analysis
The scenario of an injured athlete being pressured by a coach to return to play is a dramatic staple, but it also raises significant questions regarding legal liability in sports. In the realm of amateur and school athletics, the legal duty of care is clearer. As noted by Professor Timothy Davis of Wake Forest Law, […]