Stalin Libel Claim Dismissed
I thought today's proceeding was another hearing in the case, but it turns out the judge was ready to announce his decision. That decision: it is indeed fair to say that Joseph Stalin was a bad guy. The judge found that…
Civil
“I’ve Come Here to Defend Stalin,” Says Lunatic
The Associated Press reports today that hearings had resumed in Moscow in a libel suit filed by Yevgeny Dzhugashvili. Dzhugashvili is suing a newspaper that printed some negative comments about his grandpappy, Josef Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili, better known as "Stalin." Now, I…
Cell-Phone Conversation Blamed for Accident at Sea
From a recent report of filings in San Francisco Superior Court: Bryerton v. Westar Marine Services, CGC-09-493160 (10/2/09) Marine personal injury action. The plaintiff was throwing a line to another ship when his ship's captain, who was distracted and talking…
UPDATE: Opinion in “Pilates Instructor” Case
The opinion in this case (linked below, previously discussed here) is worth a read. Just to clarify a few of the details, the parties had filed cross-motions for summary judgment. Plaintiff's claims against the credit-card company were dismissed, which appears…
Blind Lawyer Says “Pilates Instructor” Cheated Him
I put “Pilates instructor” in quotes because—spoiler alert!—that’s not actually what she was doing.
Bank of America Sued for 1,784 Sextillion Dollars
Specifically, “1,784 billion trillion dollars,” but you can write it either way.
Motion Dismissed for “Negligent Stapling”
The ABA Journal reports today that a judge in New York dismissed a motion for default judgment partly because it had been so poorly stapled. It appears that the staple or staples used were inadequately closed during the stapling process,…
UPDATE: State High Court Will Not Review Burning Man Case
On September 16, the California Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal of Anthony Beninati, who blamed promoters of the Burning Man festival for injuries he sustained in 2005. Its decision affirmed that of the Court of Appeal, which ruled…
Plaintiffs’ Firm Sued by Potential Client After Chair Collapse
"We seek justice for people who have suffered from the negligence of others," says the website of Fetterman & Associates, a well-known plaintiffs' law firm in Florida. "If you are the victim of injuries . . . please contact us…
Longest Known Judicial Oath
According to the people at Improbable Research, who collect interesting and completely ridiculous studies done in many scientific fields (including the social sciences), the longest known oath required of witnesses in a judicial proceeding was the oath required in Burmese…