How Long Can Your Lawyer Nap Before It’s “Ineffective Assistance of Counsel”?
As long as it’s it’s less than a “substantial portion” of trial, the Constitution doesn’t mind.
Series
Court Rules Punch to the Groin Was No “Accident”
Q: An insurance policy covers bodily injury "caused by an occurrence," and defines "occurrence" as an "accident." Does the policy cover an injury caused by conduct that was deliberate but not intended to cause injury? A: No. Q: Does the…
In Defense of Monkey Copyright [Updated]
Thanks for your responses to my question about who if anyone owns the legal rights to a monkey photographer's work. The responses varied, although none were too favorable to the monkey. Here are some thoughts, with the disclaimer that I'm…
Legal Questions Raised by Success of Monkey Photographer
Here's an excellent question (via the Legal Satyricon): if a monkey steals your camera and takes a bunch of pictures with it, who (if anyone) owns the rights to the pictures? After three days of hanging out with some crested…
Motion to Exclude Large-Breasted Woman From Trial
Defendant’s counsel apparently believed she would be a distraction.
A Brief Research Memo Concerning a Simulated Chicken Head
Question Presented Did the judge correctly rule that an employee was entitled to workers' compensation because the work-related events she experienced were the "predominant contributing cause of [her emotional] disability"? The Facts Mr. Grillo agreed to provide [medical] insurance [only]…
A Tort Causation Puzzler for You
Here's a report of a case filed in New Orleans last month: Baptiste v. Wyndham Vacation Resorts Inc.; Avenue Plaza Hotel, No. 2011-01688 H (New Orleans 2/17/2011). Lawsuit for personal injury and negligence. While staying at the defendants' hotel, the plaintiff…
Court: Baseball Fan Did Not Assume Risk Associated With Hot Dog Toss
Debatable.
Another High Court Takes Up Negligent-Golfing Issue
New York's highest court will hear arguments tomorrow in a case that raises the perennial question: Does a golfer have a legal duty to yell "Fore"? A trial judge and a panel of the Appellate Division agreed that Dr. Azad…
Gorilla Update
After I posted the previous item on the gorilla said to be rampaging through Kansas City, the original article was updated (same link) and the ape in question is now reported to be a "large chimpanzee" (pan troglodytes) rather than a gorilla (gorilla…