Category Archives: General Public Interest
Why Vote – The Reasons Are Infinite
As we look ahead in 2016, the answer to the question seems obvious to most of us, yet there are still some who feel it makes no difference and, therefore, they do not vote. Sadly, these individuals are often unaware of and not interested in what happens in their “world” since it does not fit … Read More
2016 New California Laws
There are about 800 new California laws that went into effect on January 1, 2016. Here are a few noted by the following topics: Driving Under the Influence – drivers convicted of a DUI (whether alcohol or drugs) in four California counties [Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento & Turlare], under an existing program that will remain … Read More
Are Firearms The Real Problem or People Who Abuse them?
With the escalating scourge of mass killings, we are obliged to examine both the underlying causes of and potential solutions to drastically reduce mass shootings, by those with depraved and evil minds, sociopaths, psychopaths, terrorists and barbarians who without any conscience (morals) whatsoever use military style assault weapons and/or stockpile and then utilize huge quantities … Read More
Appeals Court Upholds California Death Penalty
On November 12, 2015, the United States 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of the California Death Penalty and in so doing reversed the ruling by the US District Court that decided under the 8th Amendment it was unconstitutional as cruel and unusual punishment because of lengthy and unpredictable delays. The California Attorney … Read More
Governor Brown Extends The Enforcement Power of Board of Registered Nursing
On October 1st, the Governor extended the power of the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) to regulate the practice of Nursing to January 1, 2018 when it will be repealed if a new law is not enacted. The previous sunset law permitted the BRN to impose disciplinary action, and to grant or deny applicants a … Read More
New California Law For Traffic Fines
Governor Brown just signed new legislation providing relief for traffic fines in California. The law is operative beginning October 1, 2015 and runs through March 31, 2017. The goal is to help those who receive a traffic ticket from facing not only large fines, but assessments as well. For example, if you receive a$100 ticket, … Read More
Is a University Liable for Violence on the Campus?
The California Court of Appeals was scheduled to hear oral argument on Friday, August 7, 2015 in a case filed in 2010 by Katherine Rosen against her attacker and UCLA, which is governed by the Regents of the University of California; at the time she was a UCLA student who was stabbed and had her … Read More
Women in the Legal System – As a Judge or Judged as a Lawyer
In a recent study published on June 10, 2015, in the Social Science Research Network, the authors look at the significance of male and female participants as judges and litigants in the legal system. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2616502 The authors noted they evaluated empirical data to determine to what extent a male or a female lawyer obtained a … Read More
Are Contractual Jury Trial Waivers Valid?
On April 16, 2015, in the case of County of Orange vs. Tata Consultancy Services, Ltd. et al, Case #14-72343, the United States Court of Appeals For The Ninth Circuit granted a Petition For Writ of Mandamus from the U.S. District Court (Southern District), and in the facts of this case held unenforceable a jury … Read More
Intoxicated Passenger Unable to Collect from Taxi Service
A taxi company and its driver were sued for wrongful death (negligence) when a passenger who was intoxicated exited the cab, and then within a half an hour walked into heavy traffic and was killed by a drunk driver. On March 11, 2015, a Santa Barbara Court jury concluded the decedent’s mother could not collect … Read More