Some legal defenses are rarely invoked. Others are rarely applied correctly. And a select few are so special that they get italicized. The equitable doctrine of laches is all three.
Insights
Form Objections to Deposition Questions are Dated and Boilerplate
Object to the form of the question. While it’s a technically permissible and proper deposition objection, it generally proves of limited utility beyond venting.
Professor’s Menacing Behavior Leads to His Firing, Courtroom Loss
John Kao, a Princeton-educated mathematics Ph.D., took workplace diversity seriously. He was the type who not only raised the issue of a lack of diversity with his employer, the University of San Francisco, he submitted a written complaint alleging racial discrimination and harassment. A 485-page complaint.
Art Imitates Life: ‘Bad Judge’ Loses Job, but Manages to Keep Immunity
This fall, Kate Walsh, formerly of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice,” premieres as the Honorable Rebecca Wright in the NBC sitcom, “Bad Judge.” Like Walsh’s previous characters, Judge Wright looks to be a somewhat salacious and bawdy professional, this time dispensing criminal justice rather than medical care.
The Labor and Employment Report: New Illinois Laws Require Changes to Employer Practices
Two new employment statutes recently passed by the Illinois state legislature will substantially change how when and how employers conduct criminal background checks of job applicants and address the needs of pregnant employees. As the January 1, 2015 effective date of these statutes approaches, Illinois employers should ensure that their policies and practices are in compliance with each law.
Hip-hop Band and Fans Fight Gang Label
Army Cpl. Robert Hellin served tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and Korea. He also happens to be a Juggalo, or follower of the hardcore hip‐hop band Insane Clown Posse. Hellin, who sports several visible Posse tattoos, worries the FBI’s characterization of Juggalos as a “hybrid gang” subjects him to military discipline, including involuntary discharge.
Circumcision Litigation Snips Away at Reason
Dennis Nebus wants his son circumcised. When Chase was born on Halloween 2010, his mother did, too. Now, however, the unmarried Florida parents find themselves in court over this decision and, as to be expected in a circumcision dispute, the case has several wrinkles.
Counsel Vouches for Client With Personal Story, Throws Away a Win
Like peppering a taut direct examination with a few leading questions or throwing some argument into a dramatic opening statement, an attorney vouching for a client or witness before the jury is improper, but rarely does it lead to much trouble.
Lessons Learned from ‘Friendly’ House Sale and Planning for Trial
“True friends stab you in the front,” noted Oscar Wilde, and a recent Illinois decision vividly illustrates the famed playwright’s point. Plaintiffs Brian and Nicole Kelly were not only friends with defendants Larry Orrico and Renae Yockey, they lived two doors down from them in suburban Itasca.
Publisher Comes to Dead End in Case Against Longtime Rep
Some manufacturers will initially consider a sales rep’s commission claim with sympathy, others with reasonableness, and perhaps most with nervous skepticism. Then there is The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc. (now known as McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.), a leading publisher of elementary school textbooks.