Few bills arriving in the mail are welcome, but certain billers are more daunting than others. Should the tuckpointer send a bill higher than agreed, a friendly discussion about his “extras” likely lies ahead.
Insights
Demonstrating Basis of Conclusions from Expert Witnesses’ Testimony is of Capital Importance
While not quite reaching the death and taxes level of certainty, some issues brought to the appellate court still produce highly predictable outcomes. Challenges to foundations laid by expert witnesses are usually addressed adequately through cross-examination.
Court Throws Shade on Bias Claim in ‘Sun Worshipping Atheist’ Case
Some appellate cases present novel issues or test established doctrines. Others reach the appellate court on thornyprocedural or technical questions. And then there’s Marshel Copple, whose peculiar case helps explain why appellate courts often issue unpublished decisions.
Baseball Owners Still ‘Reserving’ Right to Underpay Minor Leaguers
During spring training last year, this column detailed a class-action suit filed by three ex-minor leaguers alleging Major League Baseball paid them less than fast-food workers. Unrepresented by a labor union, minor leaguers toil 50 to 70 hours per week through a five-month season for subminimum wage with no overtime and no compensation during spring training, instructional leagues or winter leagues.
Quirky Laches Doctrine Can Rescue Even the Unsympathetic
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.
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.