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Full-Text Articles in Law

Filing Status And Today's Families, Erik Baines Jan 2013

Filing Status And Today's Families, Erik Baines

Law Student Publications

Section I of this comment considers the early income tax code, its focus on individual filing, and how early decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States led Congress to adopt optional joint filing for married couples. Section II analyzes the joint return, tax norms, and arguments of proponents and opponents of the joint return. Section III analyzes structural issues raised by a return to an individual filing system, as well as why an individual filing system is superior to a joint filing system given the changes in American society. It also discusses a proposal to resolve an inequity …


Lifting The Fog: Ending Felony Disenfranchisement In Virginia, Dori Elizabeth Martin Nov 2012

Lifting The Fog: Ending Felony Disenfranchisement In Virginia, Dori Elizabeth Martin

Law Student Publications

This comment explores how Virginia's disenfranchisement law originated, how it has managed to survive throughout Virginia's history, and whether it may be vulnerable to various legal challenges. Part II outlines the history of felony disenfranchisement in Virginia. Part III analyzes common policy justifications for the current law and discusses the widely held beliefs about the role of race in the law's inception. Part IV examines legal challenges to similar laws in the federal courts and evaluates the potential for success of comparable challenges in Virginia. Part V looks to recent attempts at enacting solutions at the state level. Part VI …


A Distinction Without A Difference? An Examination Of The Legal And Ethical Difference Between Asset Protection And Fraudulent Transfers Under Virginia Law, Elizabeth Southall Nov 2012

A Distinction Without A Difference? An Examination Of The Legal And Ethical Difference Between Asset Protection And Fraudulent Transfers Under Virginia Law, Elizabeth Southall

Law Student Publications

“A distinction without a difference”—a colloquial expression employed by one wishing to recognize that while a linguistic or conceptual distinction exists between any number of options, any such distinction lacks substantive practical effect. To allege that a situation presents “a distinction without a difference” is to suggest that any difference between a given set of options is a logical fallacy—purely a creature of erroneous perception. When it comes to concepts of asset protection planning and fraudulent transfer law, one must ask whether the law draws a distinction where there is no difference....This essay identifies these distinctions. Part II provides a …


Opportunistic Discipline: Using Eurasian Integration To Improve Sanctions Against Belarus, Ilya Zlatkin Jul 2012

Opportunistic Discipline: Using Eurasian Integration To Improve Sanctions Against Belarus, Ilya Zlatkin

Law Student Publications

This comment does not condemn or condone the Lukashenko regime's policies. Instead, it evaluates the effectiveness of the U.S. sanctions and provides some feasible alternatives. Also, this comment avoids normative arguments against sanctions, concentrating more on the probable economic and political effects. Part II supplies background information on the political developments within Belarus since the Soviet Union's collapse, including prior sanctions that the West imposed. Part III explains why the United States can legally institute sanctions. Parts IV and V discuss how American sanctions facilitate appropriation of significant Belarusian state assets by Russia and China, respectively. Part VI posits that …


Genes 101: Are Human Genes Patentable Subject Matter?, Andrew Bowman Jul 2012

Genes 101: Are Human Genes Patentable Subject Matter?, Andrew Bowman

Law Student Publications

This comment proposes a totality-of-the-circumstances approach to analyzing biological molecules under § 101 such that both the structure and its information is examined. Part II of this note reviews relevant precedent in patent law. Part III analyzes the Federal Circuit's Myriad decision, and Part IV explains the potential effects of the recent Supreme Court decision Mayo Collaborative Services v. Prometheus Laboratories. Finally, in Part V, the patent eligibility of human genes is examined. Analyzing this issue under the proposed totality-of-the-circumstances approach, this article concludes that isolated human genes are not patentable.


The Ncaa And The Student-Athlete: Reform Is On The Horizon, Mary Grace Miller May 2012

The Ncaa And The Student-Athlete: Reform Is On The Horizon, Mary Grace Miller

Law Student Publications

This comment examines the NCAA's rules and regulations of student-athletes and explores the possibility that the NCAA's existence, under its current bylaws and manual, is at least immoral and likely unlawful. Additionally, this comment analyzes the idea that the NCAA needs not only internal restructuring but judicial and possibly congressional intervention in order to truly protect young athletes' financial, academic, and basic human interests. Part II of this comment explores the historical development of the NCAA and the current relationship between the NCAA and the student-athlete. Part III discusses the fundamental unfairness in the NCAA's bylaws, which results in the …


Virtual Adultery: No Physical Harm, No Foul?, Kathryn Pfeiffer Jan 2012

Virtual Adultery: No Physical Harm, No Foul?, Kathryn Pfeiffer

Law Student Publications

New forms of social media and virtual communication are changing the ways in which we meet new people and develop meaningful relationships. In today's world, you can skype a long-distance significant other or join an Internet chat room to find others who share a similar interest. While, in many ways, the Internet has facilitated our ability to interact with others unencumbered by geographical location or time zone, its unfettered reach has proved to be problematic for one relationship in particular-the marital unit. Studies show that more marriages are ending because of "virtual infidelity," the term used to describe nonphysical behavior …


I 4 An I: Why Changing The Standard For Overcoming The Presumption Of Patent Validity Will Cause More Harm Than Good, John A. Morrissett Jan 2012

I 4 An I: Why Changing The Standard For Overcoming The Presumption Of Patent Validity Will Cause More Harm Than Good, John A. Morrissett

Law Student Publications

First, this paper describes the interests behind the presumption of patent validity and the historical treatment of the burden of proof required to overcome that presumption. While precedent does not bind the Supreme Court, it is important to consider how and why a particular standard has been applied in addition to Congress’s inaction in implementing a new standard. Second, this paper examines arguments in support of maintaining the status quo, changing to a preponderance of the evidence standard, and adopting a dual standard where some evidence must rise to the level of clear and convincing evidence while other evidence need …


When Responsive Legislation Ignores The Forest For The Trees, Matthew G. Curtis Jul 2011

When Responsive Legislation Ignores The Forest For The Trees, Matthew G. Curtis

Law Student Publications

Large-scale financial disasters have resulted in equally large-scale overhauls of the system responsible for financial industry regulation. Choice over responding parties to these disasters is minimal, and the public inevitably looks to the government for assistance and explanation. The increasingly globalized economy causes any nationwide financial regulation in the U.S. to be felt throughout international markets. U.S. environmental regulation, while not felt immediately abroad, can have drastic impacts on business planning, environmental risk-management, and human rights in the developing world.


The Silver Lining In The Red Giant: China’S Residential Mortgage Laws Promote Temperance Among The Surging Middle Class, Clayton D. Laforge May 2011

The Silver Lining In The Red Giant: China’S Residential Mortgage Laws Promote Temperance Among The Surging Middle Class, Clayton D. Laforge

Law Student Publications

This comment examines the rise of China‘s middle class and proactive governance to protect its economy from a housing bubble during the global downturn. An analysis of recently enacted Chinese labor and corporate laws demonstrates how the government facilitated the rise of the middle class. The comment dis-cusses the ramifications of strict domestic residential mortgage regulations and how China‘s tempered investment structure secured its domestic housing market. Part II of this comment examines China‘s investment and consumption patterns compared to domestic growth. Part III discusses how the surging middle class grew to seek investment opportunities in the real estate market …


History Repeats Itself: The Post-Furman Return To Arbitrariness In Capital Punishment, Lindsey S. Vann May 2011

History Repeats Itself: The Post-Furman Return To Arbitrariness In Capital Punishment, Lindsey S. Vann

Law Student Publications

Part I of this comment provides a brief review of Furman and the circumstances leading to the decision. Part II discusses the factors indicating current arbitrariness and other recurring fac-tors surrounding the American death penalty. Part III examines the development of the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause since Furman. Finally, Part IV discusses how the Supreme Court should apply its contemporary Eighth Amendment doctrine to the current circumstances surrounding the imposition of the death penalty.


A Critical Look At The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, David M. Quinn Apr 2011

A Critical Look At The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, David M. Quinn

Law Student Publications

This Article examines two of the more credible criticisms leveled against the ACTA and evaluates the credibility of each. First, some allege that the agreement is a treaty masquerading as an executive agreement. The distinction is significant because treaties may modify U.S. law and require congressional approval, while executive agreements must accord with existing law and require only presidential approval. The second criticism is the systemic lack of transparency throughout the negotiation process. Though these are not the only criticisms – far from it – they are the two most significant and stand on the most solid ground.


Re-Mapping Privacy Law: How The Google Maps Scandal Requires Tort Law Reform, Lindsey A. Strachan Apr 2011

Re-Mapping Privacy Law: How The Google Maps Scandal Requires Tort Law Reform, Lindsey A. Strachan

Law Student Publications

This Comment explores how the law should handle such privacy claims. In analyzing both the photographic privacy claims as well as the Wi-Fi data privacy claims, this paper argues that current tort law is inadequate for such technologically advanced legal issues. Section II explores the background of Google Maps Street View and current privacy law, while Section III looks at the holes in current privacy torts in the context of the images displayed on Street View. Section IV examines the privacy implications surrounding the Wi-Fi scandal, and finally, Section V reviews the solution and provides a conclusion.


Pakistan's Failed Commitment: How Pakistan's Institutionalized Persecution Of The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Violates The International Covenant On Civil And Political Rights, Qasim Rashid Jan 2011

Pakistan's Failed Commitment: How Pakistan's Institutionalized Persecution Of The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Violates The International Covenant On Civil And Political Rights, Qasim Rashid

Law Student Publications

The United Nations (“UN”) adopted the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (“ICCPR”) in 1966 and officially implemented it in 1976 to ensure, among other guarantees, that no human is denied his or her right to equal voting, freedom of political association, due process of law, freedom of life, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is among 166 nations that have signed and ratified the ICCPR. Since signing the ICCPR in 2008 and ratifying it in 2010, however, Pakistan has perpetuated state-sanctioned and violent persecution of religious minority groups such …


Fool Me Once, Shame On Me; Fool Me Again And You’Re Gonna Pay For It: An Analysis Of Medicare’S New Reporting Requirements For Primary Payers And The Stiff Penalties Associated With Noncompliance, Monica A. Stahly Nov 2010

Fool Me Once, Shame On Me; Fool Me Again And You’Re Gonna Pay For It: An Analysis Of Medicare’S New Reporting Requirements For Primary Payers And The Stiff Penalties Associated With Noncompliance, Monica A. Stahly

Law Student Publications

This article discusses the new requirements and the issues that currently face insurers, claimants, and attorneys in cases involving Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.


Reforming Fairness: The Need For Legal Pragmatism In The Wto Dispute Settlement Process, Webb Mcarthur Apr 2010

Reforming Fairness: The Need For Legal Pragmatism In The Wto Dispute Settlement Process, Webb Mcarthur

Law Student Publications

The World Trade Organization (“WTO”) dispute settlement system is intended to be the central pillar of the international trade system by which trade disputes involving WTO member states are adjudicated, whether regarding trade in goods, services, or in intellectual property rights. However, an innocuous statement such as this, when closely considered, indicates potential problems for the system.


Cleaning Up The Mess: The Economic, Environmental, And Cultural Impact Of U.S. Military Base Closures On Surrounding, Elizabeth M. Myers Jan 2010

Cleaning Up The Mess: The Economic, Environmental, And Cultural Impact Of U.S. Military Base Closures On Surrounding, Elizabeth M. Myers

Law Student Publications

Military base closings, and the numerous laws and regulations that apply to them, have a great impact on neighboring communities. This comment addresses the economic, environmental, and cultural effects of military base closures, both domestic and overseas, and offers some ideas for the future. Section I tells the stories of two former military bases, one in America and one overseas, and an American military base currently in the process of closing. Section II details the economic effects of military base closure under BRAC, while looking at the process itself in more detail. Section III examines the environmental effects, arising from …