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Full-Text Articles in Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility

The Duty To Advise The Lorax: Environmental Advocacy And The Risk Of Reform, Keith W. Rizzardi Nov 2012

The Duty To Advise The Lorax: Environmental Advocacy And The Risk Of Reform, Keith W. Rizzardi

William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review

Lawyers have an ethical duty to advise their clients on moral, economic, social, and political matters. When applied to the changing field of environmental law, this abstract notion becomes provocative. Lawyers should advise their environmental advocacy clients of the possibility that their efforts to apply statutes or rules might initially succeed, but subsequent legislative reactions might defund, reform, or repeal the laws the client’s case relied upon. As a client’s sophistication decreases, or as the risk of adverse reactions to the client’s environmental advocacy increases, the lawyer’s duty to advise the client of these risks can shift from discretionary to …


Guide To Incorporation Of Not For Profit Organisations In Nigeria, Taiwo Adebola Odumosu Mr. May 2012

Guide To Incorporation Of Not For Profit Organisations In Nigeria, Taiwo Adebola Odumosu Mr.

Taiwo Adebola Odumosu Mr.

The incorporation of non-profit bodies in Nigeria is governed by the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004 (‘the Act’). The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is vested with responsibility for non-profit organisations. The CAC has branches in most State capitals of the Federation and its headquarters is based in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Before applying to the CAC for incorporation of a non-profit body, one must check that the name of the new entity is not already in use. This can be done by purchasing an Availability Form, which costs very little. In Nigeria only legal practitioners, and to some …


Polar Law And Good Governance, Prof. Elizabeth Burleson Jan 2012

Polar Law And Good Governance, Prof. Elizabeth Burleson

Prof. Elizabeth Burleson

This chapter will assess the Antarctic Treaty System, ask what polar lessons can be learned regarding common pool resources, and analyze law of the sea and related measures. It will consider such substantive areas as Arctic and Antarctic natural resource management and procedural opportunities as inclusive governance structures. Enhancing good governance can occur through trust building forums that bring together stakeholders, share information, and make environmentally sound decisions regarding sustainable development.


Can Immune Parties Really Be Responsible: An Analysis Of The Current Interpretation Of The Texas Responsible Third Party Statute And Its Vulnerability To Constitutional Challenge., Justin C. Roberts, Randell Roberts Jan 2012

Can Immune Parties Really Be Responsible: An Analysis Of The Current Interpretation Of The Texas Responsible Third Party Statute And Its Vulnerability To Constitutional Challenge., Justin C. Roberts, Randell Roberts

St. Mary's Law Journal

The Texas Responsible Third Party (RTP) statute was amended in 2003 to give defendants the opportunity to have the jury apportion responsibility for the plaintiff’s damages to persons who were not joined in the lawsuit. A defendant could achieve this result by designating a “responsible third party.” Plaintiffs may often join responsible third parties as additional defendants. Under such situations, all culpable parties are before the court, defending themselves, and accountable to the plaintiff for their percentage of responsibility. When the statute worked in this fashion it achieved “a carefully constructed scheme balancing the interests of both defendants and claimants.” …


Expanding Protective Order Coverage., Kellie K. Player Jan 2012

Expanding Protective Order Coverage., Kellie K. Player

St. Mary's Law Journal

The Texas legislature should eliminate the relationship requirement for a protective order. Although the Texas legislature passed the Kristy Appleby Act, which expanded the definition of dating violence, some victims of domestic violence may still be unable to qualify for a protective order. Specifically, some third-party individuals in a love triangle may not be eligible to receive a protective order. In Texas, a potential or current victim of domestic abuse needs to demonstrate a relationship with the perpetrator. Despite the broadened definition of relationship, some potential victims may still be unable to meet this burden. If the person cannot, they …


Administrative Procedure For The Twenty-First Century: An Introduction To The 2010 Model State Administrative Procedure Act., John Gedid Jan 2012

Administrative Procedure For The Twenty-First Century: An Introduction To The 2010 Model State Administrative Procedure Act., John Gedid

St. Mary's Law Journal

The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (ULC) approved the Revised Model State Administrative Procedure Act (2010 MSAPA) in 2010. The model state administrative procedure acts (APA) have been one of the most successful endeavors of the ULC. They have played a major role in encouraging states to incorporate concepts of fairness into state agency procedure statutes and to make express provisions for judicial review of administrative action. Those states that adopted the model acts accomplished fairness goals while bringing efficiency and accuracy into the state administrative process. By providing an overview of the Act’s new features, this …


In-House But Out In The Cold: A Comparison Of The Attorney-Client Privilege In The United States And European Union Comment., Andrew R. Nash Jan 2012

In-House But Out In The Cold: A Comparison Of The Attorney-Client Privilege In The United States And European Union Comment., Andrew R. Nash

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Due Process And Local Administrative Hearings Regulating Public Nuisances: Analysis And Reform., Alex Cameron Jan 2012

Due Process And Local Administrative Hearings Regulating Public Nuisances: Analysis And Reform., Alex Cameron

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Marsh Usa Inc. V. Cook: One Final Step Away From Light., Michael D. Paul Jan 2012

Marsh Usa Inc. V. Cook: One Final Step Away From Light., Michael D. Paul

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


War Powers Pursuant To False Perceptions And Asymmetric Information In The Zone Of Twilight., Robert Bejesky Jan 2012

War Powers Pursuant To False Perceptions And Asymmetric Information In The Zone Of Twilight., Robert Bejesky

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Inheritance Rights Of Posthumously Conceived Children In Texas Comment., Allison Stewart Ellis Jan 2012

Inheritance Rights Of Posthumously Conceived Children In Texas Comment., Allison Stewart Ellis

St. Mary's Law Journal

The Texas Legislature should update its legislation pertaining to posthumously conceived children. More than 20,000 children are born from artificial insemination each year, some of whom are conceived following their father’s death. Whether or not these children are entitled to a share in their father’s estate is a question for each state legislature. Many states have adopted a version of the Uniform Parentage Act (UPA). The UPA states that once paternity of a posthumously conceived child is established, the child is entitled to inherit from the deceased’s estate. Texas has adopted the UPA in part and has added stringent requirements …


A Judicial And Economic Analysis Of Attorney's Fees In Trust Litigation And The Resulting Inequitable Treatment Of Trust Beneficiaries., Charles Epps Ipock Jan 2012

A Judicial And Economic Analysis Of Attorney's Fees In Trust Litigation And The Resulting Inequitable Treatment Of Trust Beneficiaries., Charles Epps Ipock

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Appropriate Testing And Resolution: How To Determine Whether Appropriation Art Is Transformative Fair Use Or Merely In Unauthorized Derivative., Eric D. Gorman Jan 2012

Appropriate Testing And Resolution: How To Determine Whether Appropriation Art Is Transformative Fair Use Or Merely In Unauthorized Derivative., Eric D. Gorman

St. Mary's Law Journal

This Article addresses the copyright concerns in appropriation art today and concludes that copyright law should be amended to address the complex issues found in this area of the law. Part II provides a background on appropriation art and the different facets of copyright law, including the doctrine of fair use. Part III analyzes whether appropriation art can even be considered “fair use” under the current exceptions of copyright infringement. Part IV discusses various legal tests to determine whether appropriation art that utilizes copyrighted material can exercise the doctrine of fair use against alleged copyright infringement. It also proposes a …


Will Contests: From Start To Finish., Joyce Moore Jan 2012

Will Contests: From Start To Finish., Joyce Moore

St. Mary's Law Journal

This Article primarily focuses on the practical problems facing attorneys and courts when evaluating and proving up a will or trust in contested cases. The focus extends further into the special procedural and evidentiary rules applicable to these actions, the use and misuse of summary judgment proceedings in these cases, and some observations regarding developing trends and strategies in will and trust contest litigation. Admittedly, this area of practice is a melting pot of presumptions, exceptions, threshold hurdles, capacity qualms, evidentiary issues, strategic clauses, and countless other headache-inducing legal issues. Yet, attorneys must diligently juggle all of them while also …


The Double Irish Sandwich: Reforming Overseas Tax Havens., Stephen C. Loomis Jan 2012

The Double Irish Sandwich: Reforming Overseas Tax Havens., Stephen C. Loomis

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


A Custom Fit: Tailoring Texas Civil Jury Selection Procedures To Case Tiers., Jarod S. Gonzalez Jan 2012

A Custom Fit: Tailoring Texas Civil Jury Selection Procedures To Case Tiers., Jarod S. Gonzalez

St. Mary's Law Journal

Citizens serving on a civil jury are entrusted with making factual decisions about disputes that impact legal rights and remedies of litigants and set standards for the behavior of the public. Unfortunately, civil jury trials take place less frequently in twenty-first century Texas than in prior eras. Part of the justice system’s rejuvenation should involve a re-evaluation and improvement of the current process for selecting civil juries. Currently, the primary flaw in Texas jury selection procedures is the one-size-fits-all approach. Because some cases need twelve impartial jurors who are lay persons, and others require twelve people who are knowledgeable of …


Consumer Bankruptcy Policy: Ability To Pay And Catholic Social Teaching Essay., Richard Flint Jan 2012

Consumer Bankruptcy Policy: Ability To Pay And Catholic Social Teaching Essay., Richard Flint

St. Mary's Law Journal

An essay is presented on consumer bankruptcy policy in the U.S. It informs about the significant changes in the consumer bankruptcy introduced by the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 including incorporation of an ability-to-pay test as a requirement for getting the benefits of the act. It reviews the Catholic social teaching related to the interrelationship between the dignity of man and his rights and duties to promote justice and the common good.


Texas's Spoliation Presumption., Rebecca Simmons, Michael J. Ritter Jan 2012

Texas's Spoliation Presumption., Rebecca Simmons, Michael J. Ritter

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract Forthcoming.


Removal Of Independent Executors: Examining The Standard In Texas After The Addition Of Material Conflict Of Interest To Section 149c Of The Texas Probate Code., Elizabeth R. Kopecki Jan 2012

Removal Of Independent Executors: Examining The Standard In Texas After The Addition Of Material Conflict Of Interest To Section 149c Of The Texas Probate Code., Elizabeth R. Kopecki

St. Mary's Law Journal

The State of Texas permits independent executors to operate with minimal court supervision. This allows executors to administer an estate with as little cost and delay as possible. Sometimes executors abuse this limited supervision and fail to manage estates properly. Fortunately, there are particular circumstances outlined in the Texas Probate Code which allow courts to step in and remove these harmful executors. Since the adoption of section 149C to the Texas Probate Code, grounds for removal have remained relatively specific. Recently, the legislature has added a new ground: “material conflict of interest.” Though no bright-line rule exists, there is precedent …


Human Flotsam, Legal Fallout: Japan's Tsunami And Nuclear Meltdown, Robert B. Leflar, Ayako Hirata, Masayuki Murayama, Shozo Ota Dec 2011

Human Flotsam, Legal Fallout: Japan's Tsunami And Nuclear Meltdown, Robert B. Leflar, Ayako Hirata, Masayuki Murayama, Shozo Ota

Robert B Leflar

We report on our field research in Fukushima Prefecture in July 2011. We interviewed legal professionals and community leaders in Fukushima City and in towns inundated by the March 2011 tsunami and within a few kilometers of Fukushima No. 1 nuclear reactor. We catalogued many of the extensive variety of problems faced by Fukushima residents, both evacuees and those who remained in their homes. Many of these problems, both legal and non-legal, arose from government actions as the disaster unfolded and afterwards, including the administration of the initial program for provisional compensation for disaster victims. We learned that in the …


Ch 21. 'Future Perspectives On Solar Fuels', Thomas A. Faunce Dec 2011

Ch 21. 'Future Perspectives On Solar Fuels', Thomas A. Faunce

Thomas A Faunce

This chapter opens by examining whether the research and development of molecular solar fuels will be characterized in future by its promotion of fundamental societal virtues such as equality and environmental sustainability. As a thought experiment, it presents a vision of some important elements of such a future world—one where energy is primarily not only a matter of global artificial photosynthesis (GAP), but of such virtues. Central to the future perspective presented here is nanotechnological construction with enhanced efficiency of each aspect of the natural photosynthetic process into units capable of inexpensive mass production for domestic use. This involves a …


Governing Planetary Nanomedicine: Environmental Sustainability And A Unesco Universal Declaration On The Bioethics And Human Rights Of Natural And Artificial Photosynthesis (Global Solar Fuels And Foods)., Thomas A. Faunce Dec 2011

Governing Planetary Nanomedicine: Environmental Sustainability And A Unesco Universal Declaration On The Bioethics And Human Rights Of Natural And Artificial Photosynthesis (Global Solar Fuels And Foods)., Thomas A. Faunce

Thomas A Faunce

Environmental and public health-focused sciences are increasingly characterised as constituting an emerging discipline—planetary medicine. From a governance perspective, the ethical components of that discipline may usefully be viewed as bestowing upon our ailing natural environment the symbolic moral status of a patient. Such components emphasise, for example, the origins and content of professional and social virtues and related ethical principles needed to promote global governance systems and policies that reduce ecological stresses and pathologies derived from human overpopulation, selfishness and greed— such as pollution, loss of biodiversity, deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as provide necessary energy, water and …


A Bad Trip For Health-Related Human Rights: Implications Of Momcilovic V The Queen (2011) 85 Aljr 957, Tim Vines, Thomas A. Faunce Dec 2011

A Bad Trip For Health-Related Human Rights: Implications Of Momcilovic V The Queen (2011) 85 Aljr 957, Tim Vines, Thomas A. Faunce

Thomas A Faunce

Momcilovic v The Queen (2011) 85 ALJR 957 [PDF] ; [2011] HCA 34 arose from a prosecution for drug trafficking brought under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic) . The Australian High Court held that the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) (the Charter) validly conferred a power on the Victorian Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to interpret legislation in a manner consistent with a defined list of human rights. By a slim majority it also held that the Charter validly created a judicial power to "declare" a law inconsistent with one or …


Challenges To Australia’S National Health Policy From Trade And Investment Agreements, Thomas A. Faunce Dec 2011

Challenges To Australia’S National Health Policy From Trade And Investment Agreements, Thomas A. Faunce

Thomas A Faunce

Recent federal trade policy commitments concerning the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) negotiations (against changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and against inclusion of an investor state provision) could protect Australia’s tobacco control legislation and Australia's sovereign capacity to regulate public health and environmental policy


The Proposed Ban On Certain Nanomaterials For Electrical And Electronic Equipment In Europe: Global Security Implications, Thomas A. Faunce, Hitoshi Nasu Dec 2011

The Proposed Ban On Certain Nanomaterials For Electrical And Electronic Equipment In Europe: Global Security Implications, Thomas A. Faunce, Hitoshi Nasu

Thomas A Faunce

International collaboration on nanotechnology governance has so far paid little attention to security implications of regulating the use of nanotechnology. For example, the Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations (initiated by the International Centre for Technological Assessment) developed 'Principles for the Oversight of Nanotechnologies and Nanomaterials' to provide a set of ethical standards for nanotechnology research and development (Kimbrell, 2009). Similar initiatives are observed at the national level, as has been seen in the Swiss Retailers Association Code of Conduct and the UK's Responsible NanoCode (Bowman and Hodge, 2009, pp.149-152). The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has also been active …


Towards Global Artificial Photosynthesis (Global Solar Fuels): Energy, Nanochemistry And Governance, Thomas A. Faunce Dec 2011

Towards Global Artificial Photosynthesis (Global Solar Fuels): Energy, Nanochemistry And Governance, Thomas A. Faunce

Thomas A Faunce

Introduction to special open access edition of Australian Journal of Chemistry with papers from 'Towards Global Artificial Photosynthesis: Energy, Nanochemistry and Governance' conference Lord Howe Island 2011