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The Right To Appeal In Comparative Perspective, Dražan Djukić

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

Appellate procedures regarding the most serious crimes under domestic law are, in general, conducted differently in common law and civil law systems. This article reviews the differences concerning the primary facets of such proceedings, namely prosecutorial rights of appeal, access to appellate review, the scope of appellate review, the admission of additional evidence, appellate decisionmaking powers, and the functions of appellate review. It then explains that these differences result from dissimilar decisionmaking processes, degrees of adherence to the search for the truth, and sources of law.

Criminal Law—No Stitches For Snitches: The Need For A Duty-To-Report Law In Arkansas, Breanna Trombley

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law Review

It is difficult to get witnesses of brutal crimes to step up and act. This article argues that every state, including Arkansas, would be well served by implementing laws that would require individuals to notify law enforcement officials when they witness certain offenses.

First, the note discusses the common law history of the no-duty-to-aid principle, as well as duty-to-assist laws in other jurisdictions and current Arkansas reporting statutes. Next, the note examines the need for a specific duty-to-report in Arkansas. Then, a duty-to-report statute is proposed for consideration by the Arkansas Legislature. Thereafter, the note addresses imposition of both civil …

What Appellate Judges Do, Rick Sims

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

No abstract provided.

Courts And Lawyers On The Arkansas Frontier, Lynn Foster

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law Review

No abstract provided.

Arkansas Surfers And Their Privacy, Or Lack Thereof: Does The Common Law Invasion Of Privacy Tort Prohibit E-Tailers' Use Of "Cookies"?, Bryan T. Mckinney, Dwayne Whitten

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law Review

No abstract provided.

Torts—Wrongful Death—The Birth Of Fetal Rights Under Arkansas's Wrongful Death Statute: The Arkansas Supreme Court Recognizes A Fetus As A "Person." Aka V. Jefferson Hospital Ass'n, 344 Ark. 627, 42 S.W.3d 508 (2001)., Raina Weaver

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law Review

No abstract provided.

Preface: Anastasoff, Unpublished Opinions, And "No-Citation" Rules, Coleen M. Barger

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

In the wake of the publication of Anastasoff v. United States a new round of debate has begun over the propriety of unpublished opions and their status as precedent. Circuit courts across the nation vary widely in how this "principle of policy" is treated, thus prompting the Journal of Appellate Practice and Process to call for papers, which are included herein.

The Unpublished, Non-Precedential Decision: An Uncomfortable Legality?, Melissa H. Weresh

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled in 2000 that its rule prohibiting the citation of unpublished opinions was unconstitutional. The decision was ultimately vacated en banc. The legality of this prohibition merits consideration by the United States Supreme Court.

Unpublished Decisions In The Federal Courts Of Appeals: Making The Decision To Publish, Stephen L. Wasby

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

The rise of cases brought before federal appellate courts has caused most opinions to be designated as unpublished. This practice has created much controversy. This essay addresses the decision to publish, guidelines for publication, and enforcement of those guidelines within courts.

Constitutionality Of "No-Citation" Rules, Salem M. Katsh, Alex V. Chachkes

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

No-citation rules raise serious constitutional concerns. Assuming that it is constitutional to designate an opinion as nonprecedential, it is not constitutional to prohibit citing an opinion. No-citation rules are unconstitutional for two reasons. The first, citation prohibitions interfere with a litigant’s First Amendment right of speech and petition. Second, citation prohibitions violate the separation of powers.

Publicity And The Judicial Power, Daniel N. Hoffman

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

The judicial branch was created in order to ensure that the rule of law and not the rule of man prevailed. Judges must use reasoning and analysis to fulfill this role. Making decisions based on mere coin tosses or without giving a reason for the decision detracts from the rule of law. Issuing decisions that cannot be published or cited also detracts the judicial role of ensuring that law rules the land.

A Closer Look At Unpublished Opinions In The United States Courts Of Appeals, Michael Hannon

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

Some legal researchers may assume that all cases decided by federal courts are published. However, many United States courts of appeals’ decisions go unpublished. United States courts of appeals’ decisions are important sources of law since they are the court of last resort for most litigants. By making a survey of Westlaw and LEXIS, the author sheds light on some aspects of unpublished opinions.

California's Curious Practice Of "Pocket Review", Steven B. Katz

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

The majority of any California appellate panel is permitted to certify an opinion for publication that establishes new law or modifies existing rules. The California Supreme court can reverse any publication decision without giving any reason. This practice is called "pocket review." Pocket reviews risk thwarting legislative intent and sweeping the results under the rug.

Anastasoff V. United States And Appeals In Veterans' Cases, Charles G. Mills

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

Many cases regarding veterans' benefits are heard in the Federal Circuit. The Federal Circuit has a practice of issuing one sentence orders in some cases. This practice benefits veterans by allowing decisions adverse to veterans to be made without creating precedential value. Removing the practice of unpublished opinions in the Federal Circuit would extinguish this benefit.

Are Some Words Better Left Unpublished?: Precedent And The Role Of Unpublished Decisions, K.K. Duvivier

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

The practice of unpublished decisions and their precedential value causes much controversy. The practice of unpublished opinions creates a solution for how to deal effectively with heavy caseloads. Electronic databases make unpublished decisions readily available, which removes any secrecy that critics fear. Unpublished opinions are treated in one of three ways by the courts. In addition, three pragmatic issues are created by allowing opinions to go unpublished: 1) the availability of these decisions, 2) the quality of the reasoning in unpublished decisions, and 3) the treatment of unpublished opinions as precedent.

Judging In The Days Of The Early Republic: A Critique Of Judge Richard Arnold's Use Of History In Anastasoff V. United States, R. Ben Brown

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

Judge Arnold writes in his opinion that courts have the power to interpret or find the law but not create it. He argues that this practice was well established during colonial times and that it was adopted at the nation’s creation. The source of law during the formation of the United States is not as clear as Judge Arnold claims. Courts applied their roles differently in each jurisdiction. The complex history of the appropriate role of the judiciary contradicts Judge Arnold’s claim.

Concluding Thoughts On The Practical And Collateral Consequences Of Anastasoff, J. Thomas Sullivan

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

The publication/citation debate inflamed by the Eighth Circuit decision has uncertain long-term implications. Among these impacts is the understanding of the parameters afforded federal courts by Article III of the United States Constitution. A number of other significant questions are raised, as well as including the access to and the reliance on the work product of the appellate courts.

Unpublished Opinions: A Comment, Richard S. Arnold

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

The Honorable Richard S. Arnold gives a federal appellate judge’s perspective of the unpublished opinions debate.

Torts—Dramshop Liability In Arkansas—Illegal Sales Of Liquor To Minors May Expose Alcohol Vendors To Expensive Liability. Shannon V. Wilson, 329 Ark. 143, 947 S.W.2d 349 (1997)., Dustin Blake Mcdaniel

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Vital Common Law: Its Role In A Statutory Age, M. Stuart Madden

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law Review

No abstract provided.