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Full-Text Articles in Law

Perlman V. Feldmann: A Case Study In Contemporary Corporate Legal History, Jan G. Deutsch Jan 1974

Perlman V. Feldmann: A Case Study In Contemporary Corporate Legal History, Jan G. Deutsch

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

The author gives the following introduction to this article: “When I was a law student, taking a course in introductory corporate law, what was heard around the halls was that most of corporate law would be learned if one understood Perlman v. Feldmann. I agree with that statement, and I have agreed more strongly each year I myself have taught introductory corporate law. Indeed, I now believe one would also learn a good deal about the significance of-the corporation in American life during the past two decades. Unfortunately, however, it seems to me-on the basis of having read everything …


The Right Of Married Women To Assert Their Own Surnames, Roslyn Goodman Daum Jan 1974

The Right Of Married Women To Assert Their Own Surnames, Roslyn Goodman Daum

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

This article, then, will attempt to frame the issues involved in the name change controversy and to suggest not only ways to implement reforms, but also the consequences attending these measures. Massachusetts has been chosen as the setting for an in-depth analysis of each problem, and examples of legislative, judicial, and administrative action in that state will be interspersed throughout. The results of the efforts in Massachusetts may be politically and legally instructive for people with similar interests in other jurisdictions.


Toward An International System Of Drug Control, Louis Lessem Jan 1974

Toward An International System Of Drug Control, Louis Lessem

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

By any measure the ongoing explosion in the abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs must be viewed as alarming. The past few years have seen a dramatic upsurge in the use of heroin and other opiates, the re-emergence of cocaine as a popular drug, and expansion of the use and availability of synthetic and psychotropic substances, and, perhaps of greatest international concern, the penetration of illicit narcotics into markets hitherto relatively free from drug involvement. Western Europe, Canada, and most recently the Soviet Union1 have reported the growth of drug-consuming populations. At the same time, there has been an awakened …


On The Voluntary Admission Of Minors, Louis Lessem Jan 1974

On The Voluntary Admission Of Minors, Louis Lessem

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

The past several years have been witness to dramatic changes in both the theory and practice of civil commitment. In the law, this development has taken the form of increased concern for the protection of the personal liberties of the mentally ill while among members of the medical profession it has been experienced as a part of the process of opening up the back wards. Legislatures in many states have responded by revising their mental health statutes to establish more rigorous standards for commitment, periodic review of the status of committed patients, and better procedural safeguards throughout the commitment process. …


Legislative Note: Micigan's Criminal Sexual Assault Law, Kenneth A. Cobb, Nancy R. Schauer Jan 1974

Legislative Note: Micigan's Criminal Sexual Assault Law, Kenneth A. Cobb, Nancy R. Schauer

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

Under increasing pressure from women's rights groups and other reform organizations, the Michigan legislature has re-evaluated its centenarian rape statute, found it inadequate for the realities of the mid-twentieth century, and enacted a new sexual assault act. While people may refer to the act as "the new rape law," it should be noted at the outset that the statute is intended to prohibit a variety of sexual acts which involve criminal assault. Michigan's new criminal sexual assault law was formulated to distinguish among degrees of violence as motivated by hostility rather than passion; rape, like other crimes, is more heinous …


Guidelines For Alleviating Local-Emergency Work Disruptions, Joshua Greene Jan 1974

Guidelines For Alleviating Local-Emergency Work Disruptions, Joshua Greene

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

The first section of this article summarizes the vast differences between the rights of public and private employees to strike. The second section focuses on likely obstacles to a governmental suit to enjoin shutdowns in the broadest segment of American private industry-the segment in which labor relations are governed by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The final section of the article suggests a legislative solution to the problem, fashioned after existing statutory remedies for limiting certain strikes by public employees.


Gimme Shelter: Reform Of Real Estate Tax Shelters, Farrell C. Glasser Jan 1974

Gimme Shelter: Reform Of Real Estate Tax Shelters, Farrell C. Glasser

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

Of the many different kinds of tax shelter investments that are available to high bracket taxpayers, the most commonly encountered device is the real estate tax shelter. This article describes the way a tax shelter operates, from both a business-economic and a tax viewpoint, and examines the real estate tax shelter from the standpoint of possible tax reform to correct the abuses that stem from real estate syndications.


Information Disclosure And Consumer Behavior: An Empirical Evaluation Of Truth-In-Lending, William K. Brandt, George S. Day Jan 1974

Information Disclosure And Consumer Behavior: An Empirical Evaluation Of Truth-In-Lending, William K. Brandt, George S. Day

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

This article offers some empirical insight into the debate over the efficacy of disclosure legislation. The primary concern is the effect of the Act on (1) the level of consumer knowledge of interest rates and finance charges; (2) the extent of comparison shopping; and (3) the decisions to postpone purchases, to use cash instead of credit, or to reduce the finance charges by increasing the downpayment or reducing the number of payments. The article also evaluates patterns of consumer behavior and credit-granting procedures which may constrain the long-run potential of TIL.


Updating The Trust Indenture Act, Howard M. Friedman Jan 1974

Updating The Trust Indenture Act, Howard M. Friedman

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

Holders of publicly distributed debt securities are, in essence, parties to contracts of adhesion. There is no opportunity for a purchaser of a debt security to negotiate the terms of his loan to the issuer. In addition, because there are a large number of geographically scattered small lenders, each of them is placed in a particularly vulnerable position. While lenders traditionally have numerous methods of protecting their interests, creditor protection is ineffective unless responsibility for enforcement is centralized. Widely scattered security holders find it difficult to police compliance with covenants in the loan agreement and to coordinate legal action in …


Delegation Of Investment Powers By Charitable Trustees, Richard B. Urda Jr. Jan 1974

Delegation Of Investment Powers By Charitable Trustees, Richard B. Urda Jr.

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

Over the past few years the activities of philanthropic organizations have been undergoing considerable critical scrutiny. Congressional committees, private commissions, and individuals have extensively analyzed institutionalized charity. An area of particular concern involves problems created by the investment policies of charitable organizations. One investment problem that has not received much attention, however, is the plight of the natural person trustee of a charitable trust who, in general, is legally prohibited from delegating his responsibility for investment of trust funds. Almost one-third of all charitable foundations take the legal form of trusts. Of the foundations organized as charitable trusts, over 60 …


Real Property Tax Relief For The Elderly, Edsell M. Eady Jr. Jan 1974

Real Property Tax Relief For The Elderly, Edsell M. Eady Jr.

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

This article focuses on the elderly person's problem of coping with real property taxation. Although property taxes vary in intensity from place to place, the elderly bear a particularly heavy burden. The property tax generally does not reflect a taxpayer's ability to pay, since it is usually levied in proportion to the value of real property rather than in relation to a homeowner's income. Thus people with low incomes may have to pay a greater percentage of their incomes as real property tax than people with higher incomes. The real property tax can be a formidable problem for an elderly …


Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Act Of 1972, John A. Stevens Jan 1974

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Act Of 1972, John A. Stevens

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

The 1959 Pennsylvania legislation, while commendable for its goals and its innovative financing concepts, proved inadequate over the years in meeting the changing housing needs in the state. In an attempt to correct the deficiencies of this legislation, Pennsylvania radically revised its housing law by enacting the Housing Finance Agency Act of 1972. This note undertakes a historical analysis of both the 1959 Act and the 1972 Act. Then, the new act is contrasted with similar statutes in other states. Finally, the effectiveness of the Pennsylvania legislation as a stimulate to the development of new low- and moderate-income housing is …


Proposal For A Uniform Radar Speed Detection Act, Douglas M. Tisdale Jan 1974

Proposal For A Uniform Radar Speed Detection Act, Douglas M. Tisdale

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

This article traces the judicial treatment of radar, reviews statutory attempts to regulate radar usage, and proposes a uniform act as an effective and consistent approach to ensure the proper use of radar.


Michigan Water Resources Commission Act Amendments: A Response To The Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments Of 1972, Jeffrey K. Haynes Jan 1974

Michigan Water Resources Commission Act Amendments: A Response To The Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments Of 1972, Jeffrey K. Haynes

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

This article appraises the strengths and weaknesses of the WRC Act and its recent amendments. After a description of the federal impetus behind the new amendments, the Michigan statutory framework is evaluated, including comparison of the WRC Act with a model state act designed to meet FWPCA requirements. Finally, the past implementation of the Act is discussed, with suggestions for future improvement.


What Ever Happened To The "Checkless Society"?, Isaiah Baker Jan 1974

What Ever Happened To The "Checkless Society"?, Isaiah Baker

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

In the late 1960's and early 1970's, a proliferation of articles in law reviews and other scholarly journals predicted a fundamental change in the payments systems in the United States. The "checkless society" was hailed as the coming thing-the latest and best innovation to come along in the vast areas of law covered by the Uniform Commercial Code provisions governing commercial paper and bank collections. Despite the claims that present technology is capable of effecting basic alterations in the existing check collection and payment systems, changes have been slow to come and are coming with deliberate speed rather than the …


A Jury Experiment Reanalyzed, Shari Seidman Diamond Jan 1974

A Jury Experiment Reanalyzed, Shari Seidman Diamond

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

Researchers in the behavioral sciences have watched with some pride as the courts have given increased attention to social science studies. Judicial interest in empirical studies is a desirable development but one not quite free of danger. The courts are not yet fully accustomed to dealing critically with such evidence. The United States Supreme Court ruled recently, in Colgrove v. Battin, that six-member juries in civil cases meet the seventh amendment requirement of trial by jury. This decision was not surprising in light of Williams v. Florida, in which the Court ruled that six jurors were sufficient to …


Developments In Evidence Of Other Crimes, Nickolas J. Kyser Jan 1974

Developments In Evidence Of Other Crimes, Nickolas J. Kyser

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

If the defendant in a criminal trial has a record of other offenses or is suspected of a number of crimes although charged with only one, the admissibility of evidence of these other offenses can be crucial. Admissibility depends in part on the purpose for which the evidence is offered. For instance, the prosecution is severely limited in its use of evidence of character. Until the defendant submits evidence of his good character, the subject cannot be raised and even after character is put in issue particular acts are not allowed to show character. The defendant's prior convictions may be …


Governmental Control Of Research In Positive Eugencis, I. Scott Bass Jan 1974

Governmental Control Of Research In Positive Eugencis, I. Scott Bass

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

This article examines the potential societal problems that would accompany the implementation of eugenics programs and considers possible mechanisms for dealing with these problems. Governmental control of research in positive eugenics is identified as a practical means of preempting the undesirable consequences of scientific advances. Since proposed government research controls would infringe upon academic freedom of inquiry, the constitutional issues raised by this clash are framed and analyzed.


Protection Of Privacy Of Computerized Records In The National Crime Information Center, Stuart R. Hemphill Jan 1974

Protection Of Privacy Of Computerized Records In The National Crime Information Center, Stuart R. Hemphill

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

The purpose of this article is to describe the social benefits and costs of the NCIC and to indicate the need for a program of operational controls to temper the system's impact on the balance between individual privacy and law enforcement needs. Various approaches which could be incorporated into a program of safeguards are introduced and briefly analyzed. Finally, the article discusses several overall design issues which should be considered in the construction of an adequate program of safeguards. Particular emphasis is placed on the NCCH file since it is the major source of the tensions underlying the issues addressed.


Political Candidates' Loyalty Oaths, Jeffrey F. Liss Jan 1974

Political Candidates' Loyalty Oaths, Jeffrey F. Liss

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

When Washington mustered his revolutionary army, when South Carolinians called for secession, and when Senator Joseph P. McCarthy kindled fears of Communist infiltration, many people affirmed their loyalty to the nation by swearing oaths. Perhaps the oath givers hoped to subdue the anxieties of those anxious times by reducing the ambiguities in the behavior and beliefs of others. Candidates for political office have not escaped suspicion; eight states still require political candidates to swear oaths of loyalty before their names can appear on the ballot. But constitutional doctrine and changing times have diminished the loyalty oath's scope and significance. This …


Toward International Freedom Of Religion: A Proposal For Change In Fcn Treaty Practice, Bruce F. Howell Jan 1974

Toward International Freedom Of Religion: A Proposal For Change In Fcn Treaty Practice, Bruce F. Howell

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

Since the founding of this nation, Americans have relied on fundamental constitutional principles for the ultimate protection of their religious liberty. These guarantees have been extended to all persons in the United States, not just citizens. American nationals traveling or living abroad may discover, however, that religious freedom is not regarded as a fundamental right elsewhere. Although most nations do, at least in principle, adhere to the basic idea of freedom of religious belief and exercise, religious freedom may be denied either to a state's own citizens or to foreign nationals within its boundaries.


Federal Invome Tax Discrimination Between Married And Single Taxpayers, Michael W. Betz Jan 1974

Federal Invome Tax Discrimination Between Married And Single Taxpayers, Michael W. Betz

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

This article explores the present tax rate structure and its implications, considers the historical events and policies which created four separate tax rates, analyzes the tax policies embodied by the different rate treatment of married and single taxpayers, and examines the constitutional problems involved in maintaining the present disparate tax treatment. An alternative tax rate treatment, which will avoid the discrimination inherent in the present system, is suggested.


Abuse Of Trademarks: A Proposal For Ompulsory Licensing, Mara L. Babin Jan 1974

Abuse Of Trademarks: A Proposal For Ompulsory Licensing, Mara L. Babin

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

This article neither deals with the propriety of the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) proposed order nor evaluates the effectiveness of compulsory trademark licensing as a remedy for unfair trade practices.8 Rather, the pending cereal industry case is used as a point of departure for an examination of the problem of trademark abuse and the responses of the courts, the Congress, and the FTC to it. Acknowledging the legality of compulsory licensing of trademarks, the article suggests legislation which will incorporate licensing and standards for its application. Such legislation would make licensing an accessible remedy for trademark abuse while accommodating both …


Elevation Of Entrapment To A Constitutional Defense, Robert H. Thomson Iii Jan 1974

Elevation Of Entrapment To A Constitutional Defense, Robert H. Thomson Iii

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

The issue of entrapment arises initially as a defense when a person is accused of committing a criminal act in which government agents solicited, and perhaps actively participated in, the conduct for which the defendant stands accused. Classic entrapment situations occur when law enforcement officers, through agents or informers, solicit an illegal transaction, such as the sale of contraband. The evidence thereby obtained is used to support the prosecution of the individual accepting the solicitation. Solicitation is an important technique of law enforcement because evidence of illegal transactions is often impossible to obtain by other methods. Certain uses of solicitation …


The Myth Of Sisyphus: Legal Services Efforts On Behalf Of The Poor, Lawrence E. Rothstein Jan 1974

The Myth Of Sisyphus: Legal Services Efforts On Behalf Of The Poor, Lawrence E. Rothstein

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

In Greek mythology there is a story about the tyrant, Sisyphus, who is condemned to suffer everlasting anguish. Eternally, he rolls a huge rock up the steep side of a mountain only to have it roll down again just as he reaches the top. Such is the plight in which the poor person finds himself when confronting the legal system. If the poor individual is able to overcome the massive obstacles placed between him and full, fair litigation of his case, he finds that the rules to be applied to the case are stacked against him. This situation is not …


Review, David L. Callies Jan 1974

Review, David L. Callies

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

Review of Public Planning and Control of Urban and Land Development, Cases and Materials by Donald G. Hagman


Impasse Resolution Mechanisms And Teacher Strikes, Diane L. Kaye Jan 1974

Impasse Resolution Mechanisms And Teacher Strikes, Diane L. Kaye

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

Public school teachers have no right to strike under Michigan law, but the power to strike exists. Michigan residents witnessed forty teacher strikes in the autumn of 1973 alone. Among them was the forty-four-day strike by Detroit teachers. The strikes during the past fall were not an unfortunate aberration. Ninety percent of the strikes in Michigan are by school teachers. In the public education context, the threat of a strike no longer brings negotiating parties together. A new mechanism for resolution of deadlocks in teacher-school board contract disputes is needed. This article describes the problem, outlines impasse resolution procedures presently …


The Use Of In Camera Hearings In Ruling On The Informer Privilege, Ronald E. Levine Jan 1974

The Use Of In Camera Hearings In Ruling On The Informer Privilege, Ronald E. Levine

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

The thesis of this article is that most of the problems of defining the scope of the privilege in a particular case are due to the paucity of information available to the trial judge who must rule on the issue. Furthermore, many of the formulas presently used are conceptually and functionally inadequate. Both of these problems can be solved by the use of in camera hearings, for such proceedings not only will provide the trial judge with sufficient information to make a fair and rational decision, but will also alleviate the present necessity to rule only on the basis of …