Law Commons^™

Waylaid By A Metaphor: A Deeply Problematic Account Of Prison Growth, John F. Pfaff

Michigan Law Review

The incarceration rate in the United States has undergone an unprecedented surge since the 1970s. Between 1925 and 1975, the U.S. incarceration rate hovered around 100 per 100,000. Since then, that rate soared to 504 in 2009, dropping only slightly to 500 in 2010. In absolute numbers, the U.S. prison population grew from 241,000 in 1975 to 1.55 million in 2010. Not just exceptional by historical standards, this boom is unparalleled globally: the United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world. Despite having just 5 percent of the world's population, it houses nearly 25 percent of the world's …

Regulation Through The Looking Glass: Hospitals, Blue Cross, And Certificate-Of-Need, Sallyanne Payton, Rhoda M. Powsner

Michigan Law Review

A clear focus on the commitment of the public health and hospital establishments to the large teaching hospital and their belief in rationalizing the health care system through community-based planning allows us to understand the ideas and institutions that have produced our present system of hospital regulation. It can also help us to understand the structure and behavior of the hospital industry and can illuminate current controversies over health care policy.

What follows is a narrative account of the development of regional planning and certificate-of-need legislation. As part of that story, we trace the evolution of the Blue Cross, explain …

Restrictions On Electric Utility Advertising, Michigan Law Review

Michigan Law Review

This Note reconsiders the constitutionality of New York's restriction on advertising by electric utilities. Section I explains how and why the Supreme Court's current analysis of the first amendment distinguishes commercial speech from other forms of speech. Section II looks at what protection is due commercial speech and weighs the competing interests in the specific context of utility advertising. The Note concludes that states may restrict utility advertising to encourage energy conservation.

Fraudulent Conveyances In The Conflict Of Laws: Easy Cases May Make Bad Law, Albert A. Ehrenzweig, Peter K. Westen

Michigan Law Review

It has been said that hard cases often make bad law. The recent decision by the New York Court of Appeals in James v. Powell suggests that easy cases, too, may make bad law-especially where a scholarly judge ventures beyond the demands of the case before him.

Legal Aid--Lay Control And Organizational Complexity Render Oeo Legal Service Program Unacceptable To New York Court--In Re Community Action For Legal Services, Inc., Michigan Law Review

Michigan Law Review

The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) and the New York City Council Against Poverty approved the organization and the OEO funding of three legal service corporations as part of a comprehensive program to provide legal assistance to New York City's poor. According to the plan, the first corporation, Community Action for Legal Services, Inc. (CALS), was to approve proposed plans for setting up and operating neighborhood law offices with OEO funds and then to supervise and coordinate the agencies that sought to put those plans into operation. These agencies, operating as delegates of CALS, and under subcontracts with it, were …

The "Heart Cases" In Workmen's Compensation: An Analysis And Suggested Solution, Arthur Larson

Michigan Law Review

It is one of the great tragedies of the workmen's compensation story that almost all courts, in their perfectly justifiable search for a legal barrier that would keep compensation heart liability from getting out of hand, have seized upon the wrong component in the coverage formula. The words "by accident" or their equivalent were pressed into service for this task, ·and they have proved to be a most ill-fitting tool for this function. If the courts had followed the more logical course of testing these cases by the causal principle prescribed by the words "arising out of the employment," there …

Conflict Of Laws-Public Policy Used To Apply Forum Law To Joint Bank Accounts Of Foreign-Domiciliaries Wyatt V. Fulrath, Michigan Law Review

Michigan Law Review

The Duke and Duchess of Arion, nationals and domiciliaries of Spain, neither of whom had ever been to New York, deposited community property consisting of cash and securities in several New York banks. In establishing these accounts, the Duke and Duchess either expressly agreed in writing that the New York law of survivorship would apply to their accounts or signed standard bank survivorship forms which incorporated the survivorship laws of that state. After her husband's death, the Duchess made the entire amount on deposit in New York subject to her will. Following the Duchess' death and during probate of her …

The Corporate Mortgage Under Article 9 Of The Uniform Commercial Code And The New York Solution, George C. Coggins

Michigan Law Review

A corporate mortgage has been defined as "an indenture intended to convey property, real and personal, tangible and intangible, to a trustee for bondholders, as security for the bonds issued and to be issued thereunder" by a corporation. This financing device, utilized by many large corporate organizations, has grown to be of paramount importance in the field of corporate financing, and the lack of attention given by the Code to the long-term debts of corporations has raised serious questions of filing procedures. Discussion of the novel treatment accorded by New York to the problem of perfecting security interests in corporate …

Future Interests - Rule Against Perpetuities - Recent Statutory Amendment In New York, Paul K. Gaston S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

After 128 years of criticism and confusion and enormous amounts of litigation, New York has amended its statutory rule against perpetuities. The old rule provided that the absolute power of alienation could not be suspended for longer, than "two lives in being" at the creation of the estate plus a minority exception in some cases. Under the new rule the absolute power of alienation can be suspended for a period measured by any number of "lives in being" at the creation of the estate so long as they are not "so designated or so numerous as to make proof of …

Civil Procedure - Venue - Forum Non-Conveniens, Richard S. Weinstein S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff, an Indiana corporation not authorized to do business in New York, brought an action in New York, aided by attachment, against Indiana residents on a contract that was made, was to be performed, and allegedly was breached in Indiana. On the basis of the doctrine of forum non conveniens the defendants moved to vacate the warrant of attachment and to dismiss the complaint. The lower court denied the motion. On appeal, held, reversed. Under the doctrine of forum non conveniens, the lower court should have exercised its discretion to refuse to entertain the action. Central Pub. Co. vs. …

Banks And Banking-National Banks-Amenability To State Statute Restricting Use Of Word "Savings", Donald M. Wilkinson, Jr. S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Defendant, a bank organized under the National Bank Act and transacting business in the State of New York, used the words "saving" and "savings" in various ways in the advertising and conduct of its banking business. The state brought suit, seeking an injunction restraining the use of these words, alleging that in- so using them defendant had violated subdivision 1 of section 258 of the New York Banking Law. In defense, the bank contended that this provision, as it applied to national banks, was unconstitutional as a contravention of federal statutory provisions. The trial court dismissed the complaint on its …

Constitutional Law-Validity Of New York Statute Setting Out Motorists' Implied Consent To Chemical Tests For Intoxication, Richard A. Shupe S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

The State of New York has approved a statute, to go into effect July 1, 1953, which stipulates that any person who operates a motor vehicle or motorcycle in the state shall be deemed to have given his consent to chemical tests of his breath, blood, urine, or saliva for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of his blood. If such a person refuses to allow the tests, they will not be made, but the commissioner shall revoke his license or permit to drive, including the nonresident operating privilege. This is the first statute of its type and merits …

Corporations-Appointment Of Receiver Solely For The Purpose Of Bringing Suit, William A. Bain, Jr. S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

An ex parte petition was filed by a minority stockholder of a foreign corporation requesting the appointment of a special receiver for certain claims of the corporation against resident fiduciaries. The claims, which had not been prosecuted by the corporation, were about to be barred by the statute of limitations. A receiver was appointed and brought suit. The corporation appeared specially requesting that the order be set aside. Held, motion denied. A court of equity has inherent power to appoint a receiver for the assets of a foreign corporation in an ex parte proceeding instituted by a minority stockholder. …

Federal Procedure-Applicability Of State Decisional Law Interpreting State Statutes Of Limitations Under Section 11 (E) Of The Bankruptcy Act, Charles E. Oldfather S.Ed

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff is the trustee in bankruptcy of a Virginia corporation whose petition for reorganization under chapter X of the Bankruptcy Act was approved by a Virginia federal district court in 1942. Plaintiff filed this action in a New York federal district court under section 11 (e) of the Bankruptcy Act against defendant, the principal stockholder, and others for breach of fiduciary duty. The alleged breaches of duty occurred in 1927 and 1929. The defendant pleaded the New York statute of limitations and contended that it should be applied as interpreted by New York decisions, which hold that the statute begins …

Corporation-Officers And Directors-Relationship Between Cumulative Voting And Removal Provisions, John W. Hupp S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Respondent corporation adopted a bylaw providing for removal of a director, with or without cause, by majority vote of the stockholders. The corporation subsequently amended its charter to provide for cumulative voting at all elections of directors. At a meeting of the stockholders and directors, one director was removed without cause by majority vote of the stockholders and another director elected in his place over the objection of petitioner, a minority stockholder owning 40% of the outstanding stock. On petitioner's application to have the election set aside, held, election invalidated and set aside. Adoption of the cumulative voting provision …

Civil Procedure-Right Of Impleader Under Michigan Contribution Statute, W. J. Roper

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff, a resident of Michigan, brought a negligence action against defendant, an Illinois corporation, for personal injury in the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The defendant moved to implead a citizen of Michigan and a Michigan corporation as third party defendants on the theory that under the Michigan Contribution Statute as concurrent tortfeasors they would be liable to him for part of the judgment in the event that plaintiff recovered in the suit. The court granted the motion and the defendant filed its third party complaint. Plaintiff then moved to dismiss the third party complaint. Held …

Federal Procedure-Change Of Venue-Congestion Of Docket As A Factor Affecting Transfer Under Section 1404(A), Peter Van Domelen S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff sued in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York to recover damages under the Jones Act for illness sustained while he was serving as a seaman on the defendant's steamship. The defendant moved to transfer the action to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California pursuant to Title 28 U.S.C. § 1404(a) which provides: "For the convenience of parties and witnesses, in the interest of justice, a district court may transfer any civil action to any other district or division where it might have been brought." Evidence introduced showed that …

Apportionment Of The Federal State Tax In The Absence Of Statute Or An Expression Of Intention, William P. Sutter

Michigan Law Review

Federal law now provides in sections 826 (c) and (d) of the Internal Revenue Code that life insurance and property transferred by appointment shall bear their proportionate tax burden. It does not contain similar provisions with respect to other types of non-probate property. At the present time, twenty states provide by statute for some sort of apportionment of estate taxes. Two states have statutes restricting apportionment in some degree. In the rest, the matter rests in the discretion of the courts. I propose to discuss in this article the situation in those areas where no statutory guidance exists.

Evidence-Res Ipsa Loquitur-Evidence Of Specific Negligence As Affecting Reliance Upon General Negligence, Frank Bowen, Jr. S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff sued in New York to recover for injuries sustained in a crash of an airplane owned and operated by the defendant. Plaintiff's pleading and proof relied upon general negligence and res ipsa loquitur, but after evidence of specific negligence was elicited upon cross examination of defendant's witness, plaintiff also used such specific negligence in argument to the jury. The defendant excepted to the jury instruction which gave the plaintiff the benefit of the res ipsa loquitur doctrine. Verdict was for the plaintiff. On appeal, held, the plaintiff was entitled to the benefit of the res ipsa loquitur doctrine, …

Personal Property-Gifts-Beneficiary's Letter Directing Trustee To Transfer Accumulated Income As A Gift, Wendell B. Will S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

The donor was entitled to the income of a trust for her life. Income in the amount of $9,000 had accrued in the hands of the trustee and was subject to the immediate call of the donor. While a resident of Spain, the donor wrote a letter addressed to the trustee in New York reciting that she was in poor physical condition and desirous of distributing her American money. The letter directed the trustee to transfer the accumulated income to the donee. Because of troubles with the Spanish Government the donor did not wish to mail the letter directly to …

Corporations-Dissolution-Payment Of "Accrued Unpaid Dividends" To Preferred Shareholders From Capital, Frank M. Bowen, Jr.

Michigan Law Review

The Big Bend Land Company was in the process of liquidation. The articles of incorporation provided for preferred stock which "in the event of any liquidation . . . " was " . . . entitled to be paid in full the par value thereof, and all accrued unpaid dividends thereon before any sum shall be paid to or any assets distributed among . . ." the common stock. No dividends had ever been declared or paid, nor had there ever been any surplus profits. After discharging all corporate liabilities, including payment of the par value of the preferred stock, …

Constitutional Law-Civil Rights-Discharge Of Teachers For Subversive Activity, William H. Bates

Michigan Law Review

An action was brought seeking a declaratory judgment as to the constitutionality of New York's Feinberg law. The statute provided that the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York should list organizations found to be subversive. Membership in such organizations was made prima facie disqualification for the position of public school teacher. At the time of suit the Board of Regents had made no listing of subversive groups nor had any teacher been discharged under the provisions of this enactment. The supreme court of New York, special term, held the law unconstitutional; the appellate division …

International Law-Immunity Of Employee Of United Nations Delegation From In Rem Proceedings In Municipal Courts, Allan Neef

Michigan Law Review

A landlord's summary proceeding for recovery of possession was brought in a New York municipal court against a secretary of the Argentine delegation to the United Nations. The defendant appeared specially and moved to vacate the service of the precept, claiming immunity from suit by virtue of the grant of diplomatic privileges and immunities to official employees of member delegations under Article V of the Headquarters Agreement between the United States and the United Nations. Held, motion denied. Realty not directly pertaining to a delegation's employee's official position is not removed from the jurisdiction of the local courts by …

Federal Procedure-Jurisdiction-Diversity Of Citizenship Required In Stockholder's Derivative Suit, Morris G. Shanker

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff, a citizen of New York, instituted a stockholder's suit on behalf of a New York corporation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Individual officers and directors of the corporation, all citizens of Connecticut, were charged with mismanagement and were joined with it as party defendants. Since plaintiff and defendant corporation were both citizens of New York, requisite diversity did not exist, and the district court dismissed the claim for lack of jurisdiction. Upon appeal, held, judgment affirmed. The section of the Federal Judicial Code providing that "any civil action by a …

Conflicts Of Law-Divorce-Canadian Choice Of Law, Paul M.D. Harrison S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

When the problem confronting the judge is one of recognizing a divorce decree awarded by a foreign state, then once again the domiciliary concept will be used to determine the jurisdictional competency of the court making the award. The foreign divorce decree will be accepted as lawful and proper if it was given by the court of the husband's domicile or if the decree is one which would be accepted as valid by that court. The authority underlying the latter proposition originates in the case of Armitage v. Attorney-General. It is the purpose of this comment to examine briefly …

Insurance-Construction-Mortgagee's Interest Under An Appraisal Clause, Lenamyra Saulson

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff-mortgagee sued defendant insurance company to recover the amount allegedly due plaintiff under a fire insurance policy covering a mortgaged building. Plaintiff based its right to recovery on a New York standard mortgagee clause incorporated into a New York standard fire insurance policy. Before the suit was instituted, defendant had tendered payment to plaintiff in accordance with the findings of an appraisal of loss conducted by the mortgagor and defendant, which fully complied with the terms of the policy. This tender was rejected by plaintiff, which had no notice of, and did not participate in, the appraisal. Plaintiff contended it …

Wills-Statute Requiring Wills To Be Signed At The End Thereof-Facts Constituting Compliance, Roger D. Anderson

Michigan Law Review

Testator had properly executed his will in all respects except that following his and witnesses' signatures there appeared a clause appointing executors. New York statute law provided that to be valid a will must be signed at the end by the testator. Surrogate Court had denied probate. On appeal, held, affirmed. The statute was not complied with, for the end of a will is not found until the last word of all the provisions is reached. In re Winter's Will, 98 N.Y.S. (2d) 312 (1950).

Wills-Statute Requiring Wills To Be Signed At The End Thereof-Facts Constituting Compliance, Roger D. Anderson

Michigan Law Review

Testator had properly executed his will in all respects except that following his and witnesses' signatures there appeared a clause appointing executors. New York statute law provided that to be valid a will must be signed at the end by the testator. Surrogate Court had denied probate. On appeal, held, affirmed. The statute was not complied with, for the end of a will is not found until the last word of all the provisions is reached. In re Winter's Will, 98 N.Y.S. (2d) 312 (1950).

Federal Courts-Venue-Transfer To A More Convenient Forum Under Title 28, United States Code, Section 1404(A), Nolan W. Carson S. Ed.

Michigan Law Review

A cause of action based on diversity of citizenship was brought in a United States District Court in Pennsylvania by a New York corporation against a Delaware corporation. Plaintiff joined a New York corporation as an involuntary plaintiff. Defendant then moved for a transfer based on forum non conveniens to the Southern District of New York. Held, this suit could not have been brought originally in the Southern District of New York since the present involuntary plaintiff, amenable to process in that district, could only have been joined as a defendant and diversity of citizenship would have been absent. …

Jurisdiction-Diversity Of Citizenship-Corporations Domiciled In More Than One State, Harold G. Christensen

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff brought action against defendant railroad in the federal district court for New Jersey district alleging that she was a citizen of New Jersey and that defendant was a corporation and citizen of New York. Defendant moved to dismiss for lack of diversity of citizenship alleging that it was a consolidated corporation of New York and New Jersey. Held, action dismissed. Since corporate existence was dependent upon both states, and plaintiff was also a citizen of one, diversity did not appear. Gavin v. Hudson & Manhattan R. Co., (D.C. N.J.1950) 90 F. Supp. 172.