Wireless Localism: Beyond The Shroud Of Objectivity In Federal Spectrum Administration,
2013
Fordham University School of Law
Wireless Localism: Beyond The Shroud Of Objectivity In Federal Spectrum Administration, Olivier Sylvain
Faculty Scholarship
Recent innovations in mobile wireless technology have instigated a debate between two camps of legal scholars about how policymakers should structure federal administration of the electromagnetic spectrum. The first argues that the Federal Communications Commission should define spectrum use rights more clearly and give spectrum licensees near fee-simple property rights in frequencies that they can use and sell in secondary markets as they wish. The second camp argues that, rather than award exclusive licenses to the highest bidder, the FCC ought to open much if not most of the spectrum to unlicensed use by smartphones and tablets equipped with the …
The Omnipresent Specter Of Omnicare,
2013
Fordham University School of Law
The Omnipresent Specter Of Omnicare, Sean J. Griffith
Faculty Scholarship
In this Article, written for a symposium commemorating the tenth anniversary of the Delaware Supreme Court’s opinion in Omnicare, Inc. v. NCS Healthcare, Inc., I argue, notwithstanding reports to the contrary, that Omnicare is still very much with us. Although there is a line of cases that qualifies the narrow holding of the opinion, the strong reading of Omnicare, which requires a fiduciary out in every merger agreement and elevates the “unremitting” duty to remain “fully informed” to an absolute jurisprudential principle, lives on in Delaware law, animating the Court of Chancery’s controversial rulings in the recent standstill cases. Shifting …
Localist Statutory Interpretation,
2013
Fordham University School of Law
Localist Statutory Interpretation, Ethan J. Leib
Faculty Scholarship
This paper argues for more attention to citizens’ point of contact with our legal system within local courts – and makes an effort to conceptualize local judges as parts of local governments. Once the paper highlights the role of local courts within the constellation of local government, it offers an argument for why certain forms of "localist judging" are appropriate postures for local judges to take when confronted with hard cases of statutory interpretation. The paper explores the virtues of a type of "intrastate judicial federalism."
The History Of Texas Civil Procedure,
2013
Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law
The History Of Texas Civil Procedure, William V. Dorsaneo Iii
Faculty Journal Articles and Book Chapters
The promulgation of rules of court by the Texas Supreme Court has been the principal mechanism for the regulation of proceedings in Texas courts. This article provides a historical overview of the development of these rules, the rule-making process, the impact of procedural rule-making on the administration of justice in Texas courts, and the continuing need for revision and reorganization of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. This article also acknowledges the enormous debt that is owed to the Texas judges, lawyers, and professors who have participated in the rule-making process, mostly without plaudits or even public recognition. In a …
State Wars - The Empire Strikes Back: The Federal/State Constitutional Power Confrontation,
2013
Suffolk University Law School
State Wars - The Empire Strikes Back: The Federal/State Constitutional Power Confrontation, Steven Ferrey
Suffolk University Law School Faculty Works
A significant pending case will carve the contours of United States constitutional governance for the nation regarding our most important technology and its implementation and "will probably be determined by the U.S. Supreme Court.... 'These are the kind of issues that the Supreme Court likes. It's a federal preemption case; it's a landmark case.' " The attorney general concurs that he would "be surprised" if the case if not destined for the Supreme Court. This matter defines Constitutional federalism and the application of two important clauses of the United States Constitution: - The Constitution's Supremacy Clause, with specific application of …
Getting Paid In Probate Court.,
2013
St. Mary's University
Getting Paid In Probate Court., Robert J. Augsburger
St. Mary's Law Journal
After reviewing the Texas Probate Code, the Texas Property Code, and current case law, this Essay compiles relevant information designed to assist attorneys in obtaining payment for services provided to their clients. An attorney ad litem is an officer of the court whose “fees are assessed as costs of suit” rather than requiring the ad litem to seek “fees only from his clients’ recovered shares.” Therefore, each attorney ad litem appointed under § 34A of the Texas Probate Code is entitled to reasonable compensation for services in the amount set by the court. The attorney’s fees “must be supported by …
The Advent Of State And Local Lobby Regulations And The Legal And Ethical Considerations For Attorneys.,
2013
St. Mary's University
The Advent Of State And Local Lobby Regulations And The Legal And Ethical Considerations For Attorneys., Ross Fischer, Jack Gullahorn
St. Mary's Journal on Legal Malpractice & Ethics
Advocacy is the primary goal and responsibility of two distinct and well-regulated professions: the lawyer and the lobbyist, each of whom is subject to his own set of rules and regulations. This Article is designed to analyze the intersection of the lawyer’s Disciplinary Code with developing, rules governing advocacy in the policy-making arenas throughout Texas. Increasingly, the line between legal and legislative advocacy has become blurred as more local Texas entities turn to state lobby regulations for inspiration. This Article will consider the state Lobby Law, including its history and structure, as a framework for subsequent efforts to regulate lobbying …
“A Scout Is Trustworthy”: Applying Virtue Ethics To Lawyer Professionalism.,
2013
St. Mary's University
“A Scout Is Trustworthy”: Applying Virtue Ethics To Lawyer Professionalism., Jeff Brown
St. Mary's Journal on Legal Malpractice & Ethics
This Article advocates the employment of the twelve-point Scout Law of the Boy Scouts of America as a professional ethics guide for lawyers. The Article begins by briefly relating the history of virtue ethics as a philosophical field of study and comparing and contrasting it with rule-based ethics. The Article continues with a brief history of the Scout Law. Finally, the Article explores how each of the twelve points of the Scout Law identifies a virtue relevant to the practice of law and how seeking to adhere to these virtues is crucial for attorneys hoping to lead a life of …
Keep Your “Friends” Close And Your Enemies Closer: Walking The Ethical Tightrope In The Use Of Social Media.,
2013
St. Mary's University
Keep Your “Friends” Close And Your Enemies Closer: Walking The Ethical Tightrope In The Use Of Social Media., John G. Browning
St. Mary's Journal on Legal Malpractice & Ethics
This Article will examine the ethical issues posed by lawyers’ use of social media platforms in light of the ABA Ethics Commission 20/20 changes to the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Social networking has had a transformative effect both on the way society shares information and on the legal profession. Much of the discussion to date focuses on the discovery and use of evidence from social media sites in criminal cases and civil litigation, but attention must also be directed to the ethical quandaries posed by the legal profession’s use of social media. This Article will consider issues such as …
Arbitration Clauses In Fee Retainer Agreements.,
2013
St. Mary's University
Arbitration Clauses In Fee Retainer Agreements., Chrissy L. Schwennsen
St. Mary's Journal on Legal Malpractice & Ethics
Due to the variety of approaches jurisdictions employ when determining the legal ramifications of arbitration clauses in fee retainer agreements, it’s best to include an explanation of the legal consequences of arbitration in the agreements. The attorney can, and should, fully explain the potential benefits of arbitration to clients. State courts take various viewpoints on the issue, and most stand contrary to the position of the American Bar Association (ABA) and state ethics committees on the subject. Consequently, attorneys must disclose truthful and accurate information regarding arbitration agreements when engaged in multijurisdictional practice in order to ensure protection from malpractice …
The Limited Power Of The Bar To Protect Its Monopoly.,
2013
St. Mary's University
The Limited Power Of The Bar To Protect Its Monopoly., Zachary C. Zurek
St. Mary's Journal on Legal Malpractice & Ethics
The weaknesses within unauthorized practice of law (UPL) laws, coupled with shaky and fragmented enforcement, allow nonlawyers to perform activities that are otherwise characterized as the practice of law. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), non-lawyers representing individuals in administrative settings, legal document preparation services, and other non-lawyers offering detailed legal advice pose serious threats to the bar and the individuals they serve. Uniformed standards of liability, ethics, and certification should be developed to ensure a balanced group of practitioners is available to the public. Pulling nonlawyers into the realm of liability for breach of professional responsibility would result in a higher …
Can Federal Courts Exercise Jurisdiction Over State Law Malpractice Claims Arising Out Of Patent Law Disputes?,
2013
St. Mary's University
Can Federal Courts Exercise Jurisdiction Over State Law Malpractice Claims Arising Out Of Patent Law Disputes?, Isaac C. Ta
St. Mary's Journal on Legal Malpractice & Ethics
Under 28 U.S.C. § 1338, federal courts generally have original jurisdiction over cases arising under federal civil law. Specifically, under 28 U.S.C. § 1338(a), federal courts have jurisdiction over cases brought under federal patent laws. As with any legal proceeding, the potential for legal malpractice as it relates to patent issues (e.g., proper patent filing) is very real. However, unlike patent law proceedings, legal malpractice is governed by state law.' When the two causes of action are intertwined, federal and state courts are presented with the issue of which court possesses proper jurisdiction. Some argue federal courts can properly exercise …
How An Obscure Tennessee Opinion Uncovers The Veil Of Legal Malpractice Between Asset-Protection Trusts And The Uniform Trust Code.,
2013
St. Mary's University
How An Obscure Tennessee Opinion Uncovers The Veil Of Legal Malpractice Between Asset-Protection Trusts And The Uniform Trust Code., Charles Epps Ipock
St. Mary's Journal on Legal Malpractice & Ethics
In the year 2000, the Uniform Law Commissioners approved the Uniform Trust Code (UTC). This was the first effort to provide states with an all-inclusive model for codifying their trust laws. Since then, at least twenty-three states adopted some, or most of the UTC. But this enactment did not come without controversy. Most of the controversies stem from provisions regarding asset-protection trusts. The net result of asset-protection trusts within the UTC essentially disposes of discretionary trusts by requiring them to contain spendthrift language. The undesirable effect of these provisions is that without a spendthrift clause any creditor can attach a …
Specialty Juvenile Courts In Texas: Using The Rehabilitative Juvenile Justice Approach To Reform Texas's Youngest Gang Members.,
2013
St. Mary's University
Specialty Juvenile Courts In Texas: Using The Rehabilitative Juvenile Justice Approach To Reform Texas's Youngest Gang Members., Drew Darnell
St. Mary's Law Journal
Abstract Forthcoming.
Civil Liability Approaches To The Stolen Valor Epidemic.,
2013
St. Mary's University
Civil Liability Approaches To The Stolen Valor Epidemic., Lauren A. Valkenaar
St. Mary's Law Journal
Over the years, civilians and members of the military have falsely claimed honors “stealing” the valor, reputation and benefits bestowed upon actual medal recipients. Lawmakers have historically addressed this problem of stolen valor with criminal prosecution. In 2005, Congress passed the Stolen Valor Act, making it illegal for an individual to lie about receiving military awards. However, the constitutionality of the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 was challenged in United States v. Alvarez. The Supreme Court of the United States found that the act violated the First Amendment because it was a content-based restriction on speech regarding military service. Therefore, …
The Strange Case Of Lieutenant Waddell: How Overly Restrictive Rules Of Engagement Adversely Impact The American War Fighter And Undermine Military Victory.,
2013
St. Mary's University School of Law
The Strange Case Of Lieutenant Waddell: How Overly Restrictive Rules Of Engagement Adversely Impact The American War Fighter And Undermine Military Victory., Jeffrey F. Addicott
St. Mary's Law Journal
A rules of engagement (“ROE”) Review Board should be created in order to provide an impartial review process for service members facing adverse administrative action for violations of ROE. Politicians defining the ROE, rather than military experts, create rules that are so restrictive and confusing that they ultimately run counter to the military objective of victory. A violation of a ROE can be a criminal offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, but violations are issued arbitrarily, and often the military does not charge the service member with a crime, instead using adverse administrative measures to impose punishment. While …
Taking A Toll On The Equities: Governing The Effect Of The Plra's Exhaustion Requirement On State Statutes Of Limitations,
2013
University of Georgia School of Law
Taking A Toll On The Equities: Governing The Effect Of The Plra's Exhaustion Requirement On State Statutes Of Limitations, Keri E. Mccrary
Georgia Law Review
If prisoners are required by federal law to exhaust
institutional remedies before they may file suit in federal
court, should a prisoner with a legitimate claim suffer
dismissal by the federal court if the statute of limitations
lapses during the time the prisoner spends exhausting
administrative remedies? The Prisoner Litigation Reform
Act (PLRA) of 1996 offers no guidance. Federal courts
may choose to apply equitable tolling to a prisoner's claim
should this predicament arise, saving it from dismissal
based on tardiness, but nothing requires the court to do so.
The PLRA's enigmatic exhaustion requirement has
engendered much litigation, and the …
The Case For Public Pension Reform: Early Evidence From Kentucky,
2013
Boston University School of Law
The Case For Public Pension Reform: Early Evidence From Kentucky, Maria O'Brien
Faculty Scholarship
Kentucky has managed to effect major changes to some of its pension plans in the face of poor funding ratios that threatened to swamp other budget priorities. At this point it is unclear whether the reforms are deep enough to bring the plans funding levels in line with those of “healthy” states like Wisconsin. It is also unclear whether there is the political will in other jurisdictions to curb costs by moving to defined contribution or hybrid cash balance vehicles. Transparency combined with a fear that pension obligations would soon swamp all other state budget priorities appears to have been …
Language Access Laws And Legal Issues: A Local Official's Guide,
2013
UC Hastings College of the Law
Language Access Laws And Legal Issues: A Local Official's Guide, David Jung, Noemí O. Gallardo
Faculty Scholarship
No abstract provided.
Brief Of Federalism Scholars As Amici Curiae In Support Of Respondent Windsor,
2013
Duke Law School
Brief Of Federalism Scholars As Amici Curiae In Support Of Respondent Windsor, Ernest A. Young
Faculty Scholarship
No abstract provided.
