Applicable state laws regarding possession and use differ greatly across the United States, and many are in conflict with federal law. Navigating these laws can be complicated, but it is imperative that anyone using or carrying marijuana understand ... [Read more...]
Legalizing Recreational Marijuana: A New State Revolution?
Election night 2018 brought about several changes in the legal landscape, but probably none so stark or so surprising as the spread of recreational marijuana laws. States that have voted conservatively in recent elections voted on ballot measures ... [Read more...]
Domestic Violence and Financial Abuse
Domestic abuse may take different forms, from threats and insults to physical violence. However, there is another aspect of domestic abuse that can be as constricting and as devastating as physical and psychological harm. Financial abuse can take ... [Read more...]
Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism
On October 27, 2018, a man walked into a synagogue in Pittsburgh and opened fire, killing 11 people and injuring several others. The shooter, Robert Bowers, was arrested and charged with 29 separate charges: 11 counts of obstruction of exercise of ... [Read more...]
State Laws on Firearms and Domestic Abuse
Recently, Pennsylvania’s Republican-controlled legislature unanimously approved a bill that would require people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence to turn in their firearms within 24 hours. In passing this measure, Pennsylvania joins 29 ... [Read more...]
The Benefits and Costs of Flipping
A few weeks ago, President Trump made news (again) when he complained about his former attorney agreeing to cooperate with federal prosecutors. He said that Cohen’s action was “called flipping and it almost ought to be illegal.” The president’s ... [Read more...]
Heat, Cold and Animal Cruelty
The end of summer brings a final blast of hot days along with the realization that cold weather is just around the corner. For pet owners in some states, extreme weather also carries some liability: it may be illegal to leave your pet outside in ... [Read more...]
What Is Obstruction of Justice?
The news this week is dominated by discussion of whether President Trump is or is not being investigated for obstruction of justice. At issue is whether Trump asked FBI Director James Comey to drop the FBI’s investigation into former National ... [Read more...]
Should Images of Animal Cruelty Be Protected Under the First Amendment?
With the high-profile arrest and conviction of the NFL's Michael Vick, more people than ever are aware of the illegality of dogfighting. And now, the issue is coming before the United States Supreme Court...sort of. Robert Stevens isn't at the ... [Read more...]
COLUMN: The Law in Real Life: Drafting Mistake in Marijuana Law Creates Problems for Georgia Court
COLUMN: The Law in Real Life Drafting Mistake in Marijuana Law Creates Problems for Georgia Court Judges don't get up in the morning to fix legislative mistakes. They'll take their best shot at what the word "reasonable" means in a particular ... [Read more...]