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Bush Vows To Veto Troop Withdrawal Plan
U.S. Legal News |
2007/04/27 16:41
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President Bush warned Congress Friday that he will continue vetoing war spending bills as long as they contain a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. Speaking a day after the Democratic-controlled Congress approved legislation that requires that a troop drawdown begin by Oct. 1, Bush said - as expected - he will veto it because of that demand. He invited congressional leaders to come to the White House to discuss a new piece of legislation that does not include a timetable, and expressed optimism a deal could be reached. But he made clear that if Democrats insist on including timetables again, he will not hesitate to bring out his veto pen. "If they want to try again that which I've said is unacceptable, of course I won't accept it,'' the president said during a news conference here with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "I hope it won't come to that.'' |
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Nevada court OKs lawyer advertising rules
Court Feed News |
2007/04/27 15:51
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Rule changes to ensure lawyers' ads are accurate and that clients aren't misled were approved Thursday by the Nevada Supreme Court. But justices say they can't demand that ads be in good taste. "Citizens often choose lawyers based solely on their advertisements," said Justice James Hardesty, who helped get the new rules passed. "Because choosing a lawyer can be such an important decision, we want our citizens to have accurate and complete information." "Lawyer advertising, because of its sheer volume, touches virtually everyone in Nevada and influences the public's perception about attorneys in general," said Chief Justice William Maupin. One new rule prohibits lawyers from making claims that create an unjustified expectation about the outcome of a case. If a law firm advertises that it has obtained certain verdicts, for example, it must be able to provide proof. Another reform requires that ads promoting a fee arrangement must advertise the entire arrangement. Justice Hardesty noted that one law firm advertised a low-percentage contingency fee, but didn't say the fee escalated if the case was not resolved in 30 days. What will no longer be regulated is whether or not an ad is in bad taste. "Taste is something we cannot govern without infringing on First Amendment rights," said Hardesty. "So restrictions on taste will be eliminated, but the new rules will make sure the content is not false or misleading." Under the new rules, taking effect Sept. 1, lawyers must submit their ads to the State Bar for review within 15 days after publication or broadcast. If an ad is deemed to be inaccurate or misleading, it must be pulled. Attorneys can submit ads in advance for an advisory determination. Because advertisements generally don't reveal a lawyer's background, attorneys also must provide their resumes to clients who request them. |
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California Lawmakers Approve Prison Plan
Lawyer Blog News |
2007/04/27 15:43
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California state legislators approved Thursday a $8.3 billion dollar program to construct facilities to provide 53,000 new prison and jail beds over the next five years, as part of an effort to alleviate California's overcrowded prisons. Lawmakers said that the plan will also dedicate more resources to rehabilitation and reduce California's 70 percent recidivism rate. The bill also gives the legislature "clear statutory authority to voluntarily and involuntarily transfer prisoners out-of-state for the next four years." A previous out-of-state transfer plan by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was struck down by a state court because California law prohibits the governor from contracting with private companies to perform jobs usually held by state employees. California's prison system, originally designed for 100,000 inmates, currently houses 173,000 inmates and has resorted to housing approximately 17,000 inmates in temporary beds in locations like prison gymnasiums. In February, Schwarzenegger announced a plan to release prisoners convicted of nonviolent crimes in response to various federal actions that could establish federal oversight of California's prison system if the overcrowding problem is not resolved. |
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Zachares pleads guilty to accepting bribes
Lawyer Blog News |
2007/04/27 13:45
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Former Labor and Immigration Secretary Mark Zachares pleaded guilty Tuesday to accepting tens of thousands of dollars in gifts from lobbyist Jack Abramoff in an influence-peddling scandal that has touched the White House, Interior Department and congressional Republicans. Zachares, 48, was the 11th person to be convicted in the Justice Department probe. Zachares admitted engaging in official acts on Abramoff's behalf while working for Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, who chaired the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Abramoff assisted Zachares in obtaining his committee post. Zachares left Young's staff in 2005. Young's office did not return repeated phone calls seeking comment Monday and Tuesday. Zachares pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle to one count of conspiracy. He faces a maximum of five years in prison, but under federal sentencing guidelines will likely face two years or less. He is the fifth congressional staffer to plead guilty in the Abramoff scandal, including two ex-aides to former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas. Zachares entered his plea before Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle. He faces up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and supervised release following his incarceration. |
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New Hampshire legislature passes civil unions bill
Legal Career News |
2007/04/27 12:44
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The New Hampshire Senate voted 14-10 Thursday in favor a bill allowing same-sex civil unions, sending the legislation on to Gov. John Lynch for signature. The bill, passed by the state House of Representatives earlier this month, would authorize same-sex couples to enter into civil unions with "the same rights, responsibilities, and obligations as married couples." Lynch said last week that he will sign the legislation. Currently, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and New Jersey are the only states that recognize full civil unions. The Oregon House of Representatives approved a civil unions bill earlier this month, and Washington's State Senate passed a domestic partnership bill last month. New York Governor Eliot Spitzer said earlier this week that he would introduce legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in New York. |
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Judge Korda Pleads Not Guilty In Pot Case
Lawyer Blog News |
2007/04/27 11:48
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One of the Broward County judges involved in the Anna Nicole Smith proceedings in South Florida has entered a written plea of not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession. Circuit Judge Lawrence Korda was cited last month after Hollywood Police officers allegedly found him smoking marijuana while sitting under a tree in a park. After being charged, Korda took a leave of absence from the bench. Korda's moment in the media spotlight surrounding the Smith case came when he was asked to rule on who should have control over the former Playboy Playmate's body. The final ruling in that case was eventually issued by Circuit Judge Larry Seidlin. Korda also heard arguments in a related case, seeking to determine the biological father of the baby. He ruled that a Bahamian court had jurisdiction over the child's custody. |
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