Lawinfo Weblog » Privacy

Text Messages Increasingly Used as Evidence in Divorce Cases

Caitlyn Obolsky, Esq. — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:29:03 +0000

I thought this article discussing the advent of smartphones, and their influence on divorces, was interesting. What I gleaned from the text, no pun intended, was the notion that the increasing amount of written communication creates an increasingly tangible trail. Thus, spouses searching for evidence of infidelity, or [...]

Minnesota Newborn DNA Collection Class Action

Caitlyn Obolsky, Esq. — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:48:57 +0000

Minnesota Newborn Screening Program Keeps Minors’ DNA for Testing, Etc.

A class action comprised of parents of newborns in Minnesota is suing the state, its Department of Health, and its commissioner, claiming that they have violated the state’s Genetic Privacy Act, which took effect in 2006. The Act was [...]

To Catch A Predator Faces Lawsuit

Caitlyn Obolsky, Esq. — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:23:43 +0000

“Predator” Sues “To Catch a Predator” & NBC

I read this article a while ago about the NBC show, “To Catch a Predator,” and then when I saw the show air this weekend, I thought it was worth broaching the topic: what protections should these potential predators be entitled [...]

Muslim Woman Sues Southwest Airlines After Being Thrown Off Flight

Justin Witzmann — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:06:53 +0000

The Muslim woman who was recently forced off of a Southwest Airlines flight departing from San Diego has decided to sue Southwest, according to Washingtonpost.com.

Back in March before her plane had taken off from San Diego Irum Abbassi was on her cellphone with a Verizon representative when she notified the representative [...]

What is Defamation?

Caitlyn Obolsky, Esq. — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:27:20 +0000

What Exactly is Defamation?

Defamation occurs when a person makes a false statement about another person causing them some sort of measurable harm. It is somewhat like the legal equivalent of gossip. In order to successfully prove that defamation has occurred, a plaintiff must prove that defendant [...]

Social Security Wrongly Declares Thousands Dead Each Year.

Shannon Blanchard, Esq. — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:00:24 +0000

Imagine waking up one sunny, beautiful day only to be told that you were dead. It sounds like an interesting story line for a movie or perhaps a weird dream but unfortunately it appears that Social Security does exactly that to thousands of people each year – even [...]

Legal Implications of the Defense of Marriage Act on Gay Marriage

Caitlyn Obolsky, Esq. — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:38:43 +0000

Gay Marriage: Separate but Equal?

This weekend gay couples were wed by the hundreds.New York is the sixth state to legalize gay marriage. However, gay couples still face a litany of legal issues so long as The Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”), remains in place.

Among other provisions, DOMA recognizes marriage as [...]

Can You Be Fired For Smoking Medical Marijuana?

Mark Sweet, Esq — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 12:57:04 +0000

In some states, those suffering from certain diseases are given medical marijuana cards. This allows those patients to purchase, or grow, a certain amount of marijuana to help treat their illness. However, despite some states allowing people to utilize marijuana, it is still an illegal drug to the federal government. This juxtaposition of standards has [...]

Should A Company Be Able To Drug Test Everyone, Regardless Of Suspected Drug Use?

Mark Sweet, Esq — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:40:59 +0000

When you join a company, you usually are required to sign an employment contract. This contract contains several provisions, including the right to drug test you. Usually, a company will reserve the right to drug test someone if they believe you may be under the influence of drugs. However, in Florida, the

Should Police Be Able To Stop And Frisk Taxi Passengers?

Mark Sweet, Esq — Sun, 29 May 2011 23:23:05 +0000

When someone is pulled over by the police, they are subject to a visual search. If the officer believes that there is illegal activity or they fear for their safety, a police officer can generally frisk the person. However, the latest New York law based upon the Taxi/Livery Robbery Inspection Program (TRIP).

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