Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash in Sebastopol: Understanding Legal Rights After Tree Collision Accidents

Photo by Kristu00f3f Sass-Kovan on Pexels.comBy Teagan Raffenbeul Light & Wonder, a manufacturer of automated card-shuffling machines, recently found itself at the center of high-stakes antitrust disputes. With active cases in both New York and Chicago, these proceedings have the potential to reshape the antitrust and arbitration landscape. Class Arbitration Approved in Case Against Light & Wonder In 2021, more than 100 casinos filed claims alleging Light & Wonder attempted to monopolize the automated card shuffling market. The casinos allege Light & Wonder used fraudulent patent claims to establish a monopoly on automated card shufflers, thereby excluding competitors and maintaining market dominance. Since these casinos have arbitration agreements with Light & Wonder, they are required to resolve any disputes exclusively through arbitration.  In a landmark decision, John Wilkinson, an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association,…

Sigrid Vendrell-Polanco (St. Mary's University Law School) has posted Puerto Rican Presidential Voting Rights: Why Precedent Should Be Overturned, and Other Options for Suffrage (89 Brook. L. Rev. 563 (2024)) on SSRN. Here is the abstract: The United States has continued to hold Puerto Rico as a colony, much like the British empire did the US colonies, and has given it no clear path to incorporation, statehood, or independent sovereignty. It has also denied its citizens the right to vote for their president and have voting representation in Congress. Current case law regarding Puerto Rican presidential voting rights and voting representation in Congress rests on precedent that dates almost as far back as its acquisition—the infamous Insular Cases. This case law is inconsistent with prior precedent, constitutional principles, and does not account for Puerto Rico’s contributions and deep entanglement with the United States. Neither does it account for the…

Learn how to use a Miller Trust (Qualified Income Trust) in Florida to maintain Medicaid eligibility. Discover permitted expenses, legal requirements, and how an elder law attorney can help.

For the moment, in the American legal academy, there seems to be a fair amount of support for the idea that the burden of proof in fact-finding is centered around a vigorous contest between the plausibility of competing stories advanced by the litigants. Professors Ronald Allen and Alex Stein, two well-respected evidence law scholars have written widely about this “relative plausibility” theory of adjudication and the burden of proof.[1] They claim to “demonstrate that factfinders decide cases predominantly by applying the relative plausibility criterion guided by inference to the best explanation … .”[2] As they see American courtroom practice, the norm is “the relative plausibility mode of factfinding involving a rigorous comparison between the parties’ stories about the individual event.”[3] They insist that their “theory aligns with ordinary people’s natural reasoning.”[4] I am not so sure. Semantically, the…

Traffic stops are among the most common interactions between citizens and law enforcement in Florida. While most traffic stops end with a warning or citation, some escalate to vehicle searches that can lead to serious criminal charges. Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers believe that understanding when police can legally search your vehicle is essential knowledge for every driver in Broward County. The Legal Framework for Vehicle Searches The Fourth Amendment Protection The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides the fundamental protection against unreasonable searches and seizures: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” While this protection…

Our grateful thanks to Mike Norman of Harrow Law Centre, our now designated person for housing law in Wales, for this detailed and thoughtful view on whether Wales will be left behind in retaining possession claims with no grounds required. Introduction It is often argued (including very frequently, by me) that Cardiff Bay has run the more progressive housing regime within our shared jurisdiction, since the expansion of Welsh devolution in 2011. With the flagship component of the pending Renters Rights Bill in England however proposing the end of section 21 by abolishing Assured Shorthold tenancies, a question arises as to whether Wales should consider itself ‘left behind’ if it doesn’t follow suit. I’m very aware saying this, that the recent legislative statement by the Counsel-General, Julie James (para 187 onwards) made clear that the Welsh Government’s focus during the remainder of the Senedd term will relate to homelessness rather than to any…

Hammersmith & Fulham Law Centre Housing Solicitor/ Caseworker Salary: £34,000 – £50,000 (depending on experience) Working hours: 35 per week, Hybrid working Contract: Permanent Benefits include 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, compressed hours 4 day working week and flexible working. Our offices in Hammersmith are on the Piccadilly, District and Hammersmith & City Line tubes. We require a solicitor or caseworker for our small, friendly housing team. We are looking for someone who meets the LAA supervisor standard, although applications will be considered from those who do not meet the standard. The successful candidate will run their own caseload of legal help and certificated cases for clients and will participate in the HLPAS Scheme. Hammersmith & Fulham Law Centre is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all candidates who meet the person specification regardless of age, religion, gender, sexual orientation,…

When you’re facing sex crime charges in New Jersey, the attorney you choose can make or break your case. And while any licensed criminal defense attorney can technically represent you, hiring someone who is local to Jersey City—and deeply familiar with Hudson County courts—offers a level of insight, access, and strategy that outsiders simply can’t match. Here’s why choosing a local jersey city sex crime law firm isn’t just a convenience—it’s a critical advantage. 1. Familiarity with Local Courts and Prosecutors Every courthouse has its own rhythms, procedures, and personalities. A local sex crime defense lawyer understands: How Hudson County judges typically rule on motions and sentencing Which prosecutors are more likely to negotiate versus push for trial The informal rules and preferences that aren’t written down but influence every case This kind of familiarity allows a local attorney to anticipate challenges, prepare…

As the work landscape continues to evolve after the COVID-19 pandemic, one issue that continues to surface for Ontario employees is the question of remote work reversals. Employers that permitted or even encouraged remote work during the pandemic are now calling workers back to the office after several years away. But in a post-pandemic world where remote work has become the norm for many, can your employer force you to return? This blog explores the legal and practical implications of returning to the office in Ontario, focusing on employees’ rights and obligations under employment law, the enforceability of return-to-office mandates, and potential legal recourse for employees affected by a reversal of remote work policies. The Rise and Reversal of Remote Work The shift to remote work in early 2020 was unprecedented, driven by public health imperatives rather than long-term planning. Many Ontario employers quickly adapted, and numerous employees embraced the flexibility,…

Surrogacy can be a beautiful path to parenthood, but it also comes with intricate legal challenges, especially when undertaken overseas. In a recent and cautionary case from Queensland, Australia, a couple’s journey to parenthood through commercial surrogacy in North Cyprus ended not with joy alone, but with legal turmoil and potential criminal charges. This video unpacks the complexities of the Lloyd and Compton case, highlighting critical lessons for anyone considering surrogacy abroad. Drawing on decades of experience advising over 2,000 surrogacy journeys worldwide, Stephen Page from Page Provan Family and Fertility Lawyers sheds light on the pitfalls of overseas commercial surrogacy and the importance of expert legal guidance. The Lloyd and Compton Case: A Surrogacy Journey Gone Wrong The case of Lloyd and Compton, decided by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in January, involved a Queensland couple who sought surrogacy services in North Cyprus.…

Dentons has become the first large law firm in Australia to announce they have achieved a 0% median gender gay gap, after just completing the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Compliance reporti

When parents part ways, establishing clear custody agreements becomes a significant task. These agreements not only set the groundwork for each parent’s legal responsibilities but also provide stability and assurance for children involved. Without a clear plan, misunderstandings and conflicts can arise, causing stress for everyone. A well-thought-out custody agreement can help reduce these issues, ensuring that both the children’s and parents’ needs are met satisfactorily. Clear custody agreements offer guidelines on important matters such as visitation rights, holiday schedules, and parental responsibilities. They help to avoid confusion and create a structured environment where children can thrive. By taking the time to develop a comprehensive agreement, parents can ensure smoother transitions and more peaceful co-parenting experiences. It’s like setting up the rules for a game; everyone knows what to expect, which makes for a more enjoyable and…

Medical malpractice cases are inherently complex, often involving intricate medical evidence and legal principles. One of the most critical aspects of medical malpractice in Pennsylvania is comparative negligence. Understanding how comparative negligence influences compensation and liability in medical malpractice cases is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers. In Pennsylvania, the law recognizes that sometimes, both the patient and the healthcare provider may share fault in causing an injury. This article will explore the nuances of comparative negligence in Pennsylvania medical malpractice cases, including how fault is determined, how damages are calculated, and how both patients and healthcare professionals can protect their interests.   What is Comparative Negligence? Definition of Comparative Negligence Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that allows for the allocation of fault when more than one party is responsible for an injury. In medical…

On May 14, 2025, Lee Zeldin, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, announced the agency will retain its current National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for two of the most studied per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). With this announcement, the agency provided a roadmap as to its intention to continue protecting public health from these so called “forever chemicals” while introducing new regulatory flexibility aimed at the compliance burden for drinking water systems, particularly small and rural water systems. While some have mischaracterized this as a roll back from what the Biden Administration had announced, most in the environmental industrial complex have commended the agency for balancing science based health protections with regulatory pragmatism. The EPA’s decision reflects a reprioritized agency commitment to safeguarding drinking water, honoring the…

[Legal scholar Rebecca Ingber offers some strong arguments against deference in this context.] A prison guard transfers Alien Enemies Act deportees from the U.S., alleged to be Venezuelan gang members, to the Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador. Mar. 16, 2025 (El Salvador Presidential Press Office)  President Trump has been trying use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 as a tool for mass deportation. The AEA allows detention and deportation of foreign citizens of relevant states (including legal immigrants, as well as illegal ones) "[w]henever there is a declared war between the United States and any foreign nation or government, or any invasion or predatory incursion is perpetrated, attempted, or threatened against the territory of the United States by any foreign nation or government." Multiple federal courts have ruled against Trump on the grounds that his invocation of the AEA is illegal because there is no declared war, and the activities…

Ward Law Office LLC | Registered Patent Attorneys is pleased to announce that Fernando Alberdi, Ph.D. has joined the firm as a Managing Attorney.“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Alberdi to Ward Law Office LLC as a Managing Attorney,” said Jake Ward, Founding Member. “His exceptional expertise in life sciences intellectual property and proven track record counseling both public and private sector clients will be invaluable as we expand our intellectual property practice. Fernando’s unique combination of scientific and legal acumen positions us perfectly to serve the growing needs of our clients in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.” Dr. Alberdi focuses his practice on patent preparation and prosecution in life science, chemical, biopharmaceutical and biotechnological arts. He counsels public and private companies as well as non-profit institutions including hospitals, research institutions and universities on the full spectrum of…

[While there is no constitutional right to receive grants, the Constitution does bar grant conditions that undermine constitutional rights.] (Photo 181642336 © Zimmytws | Dreamstime.com)The Trump Administration has been trying to leverage federal grants in ways that force various people and organizations to give up their constitutional rights or submit to constraints that go beyond the constitutional authority of the federal government. A standard response to criticisms of such policies that people have no right to these grants in the first place. Receiving federal grants and other government benefits, it is said, is a "privilege, not a right." Thus, the federal government can impose whatever conditions it wants on recipients. In an excellent recent Washington Post article, University of Pennsylvania law Prof. Mitchell Berman has a great explanation of why such reasoning is badly wrong: Universities refuse to fully dismantle their DEI programs? The Trump…

Being accused of a sex crime is a life-altering event. In New Jersey, these charges carry serious legal penalties and lasting social consequences. Whether the allegation stems from a misunderstanding, mistaken identity, or false accusation, your next steps are critical to your future. Here’s a practical guide on what to do if you’re facing a sex crime allegation in New Jersey. 1. Do Not Attempt to Explain Yourself to Police One of the biggest mistakes people make after being accused of a sex offense is trying to “clear things up” with law enforcement. You might believe that if you just explain your side of the story, everything will work out. Unfortunately, anything you say can and will be used against you. Even innocent-sounding statements may be misinterpreted or taken out of context later. Instead, politely invoke your right to remain silent and state that you will not speak without an attorney present. 2. Do Not Contact the Alleged Victim Even if you…