This Week's Ten Most Popular TaxProf Blog Posts

UN Special Rapporteur Margaret Satterthwaite on Friday stated that Guatemala’s legal system is at a turning point, stressing that the country’s democratic future depends on whether upcoming judicial appointments are handled with transparency and whether criminal law is applied fairly and without political interference. Satterthwaite raised alarm over what she described as a “disturbing pattern” in which judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and journalists have been systematically targeted for their roles in investigating corruption and defending the rule of law. Her full end-of-mission statement documented how many former officials have been subjected to spurious legal proceedings, arbitrary detention, and smear campaigns aimed at discrediting their work and silencing dissent. The report underscored that these actions are not isolated incidents but part of an orchestrated effort to undermine Guatemala’s justice institutions. President Bernardo…

Ambulance Bill After Car Crash Right after a collision, most people think first about their injuries and their car. Yet, before long, another concern lands in the mailbox—a large Ambulance Bill After Car Crash. The ambulance company must be paid for the ride, the paramedics’ care, and the supplies they used to keep you stable. Because they are not part of your auto insurer’s network, they often bill you directly. The charge can feel shocking, especially when you thought insurance would take care of everything. It is normal to feel stressed when you see that number, but you do have options. Will Auto Insurance Cover the Entire Ambulance Bill After Car Crash? Most California auto policies include bodily injury liability for harm you cause to others, not for your own ambulance costs. Your personal injury protection, called “Med-Pay,” may help, but only if you bought it. Even then, Med-Pay limits can be as low as $1,000 and may not cover the…

Medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania are often complex, expensive, and time-consuming. Patients who suffer from medical negligence typically seek compensation through lawsuits, but litigation can take years to resolve and can be emotionally and financially draining for both sides. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers a more efficient way to handle these disputes. Mediation and arbitration are two common ADR methods that help parties reach settlements without going through a full court trial. This guide explains how ADR works in Pennsylvania medical malpractice cases, the differences between mediation and arbitration, and how to determine which method is best for your case.   What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Medical Malpractice? Definition and Purpose Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to legal methods used to settle disputes outside of court. In medical malpractice cases, ADR allows both the injured patient and the healthcare provider…

Interestingly enough, the city of North Las Vegas may be forced to pay out a settlement to a man who is currently being investigated for murder. Reports show the incident all began during a traffic stop on July 26th. On that day, 911 operators received a call about gunshots going off in a neighborhood near Martin Luther King and Pecos Road. Witnesses told the operators they saw three vehicles fleeing away from the scene. They described one of the cars as an orange Chevrolet Avalanche with chrome rims. Officers responding to the call noticed Raymond Padilla driving a vehicle that matched that exact description in a nearby area, so they initiated a stop. The officer asked the suspect for his driver’s license, but Padilla didn’t have it with him. That’s when the police asked Padilla to step out of the car. At that point, officers searched both the suspect and his vehicle. The officer discovered a handgun in the center console. Raymond Padilla was not allowed to…

The increasing reliance on technology as well as mistakes in identifying the proper person before taking action by law enforcement are two growing concerns for more false arrests and even false imprisonment from the perspective of criminal defense attorneys. Right now, SCOTUS is considering a significant case rooted in civil injury law but with resounding criminal defense applications in Martin v. United States, No. 24-362 (2025). The petition for writ of certiorari was granted on January 27, 2025; oral argument was heard on April 29, 2025 (read it here). Why is this important? The High Court is being asked to define the boundaries of the Federal Tort Claims Act (“FTCA”) and whether or not the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) can be sued for monetary damages after a “wrong-house raid.” Backstory: Here’s What Happened in Martin The story begins in Atlanta, Georgia. In October 2015, the FBI got a warrant and went out to conduct a…

The latest issue of the Journal of the History of International Law / Revue d'histoire du droit international (Vol. 27, no. 1, 2025) is out. Contents include:Special Issue: The Turn to Historiography in International Law Thomas Kleinlein & Jean d’Aspremont, The Turn to Historiography in International Law: Limitations and New Horizons Felix Lange, The ‘Narrative Turn’ and Its Limits Ryan Martínez Mitchell, The Narrative Fragmentation of International Legal History Tor Krever, Recovering the Radical Tradition in the International Legal History of Decolonisation Michele Tedeschini, Authorial Labour in the Postcolonial Historiography of International Law Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi, Futurism: Neglected Histories of International Law      

Over at Balkinization: a symposium on Dylan C. Penningroth's Before the Movement: The Hidden History of Black Civil Rights (Liveright, 2023), featuring contributors Evelyn Atkinson (Tulane), Ian Ayres (Yale), Mark Graber (Maryland), Steve Griffin (Tulane), Carol Rose (Yale), and Mark Tushnet (Harvard). Aditya Bamzai, University of Virginia School of Law, Johann Neem, Western Washington University, Farah Peterson, University of Chicago Law School, and Jack Rakove, Stanford University, on the Articles of Confederation at the National Constitution Center (YouTube).  Thomas J. McSweeney, William & Mary Law School, a recipient of the university's 2025 McGlothlin Award for Exceptional Teaching.On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 12PM – 1PM (Pacific) the Oregon Historical Society will host, as part of its series, "Historians and the News," the virtual event Free Speech, Misinformation, and National Security, a conversation with Sam Lebovic and…

Stay informed of the week’s notable events and shared resources with this curated list of Nonprofit Resources of the Week. Notable Nonprofit Posts, Articles, & Other Resources: How to Fend Off Attacks on Nonprofits—Three Key Strategies (Aaron Dorfman, NPQ) As the Tax Bill Heads to the Senate, Here’s How Philanthropy Is Fighting Back (Ben Gose, Chronicle of Philanthropy) Updated: Language Targeting NPO Exempt Status Pulled From Budget Bill For Now (Paul Clolery, Nonprofit Times) Harvard Does Have Options if It Loses Tax-Exempt Status (Ellen P. Aprill, Biran D. Galle, Philip Hackney, Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer, SSRN) Trump Administration Says It Is Halting Harvard’s Ability to Enroll International Students (Michael S. Schmidt and Michael C. Bender, NY Times) With the Law in Front of Him, Trump IRS Nominee Refuses to Say It’s Illegal for the President to Weaponize the IRS Against His Political Enemies (Elizabeth Warren – Billy…

If you’ve been arrested for a sex crime in Jersey City, your life can feel like it’s spinning out of control. You may be confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to expect next. Sex crimes carry severe penalties in New Jersey, including prison time, mandatory registration under Megan’s Law, and long-term damage to your reputation and future. Knowing what happens after a sex crime arrest can help you prepare and protect your rights from the very beginning. Below is a step-by-step guide through the legal process, specifically in Hudson County and Jersey City courts. 1. The Arrest and Booking Process If police have probable cause or a warrant, they will take you into custody. You’ll be brought to the police station, where you’ll undergo the booking process. This includes: Fingerprinting and photographs Recording your personal information Seizure of personal items Entry into the statewide criminal database At this stage, you should invoke your…

Opportunity:Workshop: Migrant Lives Online: Practicing Digital Research Methods, Online, 10 June 2025 [info]Short pieces: ‘Digitizing Pandora’s Box’: Why Civil Liberty Experts Fear DOGE’s Immigrant Database (Documented, May 2025) [text] Invisible Gatekeepers: DHS’ Growing Use of AI in Immigration Decisions (Immigration Impact Blog, May 2025) [text] - Focuses on the US. "IOM’s digital tool aims to speed up migrant removals, but at what cost?," The New Humanitarian, 18 May 2025 [text] - Focuses on Europe. See more tech-related stories from TNH here. Migration, Mobilities and Digital Technologies – a special series published in association with the ESRC Centre for Sociodigital Futures (Migration Mobilities Bristol, 2025) [access] "Website for US deportation airline GlobalX defaced by hackers," Reuters, 5 May 2025…

Unpaid child support is a challenging issue that significantly affects families across Texas and beyond. When parents face difficulties in fulfilling their child support obligations, it leads to emotional and financial strain on both custodial and non-custodial parents. More importantly, it impacts the well-being of children who rely on these funds for their daily needs. Understanding how to navigate this problem is crucial for ensuring a child’s stable and happy upbringing. Addressing unpaid child support is essential for the health and happiness of children. When child support goes unpaid, it can lead to a cascade of problems, from financial insecurity to emotional distress. By taking action to resolve these issues, parents can foster a better environment for their children, providing them with the support they deserve. This guide aims to help parents handle unpaid child support more effectively by outlining practical steps and solutions. Understanding Unpaid…

In recent public remarks quoted in The Times of London, Nick Clegg—the recently departed President of Global Affairs at Meta said the quiet part out loud.  Now known as a member of the Big Tech elite with fully vested Meta stock options, Clegg attempted to publicly rationalize the mass ingestion of copyrights and other expressive content into AI systems and his own role in massive theft.  Looks like he’ll need to make some new friends. Clegg dismissed concerns from the creator community around the world with a tone that suggests both inevitability andentitlement—that’s hard to do, but Clegg pulled it off. Did I say this same man was once deputy prime minister of the UK?  Well, that was a close call. According to The Times: Clegg said that their demands to make technology companies ask permission before using copyrighted work were unworkable and “implausible” because AI systems are already training on…

DiNAPOLI RELEASES GUIDE TO FEDERAL FUNDING IN NEW YORKClick on the text highlighted in color to access the full report.A new online resource released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli details the vast array of services that federal funding supports amid the continued uncertainty in Washington over potential cuts for states, including funds for Medicaid and other health programs, education, social welfare, transportation, public protection, environment and other vital programs.“Actions taken in Washington to cut health care, food assistance, infrastructure and other critical programs will harm New Yorkers,” DiNapoli said. “Major cuts will reduce the services the state provides that simply cannot be replaced by state taxpayers. Understanding how New Yorkers are served by federal dollars will be essential in seeing how future changes to federal spending will impact our residents and communities."DiNapoli’s guide presents…

A traffic collision involving two vehicles and a bicyclist occurred on the Bunker Hill overpass above Interstate 280 in San Francisco on the afternoon of May 23, 2025. The incident was reported at approximately 4:32 PM, prompting an emergency response to the scene. According to initial reports, the collision resulted in injuries to the bicyclist, though the extent of these injuries remains unclear. Emergency services were dispatched promptly, with an estimated arrival time of 45 minutes. The situation was managed efficiently, with units assigned and en route shortly after the incident was logged. The collision has raised concerns about the safety of cyclists navigating busy intersections and overpasses. Motorists and cyclists are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high traffic density. Our thoughts are with the injured cyclist, and we hope for a swift recovery. Potential Legal Considerations When someone is hurt because another…

A serious traffic collision involving three vehicles occurred on State Route 29 near Oakville Grade in Napa County on the afternoon of May 23, 2025. The incident, reported at approximately 2:28 PM, involved a black BMW sedan, a green SUV, and a gray cube vehicle. Emergency services, including CAL FIRE and EMS, were promptly dispatched to the scene. The collision resulted in the temporary blockage of all lanes, causing significant traffic delays in the southbound direction. Initial reports indicate that the BMW veered into the opposite lane, leading to a head-on collision. The California Highway Patrol confirmed that several individuals sustained injuries, although the extent of these injuries remains unclear at this time. Authorities worked diligently to clear the scene, and all lanes were reopened by 3:33 PM. Motorists are advised to exercise caution when traveling through the area and to remain vigilant for any residual traffic disruptions. Our thoughts are with those…

“It’s just a quick launch.”“I’ll circle back to the legal stuff later.”“I’ve got a great name — I’ll file the trademark after I build an audience.” If you’ve ever said anything like this, you’re not alone. But there’s a domino effect that kicks in when you treat legal as a later task. And once it starts falling, it’s hard (and expensive) to stop. The Seemingly Harmless Start:A creator launches a podcast, course, or product with a name they like. They skip the legal checks because it feels premature or “not worth the lawyer fees.” The Invisible Risk:The name is already taken, or the trademark filing is flawed. Contracts are vague or nonexistent. They’re exposed, but don’t know it. The First Domino Falls:They get a refusal from the trademark office. Or worse, a cease-and-desist from someone else who did file first. The Cost of Cleanup:Rebranding.…

If you are a military service member facing a domestic violence charge in San Diego, your career, reputation, and future are at stake. The consequences of a conviction can be severe, impacting everything from security clearance to deployment eligibility. At Sevens Legal, our San Diego domestic violence defense attorneys have experience in military career legal defense and understand the complexities of these types of cases. Call us at (619) 430-2355 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Key Takeaways • A domestic violence charge can impact both military and civilian careers, potentially leading to loss of rank, discharge, and future job restrictions. • Military personnel face harsher consequences than civilians, potentially including court-martial, dishonorable discharge, and loss of security clearance. • Service members convicted of domestic violence are prohibited from possessing firearms, making continued service difficult or…

Well, well, well. If it isn’t the consequences of Paul Weiss’s own actions. Earlier today, American Lawyer reported that Karen Dunn, Bill Isaacson, Jessica Phillips, and Jeannie Rhee are leaving Paul Weiss in the wake of its surrender to the Trump administration. They apparently dropped this news on the firm at today’s partnership meeting. Stone. Cold. Just the other day, we reviewed a letter from Paul Weiss responding to a legislative inquiry. In blowing off any suggestion that the deal breached legal or ethical standards, the firm wrote, “the agreement does not (and could not) permit the Administration to determine what matters we take on.” It seems several of the firm’s most prominent litigators disagreed with that assessment. The group plans to start their own firm to take on the Trump administration without being constricted by the vague Paul Weiss “settlement” agreement that Trump believes gives him a level of…