None of those who have written on the subject of performing parenting evaluations has asserted that the task is an easy one. There has, however, been broad agreement among writers in the mental health fields, and reasonable clarity in law, concerning the objective that evaluators should endeavor to meet.
Under the provisions of the FTCA, an action may not be instituted upon a claim against the United States for money damages caused by the negligent act of any federal employee acting within the scope of his employment, unless the claimant first presents the claim to the appropriate federal agency and the claim is finally denied by the agency in writing and sent by certified or registered mail. If the agency fails to make a final disposition of the claim within six months after it is filed, the claimant may deem the claim denied.
In last month's newsletter, we looked at the development of statutory and case law surrounding the admission of learned treatises, such as medical books, textbooks and practice guidelines, in medical malpractice cases. Although everyone knows that these documents must be authenticated before they may be admitted into evidence as proof of the facts contained therein, the question remains whether the learned treatise doctrine permits cross-examination with a learned text absent prior authentication as to that source's reliability.
Last month, we discussed the fact that the limitations period for the filing of claims under the "Vaccine Act" has kept many from recovering for vaccine-related injuries. The discussion continues herein.
A Family Court order that a teenage sexual abuse victim undergo a highly intrusive "forensic medical examination" violated her Fourth Amendment rights, a Brooklyn appellate court has ruled.
The DOJ's Criminal Division issued three declinations since the issuance of the revised CEP a year ago. Review of these cases gives insight into DOJ's implementation of the new policy in practice.
To build visibility for its brand, a record label or production company will want its logo included on products containing its master recordings manufactured and distributed by third parties. This will be addressed in the agreement between the label or production company and manufacturer/distributor. The failure to include the logo may raise a host of issues, from the breadth of the logo-placement obligation ' such as whether it includes Internet downloads ' to the proper theory on which to base any damages and just which album-sales figures are subject to evidentiary discovery. A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ' in a long-running dispute between Cleveland International Records and Sony Music Entertainment ' illustrated how these issues may be argued and decided.
The law firm office cannot remain unchanged, as if frozen in time set to some date prior to the onset of pandemic, when the terms and meaning have all changed. In fact, the office must now provide benefits or an experience the lawyers and staff cannot get at home.
The parameters set forth in the DOJ's memorandum have implications not only for the government's evaluation of compliance programs in the context of criminal charging decisions, but also for how defense counsel structure their conference-room advocacy seeking declinations or lesser sanctions in both criminal and civil investigations.
