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Decisions of Interest
Rulings of importance to you and your practice.
Ruling Affirms Narrow Reading of 'Parent' in Same-Sex Case
Declining to overrule a 19-year-old precedent, the New York Court of Appeals narrowly held that a same-sex partner who has not adopted her partner's biological child cannot assert visitation rights under New York law.
NY Courts May End Civil Unions Performed Elsewhere
A New York court has the power to decide whether a civil union entered into outside the state should be dissolved, an Albany appeals panel ruled on March 18.
Features
NY's High Court Finds No 'Egregious Conduct'
Although a wife concealed the true paternity of a child born of an adulterous relationship and permitted her husband to incur the costs of raising that child, New York's high court found no "egregious conduct.
New Jersey's Domestic Partnership and Civil Union Acts
Domestic Partnership ("DP") and Civil Union ("CU") Acts have opened the door to various benefits for same-sex couples in New Jersey. Along with the benefits come issues and unanswered financial questions that family law practitioners and financial advisers must consider should the relationship end.
Features
Who Is 'Any Person'Anyway?
The federal government prohibits "any person" from intercepting oral, wire or electronic communications. Federal Wiretapping Act, 18 U.S.C. ' 2511(1). Though "any person" sounds universal enough, the definition of "any person" is complicated by exceptions created by federal circuit courts.
The Rise (and Fall) Of Consumer Fraud Nationwide Class Actions
The use of nationwide class actions as a vehicle for the aggregated resolution of multiple similar claims remains a controversial topic. Here's why.
Features
Practice Tip: The Rules of the Court of Public Opinion
The abundance of media outlets and the 24/7 news cycle they have created, both driving and feeding America's insatiable appetite for up-to-the minute news and gossip ' make it necessary to be prepared to try high-profile cases in the media as well as in court.
Component Parts Manufacturers in the Cross Hairs
A cluster of asbestos-related cases decided in 2009 has resulted in a trilogy of appellate decisions that reveals the key issues that arise in defending parts manufacturers from liability for components manufactured by others.
Leadership Lessons from a Civil War Colonel
Law firm leaders can learn a lot from Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, an unlikely hero of the Civil War.
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