Recent Developments from Around the States
National rulings of interest to you and your practice.
Features
Supreme Court Clarifies Standard of Proof for Mixed-Motive Discrimination Cases
At the conclusion of its most recent 2002-2003 term, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision clarifying plaintiffs' standard of proof in "mixed-motive" employment discrimination cases under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Civil Rights Act of 1991. In <i>Desert Palace, Inc. v. Costa</i>, the Court held that a plaintiff is required to prove by direct evidence that an unlawful factor was a "motivating factor" in the challenged adverse employment action. Instead, a plaintiff can prove his or her discrimination claim in a mixed-motive case by circumstantial evidence. As a result of this decision, defendants will find it more difficult to obtain summary judgment dismissing mixed-motive discrimination cases prior to trial, the result of which will be that more such cases will be subjected to the uncertainties of jury trials.
Features
Hostile Environment As Form of Retaliation
Can the creation of a hostile environment suffice as an adverse employment action in a retaliation claim under Title VII and in similar state and city actions?
Features
Letter from the Editor
A "hello" from our new Editor-in-Chief, Elizabeth Anne "Betiayn" Tursi.
Cameo Clips
Copyright Jurisdiction/ Television Licenses The issue of whether a TV programming license was properly terminated is to be decided by a state, rather…
Features
CA Governor Signs Harshest Anti-Spam Bill in U.S.
He may be voted out of office soon, but California Governor Gray Davis is making his mark in the Internet world before he goes. On September 23, Davis signed what to date is the toughest anti-spam bill in the U.S.
Features
Non-Prescription Drug Ad Restructions Eased in UK
The latest from the UK.
Need Help?
- Prefer an IP authenticated environment? Request a transition or call 800-756-8993.
- Need other assistance? email Customer Service or call 1-877-256-2472.
MOST POPULAR STORIES
- Second Circuit Reinforces Bankruptcy Code Settlement Payment Safe HarborThe Second Circuit affirmed the lower courts' judgment that a "transfer made … in connection with a securities contract … by a qualifying financial institution" was entitled "to the protection of ... §546 (e)'s safe harbor ...."Read More ›
- The DOJ's Corporate Enforcement Policy: One Year LaterThe 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.Read More ›
- The DOJ's New Parameters for Evaluating Corporate Compliance ProgramsThe 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.Read More ›
- Use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements In White Collar InvestigationsThis article discusses the practical and policy reasons for the use of DPAs and NPAs in white-collar criminal investigations, and considers the NDAA's new reporting provision and its relationship with other efforts to enhance transparency in DOJ decision-making.Read More ›
- Questions Every Law Firm Business Development Leader Should Be AskingIn a legal marketplace transformed by technology, heightened client expectations, and fierce competition, law firm leaders must approach strategy with rigor and clarity. The following questions, accompanied by relevant statistics and explanations, offer a focused guide for uncovering opportunity and driving sustainable growth.Read More ›
