Limiting Computer Crime Losses With Cyberinsurance
June 29, 2004
Estimates of the amount of damage to U.S. businesses caused by computer crime vary greatly, but there is no doubt that corporate America's increased reliance on information technology has led in recent years to a dramatic increase in such losses. <br>A 2003 study by the Computer Security Institute and the FBI found that 90% of respondents had suffered breaches of their computer system within the past year. Reports of specific instances of computer crime also suggest that the risk of damage to computer systems is real and growing.<br>Despite these real and substantial risks, many companies are not doing enough to protect themselves.
Net News
June 29, 2004
Cases and news of interest in the Internet industry. This month: House Committee Passes SPY ACT, Judge Blocks Utah Spyware Law, the RIAA Is At It Again, and more!
Massachusetts Is Forced to Fight
June 28, 2004
The first of the anticipated lawsuits by municipalities and individuals against Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney's decision not to allow out-of-state same-sex couples to marry there were filed last month.
A Failed Attempt to Avoid Legal Fees
June 28, 2004
Matrimonial attorneys often have trouble collecting their fees from clients. This can be especially true when the case has been resolved and the client is dissatisfied with the outcome. Clients may get very creative in their efforts to avoid making payment. Case in point: A suit brought by a law firm against a nonpaying client was recently decided in the firm's favor, in spite of the defendant client's unusual attempt to be excused from his obligation.
Domestic Violence Courts Become Integrated in New York
June 28, 2004
While domestic violence courts have become fixtures all across the country, New York is taking them a giant step further. They are morphing into integrated courts where criminal, family and matrimonial matters are all heard in the same court by the same judge under a model that will reach all New York communities by 2006.
Grand Jury Finds Fault with Westchester County's Child Protective Services
June 28, 2004
Prompted by the deaths of two children and the injuries two others sustained when Westchester Child Services returned abused children to their parents, a grand jury was convened in January to make recommendations for improvements to the system. The members of the grand jury heard sworn testimony from nearly 30 witnesses, examined over a hundred pieces of evidence and analyzed relevant law. They found that there were systematic failings in protective services to prevent injury and death to children already under the supervision of DSS.
New Paltz Mayor Issued Permanent Injunction
June 28, 2004
On June 7, Ulster County Supreme Court Judge E. Michael Kavanagh issued an order permanently enjoining Mayor Jason West of New Paltz from officiating at same-sex weddings until such time as state law is changed to allow such marriages. This was the nation's first permanent injunction against a public official's officiating at these cermonies. A few days later, on June 10, Judge Jonathan Katz of Town Court dismissed the 19 criminal charges brought against the Mayor for his actions.
Some Physicians Get Even
June 28, 2004
The Orthopedic Specialty Group, a 12-member group of physicians practicing in Connecticut, notified that state's trial lawyers in May that its members would no longer appear at depositions for the fees they'd charged in the past. This move, they said, was made in response to soaring malpractice insurance rates.
