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Updated 2024-11-23 17:31
Efficient Client Service?
It's important to practicing law. Related StoriesIt's the Texas Law Hawk AgainToddler Enjoys Lawyer-Themed Birthday PartyDanny Trejo Does a Lawyer Ad
Assorted Stupidity #80
In this edition: yet another Bieber-related crime, the TSA at "work," a lawyer's argument about stirrups, and one surprisingly easy way to foil a bank robbery. Related StoriesNewsAssorted Stupidity #79Assorted Stupidity #78
Dancing Suddenly Okay Again in Cottonwood Heights
The Dancing Man of Cottonwood Heights has been exonerated. Though questions remain. Related StoriesNo Dancing in Cottonwood HeightsCouncil Takes “Wrath of God” Resolution Off the AgendaUpon Further Review, I Don't Know What to Think
It’s the Texas Law Hawk Again
Talons of Justice. Related StoriesEfficient Client Service?Toddler Enjoys Lawyer-Themed Birthday PartyDanny Trejo Does a Lawyer Ad
Driving While Caffeinated?
Spoiler: it's not against the law. Related StoriesDancing Suddenly Okay Again in Cottonwood HeightsYes, You Could Get a DWI on a Barbie JeepUpon Further Review, I Don't Know What to Think
No Dancing in Cottonwood Heights
It's "disorderly conduct," according to some people. But hey, you can't be too careful. Look the other way and the next thing you know, ISIL will try a disco infiltration. Related StoriesAssorted Stupidity #80Dancing Suddenly Okay Again in Cottonwood HeightsFinally, a Use for Periscope
Accused Italian Cheese Witch May Get New Trial
This is one of those we're-sorry-we-burned-that-person-a-few-centuries-ago cases, but that doesn't mean they all shouldn't get together now and have a second fake trial rigged to come out the right way this time. Related StoriesMan Says He Danced on Police Car's Roof to Summon Aid Against VampiresGod's Class Action DismissedSauron's Ring Makes Brains Disappear
Finally, a Use for Periscope
But hopefully something that no one will ever need to use it for again. Related StoriesCops: We "Expected Privacy" Because We Tried to Smash All the CamerasLegislator Admits Voting While Under Influence of FacebookJudge Rules Man Fathered Only One Twin
Meerkat Expert Liable for Injuring Monkey Handler in Llama-Keeper Dispute
This story has everything: a love triangle, a Christmas-party fracas at the zoo, meerkat experts, monkey handlers, and llama-keepers. Well, almost everything. Related StoriesJudge: Hulkster Limited at Trial to "One Plain Bandana"How Did That Taster's Choice Case Turn Out?Expert: Invitation to Child's Party Not Enforceable
Jury Finds for 12-Year-Old In Closely Watched Hugging Case
Why you might want to have second thoughts the next time you're thinking about suing a child. Related StoriesGod's Class Action DismissedPlaintiff: Disney Promised to Help Me Build an X-Wing. Court: No It Didn'tHow Did That Taster's Choice Case Turn Out?
Randy Quaid Caught Trying to Sneak Back Into U.S.
Hello, boys ... I'm back!Also I'm in custody on $500,000 bail. But still. Related StoriesInsane Clown Posse Wins AppealBREAKING: O.J. Simpson FreedJudge: Hulkster Limited at Trial to "One Plain Bandana"
Council Takes “Wrath of God” Resolution Off the Agenda
"We adopt this Resolution before God that he pass us by in his Coming Wrath." Related StoriesGoat-Slayer Running for Florida SenateLegislator Admits Voting While Under Influence of FacebookCalifornia Town Calls for Ban on Space Weapons
Goat-Slayer Running for Florida Senate
Some say Augustus Sol Invictus sacrificed a goat to the pagan god of the wilderness and then drank goat blood. Actually, HE says that. But he has denied being a fascist who wants to start another Civil War, so let's not jump to conclusions. Related Stories"Game of Thrones" Fan Demands Trial by CombatToddler Enjoys Lawyer-Themed Birthday PartyEric Holder Begins New Career in Comedy
Oooooh!
New website! Brief introductory post explaining a couple of things! Exciting! Sort of! Related StoriesA New WebsiteNewsA Shameless Request for Votes
A New Website
I've been in the process of designing a new site for a while now and am just about ready to launch it. Exciting, I know. Anyway, here are a few minor things about the upcoming transition. Once the transfer starts... Related StoriesNewsA Shameless Request for VotesMOM! I'm Representing Myself, Okay?! God!
D.C. Prepares to Name an Official Amphipod
Other states may have their crustaceans, but only D.C. would have an amphipod. Which is also a crustacean, but still. And D.C. isn't a state, but also, still. Related StoriesD.C. Prepares to Name an Official AmphipodCostumed Bear Harasser Wanted by Authorities, EvolutionThe Octopus: Honorary Vertebrate?
D.C. Prepares to Name an Official Amphipod
As I mentioned back in April, although the District of Columbia is not a state it has adopted a few official things just like all the states have. At the time of that post it had limited itself to an... Related StoriesCostumed Bear Harasser Wanted by Authorities, EvolutionThe Octopus: Honorary Vertebrate?Official State Crap: District of Columbia
Good News: Cops Now Slightly More Likely to Lube You First
The Ninth Circuit made it just a little less likely that officers will try to yank something out of your butt without a warrant. Related StoriesGood News: Cops Now Slightly More Likely to Lube You FirstCleveland Police Agree to Stop Hitting People on the Head With GunsGod's Class Action Dismissed
Good News: Cops Now Slightly More Likely to Lube You First
Some things are funny because they're funny; other things are funny (at least to me) because they're so outrageous that the brain realizes the alternatives are fury, depression, or maybe furious depression, and it does what it can to channel... Related StoriesCleveland Police Agree to Stop Hitting People on the Head With GunsGod's Class Action DismissedProgress on the Police-Filming Front
Guy Steals Four Million Pounds of Oranges
Say—weren't there six to eight million oranges here just a minute ago? Related StoriesUpon Further Review, I Don't Know What to ThinkTIP: He's Probably Not Going to Show Your Snake to His GirlfriendBumbling Australian ATM Thief of the Week
Guy Steals Four Million Pounds of Oranges
A Florida man (no surprise there) has been charged with stealing some oranges, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture. Mostly oranges, anyway; depending on the mix and type of fruit he took, the number of oranges involved was probably... Related StoriesUpon Further Review, I Don't Know What to ThinkTIP: He's Probably Not Going to Show Your Snake to His GirlfriendBumbling Australian ATM Thief of the Week
Have You Ever Paid Royalties for Singing “Happy Birthday”?
At least if you paid them to Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., good news: you might be getting that money back. Of course, this is probably much better news for your lawyers, but still.
News
I'm always usually behind on stupid legal developments for various reasons including the huge amount of stupid source material. But I've been further behind than usual lately because I am redesigning the site (yes, again) and preparing to move it... Related StoriesA New WebsiteAssorted Stupidity #79A Shameless Request for Votes
Insane Clown Posse Wins Appeal
Sixth Circuit holds that ICP and affiliated Juggalo plaintiffs have standing to try to vacate the FBI's classification of Juggalos as a "gang." Whoop whoop! Related StoriesBREAKING: O.J. Simpson FreedJudge: Hulkster Limited at Trial to "One Plain Bandana"Donald Trump Sued Scotland
Have You Ever Paid Royalties for Singing "Happy Birthday to You"?
At least if you paid them to Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., good news: you might be getting that money back. Of course, this is probably much better news for your lawyers, but still. This chapter of the long-running legal saga involving... Related StoriesGod's Class Action DismissedPlaintiff: Disney Promised to Help Me Build an X-Wing. Court: No It Didn'tCopyright Office Weighs in on Monkey Pictures
Insane Clown Posse Wins Appeal
Last Thursday, the Sixth Circuit reinstated the lawsuit by ICP and certain Juggalos (the group's fans) challenging the FBI's classification of Juggalos—collectively—as a "hybrid gang" in its 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment. (NBC News, link to decision). More specifically, it... Related StoriesBREAKING: O.J. Simpson FreedJudge: Hulkster Limited at Trial to "One Plain Bandana"Donald Trump Sued Scotland
Alice Springs: Thigh-Stabbin' Capital of the World
The really interesting site Atlas Obscura has an article this week on Alice Springs, a town of about 28,000 that is smack in the middle of Australia. Americans may have heard of it because there is a U.S./Australian satellite tracking... Related StoriesPlease Read This Before Bombing New Mexico"Game of Thrones" Fan Demands Trial by CombatFrozen Guru Update (June 2015)
Alice Springs: Thigh-Stabbin’ Capital of the World
Science solves the mystery of why more people are stabbed in the thigh in Alice Springs, Australia, than anywhere else in the world. Related StoriesPlease Read This Before Bombing New Mexico"Game of Thrones" Fan Demands Trial by CombatFrozen Guru Update (June 2015)
Texas Police Won't Charge Muslim Boy With Clock Possession
As you've probably heard (Dallas Morning News, Washington Post, Popehat, everybody else who gets up earlier than I do, which is apparently everybody), police in Irving, Texas, have announced that they will not bring charges against 14-year-old Ahmed Mohamed. This... Related Stories"Arabic Terror Message" Actually Said "Welcome Home" in HebrewKansas Senator: Terrorists Could Infiltrate Fort Leavenworth by ... Submarine?The Torch Has Been Passed
"God Would Not Go Around With Pants Down," Says Councilman
I've written about anti-saggy-pants legislation several times, but this is an argument I'd never considered before. It was made in Dadeville, Alabama (pop. 3,200 and falling), where the city council is about to regulate not only pants height but also... Related StoriesCostumed Bear Harasser Wanted by Authorities, EvolutionWet Willy and Mr. NubTIP: He's Probably Not Going to Show Your Snake to His Girlfriend
BREAKING: O.J. Simpson Freed
... from uncertainty as to how the Nevada Supreme Court will rule in his case, because it denied his appeal yesterday. Sorry—now that I look at that headline, it seems a little misleading. I need to be more careful about... Related StoriesTeens Charged With Exploiting ThemselvesWet Willy and Mr. NubNorwegian Inmate Slowly Paddles to Freedom
Ninth Circuit: Big Mountain Jesus Can Stay Put
In a split decision on August 31, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that Big Mountain Jesus need not move to a different location. If, like me, you assumed that "Big Mountain Jesus" was a DJ or band of...
Assorted Stupidity #79
According to Travel Sentry, Inc., it "creates and manages standards that improve travel security" in cooperation with agencies like the TSA. It doesn't make luggage locks, but locks made to its standards are "officially recognized and accepted" by the agencies.... Related StoriesAssorted Stupidity #78Trumpet While DrivingAssorted Stupidity #77
Yes, You Could Get a DWI on a Barbie Jeep
Tara Monroe is a college student in Texas who has gained some notoriety for her response to a DWI arrest in March. Monroe, whose "license was automatically suspended after [she refused] a breathalyzer test after a Waka Flocka concert," then... Related StoriesFormer Giant Tased After Drunken Scooter Chase
TIP: Destroy Sensitive Documents With Shredder, Not Chicken Farm
Not only is there nothing wrong with destroying documents as a matter of course, everybody should be routinely destroying documents and other data they don't really need. See Arthur Andersen LLP v. United States, 544 U.S. 696, 704 (2005) (noting... Related StoriesAll-Purpose Order Denying Motion to SealOrder on One Millionth Discovery DisputeObjection: Annoying
Teens Charged With Exploiting Themselves
Let me just warn you in advance that the following sentence will make no sense at all: After a 16-year-old Fayetteville girl made a sexually explicit nude photo of herself for her boyfriend last fall, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office... Related StoriesWet Willy and Mr. NubNorwegian Inmate Slowly Paddles to FreedomTIP: He's Probably Not Going to Show Your Snake to His Girlfriend
The Taiwanese Animators Notice Missouri's Failed Gerrymander
The story of the failed gerrymander attempt in Columbia, Missouri (see "Gerrymanders Miss One Person" (Aug. 31)), has been extremely popular, and not just in the United States. The famous Taiwanese Animators have now turned it into a video starring... Related StoriesDanny Trejo Does a Lawyer AdA Bit of Parliamentary Jiggery-PokeryDefendant Pleads Guilty to Kicking an Owl While Paragliding
Lawsuit Blames Negligent Six-Year-Old
"A judge will now have to decide whether the six-year-old can be held legally responsible for her actions," says the Telegraph about a case pending in Austria. According to the report, the accident she's accused of causing "took place on... Related StoriesHome of Throwed Rolls Sued for Throwin' RollsIf New Horizons Hit My Car, Could the Insurance Company Raise My Rates?Donald Trump Sued Scotland
Gerrymanderers Miss One Person
As you probably know, "gerrymandering" is the practice of redrawing the borders of a voting district for a specific purpose, usually if not always to make sure it has more of your supporters than opponents in it. This is nothing... Related StoriesThe Taiwanese Animators Notice Missouri's Failed GerrymanderYou Think So?Fight Over Alcohol Ban Ends When Town Learns It Doesn't Have One
Upon Further Review, I Don't Know What to Think
Guys, a topic that is kind of interesting but that you should still not bring up on a first date is how the NFL's instant-replay system is similar in some ways to the courts of appeal. Both systems use a... Related StoriesWet Willy and Mr. NubCops: We "Expected Privacy" Because We Tried to Smash All the CamerasTIP: He's Probably Not Going to Show Your Snake to His Girlfriend
"Arabic Terror Message" Actually Said "Welcome Home" in Hebrew
If you see something, say something! Unless you're an idiot: The Rapides Parish [Louisiana] Sheriff's Office ... and KALB were contacted by several residents who were concerned about the signs and that they might have been [a] terror message written... Related StoriesKansas Senator: Terrorists Could Infiltrate Fort Leavenworth by ... Submarine?The Torch Has Been PassedAirport Security Seizes Three-Year-Old's Fart Gun
Alleged Hypno-Lawyer Disbarred
It's not too unusual, or so I hear, for a client to be unable to recall every meeting and phone call with a lawyer. I would guess that the recall rate goes down as the billing rate goes up, generally... Related StoriesCriminal-Defense Attorney May Be Criminal Defense AttorneyOkay, Who's Gonna Go Argue That the Nun Threatened National Security?Court: Obligation to Make Sense May Not Be Delegated to Client
Kansas Senator: Terrorists Could Infiltrate Fort Leavenworth by ... Submarine?
As you know, President Obama is determined to close the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, which he promised to close in 2007 and has desperately been trying but failing to close since his second day in office. See Executive Order... Related StoriesThe Torch Has Been PassedCops: We "Expected Privacy" Because We Tried to Smash All the Cameras"Arabic Terror Message" Actually Said "Welcome Home" in Hebrew
A Shameless Request for Votes
But more about Donald Trump later. The Expert Institute is running a contest for Best Legal Blog, and I've known this for a while now but I sort of assumed that they were really only interested in blogs written by... Related StoriesMOM! I'm Representing Myself, Okay?! God!UPDATES!Other Things to Read!
The Torch Has Been Passed
A thoroughly pissed-off Gen. George Washington to British Lt. General Thomas Gage (Aug. 19, 1775): I have taken Time, Sir, to make a strict Inquiry, and find it has not the least Foundation in Truth. Not only your Officers, and... Related StoriesKansas Senator: Terrorists Could Infiltrate Fort Leavenworth by ... Submarine?"Arabic Terror Message" Actually Said "Welcome Home" in HebrewAirport Security Seizes Three-Year-Old's Fart Gun
Airport Security Seizes Three-Year-Old's Fart Gun
For once I'm not going to be criticizing the TSA, but that's only because the TSA wasn't involved here in any way. Although it wouldn't surprise me if they have been meeting with their Irish counterparts supposedly to exchange nonsensical... Related StoriesTSA: Terror Sorority Alert"Arabic Terror Message" Actually Said "Welcome Home" in HebrewKansas Senator: Terrorists Could Infiltrate Fort Leavenworth by ... Submarine?
Costumed Bear Harasser Wanted by Authorities, Evolution
Well, this happened: [Alaska Fish & Game official] Lou Cenicola reported that around 7:30 p.m. Monday, a man in a "realistic-looking" bear costume ran through a group of people standing on the side of the road bear-watching. The man ran... Related StoriesWet Willy and Mr. NubTIP: He's Probably Not Going to Show Your Snake to His GirlfriendMan Says He Danced on Police Car's Roof to Summon Aid Against Vampires
Home of Throwed Rolls Sued for Throwin' Rolls
Really for hittin' a gal in her cornea and whatnot after them rolls was throwed. But there's lawyerin' afoot now, that's definite. Lambert's Cafe was founded in Sikeston, Missouri (in the "bootheel") in 1942, and now has three locations due... Related StoriesNapping Fan Sues ESPN and MLB for Allegedly Mocking HimKansas Senator: Terrorists Could Infiltrate Fort Leavenworth by ... Submarine?Cops: We "Expected Privacy" Because We Tried to Smash All the Cameras
Wet Willy and Mr. Nub
You might have thought that our nation's court system would not have to trouble itself with the act commonly known as the "wet willy," but if so, you were sadly ... well, actually you were mostly right. But not entirely.... Related StoriesTIP: He's Probably Not Going to Show Your Snake to His GirlfriendMan Says He Danced on Police Car's Roof to Summon Aid Against VampiresCleveland Police Agree to Stop Hitting People on the Head With Guns
All-Purpose Order Denying Motion to Seal
Sources (e.g., Above the Law, Techdirt) report that Judge Charles Breyer (N.D. Cal., brother of Justice Breyer) recently issued an order refusing to seal certain documents on the grounds that they were already heavily redacted, and so who cares. Or,... Related Stories"Game of Thrones" Fan Demands Trial by CombatThings Not to Say to Employees #1-5Led Zeppelin Admits "Exceptional Talent," Denies All Other Allegations
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