Category Archives: Law

Kirkus Reviews – Justice in America: How it Works – How it Fails

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Russ

The following review of my book, Justice in America: How it Works – How it Fails, is from Kirkus Reviews, an independent book review company from Austin, Texas.  It has also been reviewed quite favorably by many readers. The goddess … Continue reading →

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The United States Constitution – A Primer

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Russ

  A Few Things We Should All Know Don’t be intimidated when you read about a case that involves constitutional law. Yes, constitutional law can be very complex, but the basic principles aren’t. Cases involving the United States Constitution and … Continue reading →

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Studying for the Bar Exam? A Few Tips

Posted on March 23, 2013 by Russ

Source: By Lewis Hine [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons   Think of the Bar Exam as a Challenge, Not An Obstacle  If you’re studying for the bar exam and you’re not nervous, consider a career in litigation. You are one tough … Continue reading →

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Judges – Should Lawyers Select Them? An Idea To Consider

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Russ

Judges. How do they get their jobs? How to become a judge is a question on the mind of a lot of lawyers.There is an ongoing debate in America about how we select judges. The Missouri Plan, which originated in … Continue reading →

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Justice is a Need – Part II – The Anthony Verdict

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Russ

On May 2, 2011, I posted an article about the death of Osma bin Laden. I discussed the idea that justice is a need, not a simple legal construction to make things orderly. Like food and water, we have a human … Continue reading →

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Judges Are Not Paid Enough

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Russ

On June 28, Fox News departed from its usual balanced coverage and ran a segment aimed at the Justices of the United States Supreme Court for departing on their annual 3 month vacation. The piece pointed out that the justices … Continue reading →

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Justice and the Legal System- Why the State Owes it to You

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Russ

In a state without a system of justice you either seek your own justice or pay homage to a local warlord, who is actually a substitute for a functioning state.  Citizens of Afghanistan, especially in its remote parts, often side … Continue reading →

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Judges Should be Lawyers – The Justice of the Peace Debate

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Russ

If Frank Capra made a movie about judges he would have chosen the Justice of the Peace court system as his dramatic, if not comedic, setting.  A Justice of the Peace, an official who typically has no formal legal training, … Continue reading →

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Eminent Domain – Government’s RIGHT to take Private Property

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Russ

This article was excerpted from Justice in America: How it Works – How it Fails. “…nor shall property be taken for public use without just compensation.”  U.S. Constitution Fifth Amendment. The taking of property for public use is a necessary … Continue reading →

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Excessive Jury Verdicts – How Much is too Much?

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Russ

To appreciate the difficulty of a judge’s job, look no further than the question of whether a jury verdict was excessive or inadequate.  Large jury verdicts grab headlines nationwide, and have become the stuff of tort reformers’ angst and editorial … Continue reading →

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