LLRX.com - Columns

LLRX Book Review by Heather A. Phillips: The Little Red Book of Wine Law: A Case of Legal Issues

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:50:46 -0800

Heather A. Phillips recommends this slim volume as it provides an engaging and accessible introduction to American wine law and history that will broaden the reader's appreciation of the wine industry. Though short and non-technical, this book is suitable for a surprising number of library collections.

E-Discovery Update: Pushing Back Against Hardcopy ESI Productions

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:59:17 -0800

Conrad J. Jacoby addresses how critical technology issues related to document authenticity and document-associated metadata have left fewer lawyers willing to accept e-mail messages and other electronic documents in print format. He argues that litigants choosing to produce electronically stored information in hardcopy format should be prepared to provide more complete electronic copies of their production, even when it isn’t initially requested by opposing counsel.

CongressLine: Congress and Money

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 06:39:15 -0800

Paul Jenks examines how the appropriations process this year has provided a multitude of interesting examples of the wide variety of tools available to Congress and the federal government for appropriating money, beyond just the ordinary appropriations bills in Congress.

FOIA Facts: Expanding the FOIA

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:49:02 -0800

Scott A. Hodes highlights the recent introduction of legislation that would eliminate the FOIA shield for the Smithsonian Institute, and the continued lack of transparency when dealing with other federal agencies.

The Art of Written Persuasion: Part V - Improve Your Vocabulary, Improve Your Success

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:54:11 -0800

Troy Simpson returns with this fifth article in the series, and investigates the link between having a good vocabulary [lawyers have a speaking acquaintance with around 23,000 words] and being a persuasive lawyer.

Art of Written Persuasion: Part IV - What Makes a Good Problem-Solving Model?

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:28:34 -0800

Following up on his commentary about how problem-solving models can help lawyers (and law students) to solve legal problems systematically and to communicate legal solutions persuasively in writing, Troy Simpson discusses what makes a good problem-solving model.

The Government Domain: Wrapping Up 2008

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:32:13 -0800

E-gov expert Peggy Garvin provides an overview of the significant developments in the world of online government information this past year. According to Peggy, overall the year saw a push by individuals and nongovernment organizations for increased access to digital government information. Specifically, new official government and non-government websites came online, and existing sites developed more sophisticated features.

The Art of Written Persuasion: From IRAC to FAILSAFE - A Compilation of Legal Problem-Solving Models

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:40:58 -0800

In his third article in the series, Troy Simpson focuses on "a process model of problem-solving that provides a useful framework, because it offers a systematic, non-random way of tackling problems."

The Government Domain: Back to School for Constitution Day 2008

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:05:39 -0800

E-gov expert Peggy Garvin guides researchers, educators and librarians to key online resources available for teaching, training and educational activities associated with the September 17, 2008 celebration of Constitution Day in the United States.

Reference from Coast to Coast: Summer Musings

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:30:52 -0800

Jan Bissett and Margi Heinen provide a timely and valuable refresher on a range of well-sourced, reliable, topical websites, guides, print and program materials useful for summer associate legal research training.

LLRX Book Review by Heather A. Phillips - Tabloid Justice: Criminal Justice in an Age of Media Frenzy and The Star Chamber: How Celebrities Go Free and their Lawyers Become Famous

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:43:46 -0800

Heather A. Phillips reviews a new book whose main focus is on uses on six major criminal cases of the 1990s, as well as one that concentrates on the details of what really happens when the media circus invades the courthouse, and the effect it has on both the trial participants and the verdict.

The Government Domain: Political Fact-Checking Websites

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:54:13 -0800

Peggy Garvin's well-timed article identifies and evaluates key websites that monitor the accuracy of statements and representations made by political candidates and their respective campaigns.

E-Discovery Update: Lessons From An E-Discovery Disaster

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:20:57 -0800

Conrad J. Jacoby examines the recent case of Southern New England Telephone Company (“SNET”) v. Global NAPS, Inc. as an example of how stonewalling and committing perjury, especially with respect to electronic discovery matters that can be independently validated, remains a poor litigation strategy.

FOIA Facts: My Proposals for the FOIA

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:32:43 -0800

Following up on the passage earlier this year of the OPEN Government Act of 2007, FOIA expert Scott A. Hodes make two proposals absent from the law, but which would help FOIA requesters.