Trials

Seismologists Convicted of Not Predicting Earthquake

Well, I was just wondering the other day what if anything had ever happened with that ridiculous case in Italy where seismologists were charged with manslaughter—manslaughter!— for telling people not to worry too much about an earthquake (which then happened). See…


“Your Honor, First of All, I’m Not Smoking Crack”

This is something you'd really prefer to get through your entire legal career without having to say. From a report today in Ars Technica: SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA—Testimony in the giant Apple v. Samsung patent trial is entering its final hours, and nerves…




Finally, the Movie Version of that Japanese Lawyer Video Game

According to Neatorama, this is actually happening:   "Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney," the game that lets everyone in on the fun of practicing law, originated in Japan. Its success there led to a 2005 release in the U.S. on the Nintendo…


Shoe Applied to Witness

This could have been a fairly mundane tale about why accused felons who choose to represent themselves usually end up being convicted felons. The defendant, Morgan Armstrong, was represented by counsel in the first of three trials he faced for…



Warren Jeffs Fires Defense Team, Now Represented by God

Everybody wants God on their side, but über-polygamist Warren Jeffs is apparently getting legal advice directly from Him. Jeffs, who is the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS), is on trial in Texas…


Blagojevich’s Mouth Turned Against Him in Retrial, Jurors Say

Quick flashback to Blagojevich I (from a July 2010 post): "Rod Blagojevich yells his innocence as he comes out offederal court Thursday afternoon." (Chicago Sun-Times) I'd like to think that each of the Blagojevich II jurors struck the same pose as he…


Opera Singer Acquitted of Tofu-Related Assault Charges

Bringing an end to what will certainly be the next ripped-from-the-headlines "Law & Order" drama, a New York judge acquitted Marcella Caprario on Wednesday of charges that she slapped another shopper at Trader Joe's. The fight with Dr. Cathleen London…