The president of the Spokane, Wash. chapter of the NAACP has claimed for years to be part African-American and that she has been targeted in numerous hate crimes. But in fact, 37-year-old Rachel Dolezal is not black at all, her parents say. She’s white, and she was born in Montana, and she’s lied about many other details of her past.
One bizarre claim Dolezal has made, according to The Couer d’Alene Press, is that she was born in a teepee and that she has a son who is black. But a young man Dolezal claims is her child is actually her adopted brother. Dolezal’s parents, Larry and Ruthanne, adopted four African orphans between 1993 and 1995.
The Dolezals also adamantly deny that their daughter was born in a teepee. The couple lived in one for a short period in the early 1970s, but that was before Dolezal was born.
According to The Press, Dolezal, who besides leading the NAACP chapter is an Africana studies professor at Eastern Washington University, falsely claimed she was African-American on an application for a position as the chair of Spokane’s Office of Police Ombudsman Commission.
In addition, Dolezal has falsely claimed that her biological father is black. She even went so far as to post pictures of herself on Facebook standing with a black man she claimed was her dad. But the man, Albert Wilkerson, is from northern Idaho and worked as a volunteer for the Human Rights Education Institute in Coeur d’Alene, according to The Press.
Dolezal, who claims to have earned a master’s degree from Howard University, the historically black college, was in charge of educational programming at the Institute.
The Dolezals, who still reside in Montana, provided proof to The Press in the form of a birth certificate to show that Dolezal was born in Montana and listed as white. They also provided pictures from her childhood while disputing many other allegations Dolezal has made about her upbringing. Dolezal claimed in one interview that her parents used to punish her and her adopted brothers based upon their skin complexion. She also said they would use a “baboon whip” as punishment.
“She is fabricating a very false and malicious lie,” Ruthanne Dolezal told The Press.
When she lived in Couer d’Alene, and later when she moved to Spokane, Dolezal filed numerous police reports claiming she was the victim of hate crimes, burglaries and vandalism, none of which were ever proven to be legitimate.
In April 2009, while living in Couer d’Alene, Dolezal claimed that three skinheads walked into the institute where she worked and began asking her personal questions and about the boy she claimed was her son.
On Nov. 19, 2009, after moving to Spokane but while still apparently working at the Human Rights Education Institute, Dolezal filed a police report claiming that she found a swastika at her workplace.
In December 2009, she called police to report a burglary but never followed up on the call.
On June 15, 2010, Dolezal called police to report a noose hanging in her garage. Contacted by police later, Dolezal’s landlord said that he likely left the noose there after he used it to hang up deer.
In February of this year, Dolezal appeared on local news in Spokane after she claimed she received 20 pages of threatening hate mail that included pictures of lynchings. During that news segment, it was reported that Dolezal claimed that in 2009 someone broke into her home and left a noose on her front porch.
In a street video filmed after the latest hate crime allegation, Dolezal claimed that the hate mail she received was full of “right-wing extremist” messages. She also stated that she was targeted by a hate group that deals meth.
“The xenophobia and the hate and the racism that connects all of these things in this area is something that gives us pause but also encourages us that the work that we’re doing is necessary and essential,” Dolezal said.
NEXT PAGE: Dolezal Traveled To Baltimore
Dolezal has ventured beyond Spokane with her activism. Her Facebook page includes references to the death of Eric Garner, who died while being choked by a Staten Island, N.Y. police officer in July.
She also traveled to Baltimore during the protests over the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray. During that trip, Dolezan posed for a picture with Marilyn Mosby, the Baltimore city state’s attorney. Both attended the NAACP’s annual convention.
In Baltimore, Dolezan addressed a crowd that had gathered in protest. In a separate interview she made reference to the seemingly fabricated death threats.
“Not only have we had these incidents with police, I have received these racist threats — death threats,” Dolezal told The Baltimore Brew. “I just came to support Baltimore. We are dealing with a national problem.”
This article has been updated.


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President Donald Trump insists there's "NO WAY" an election with increased mail-in voting will be legitimate.
But both Democratic and Republican officials overseeing that process say he's dead wrong and in interviews with NBC News they outlined the steps they take — most importantly, signature verification — to ensure the integrity of the system, which is coming into more widespread use because of the coronavirus.
Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman, a Republican, oversees the elections in one of the nation's leading vote-by-mail states.
"I think it's good when the public questions any form of a voting system, but people should have confidence in it because election administrators are always trying to build in security measures that balance out that access," she said.
Like other states, Washington requires that voters sign their absentee ballot and that the signature matches the one on file with a voter's registration. If the signatures don't match, the voter will be contacted and alerted to the discrepancy.
Election officials receive annual training from the Washington state police on the best practices for signature verification and how to spot differences. The ballots, Wyman said, go through multiple levels of verification — meaning three or more checks from "our more experienced signature verifiers."
Fraud have been almost nonexistent. She pointed to the 2018 election, where her office detected about 140 instances of fraudulent voting out of roughly 3.2 million ballots cast.
"Is it perfect? No," Wyman said. "Is that rampant fraud? No, it's not."
The subject has garnered increased attention as Trump has repeatedly attacked states for seeking to increase mail-in voting amid the COVID-19 pandemic. His claims of voter fraud are not backed by the historical record, as officials noted, and Twitter attached a fact-check to the president's Twitter commentary for the first time, labeling his Tuesday posts as "unsubstantiated" and linking to articles debunking the claims.
"There is NO WAY (ZERO!) that Mail-In Ballots will be anything less than substantially fraudulent," Trump tweeted. "Mail boxes will be robbed, ballots will be forged & even illegally printed out & fraudulently signed. The Governor of California is sending Ballots to millions of people, anyone living in the state, no matter who they are or how they got there, will get one. "
He added, "This will be a Rigged Election. No way!"
Speaking later at the White House on Tuesday, Trump doubled down, saying of mail-in ballots, "Nobody has any idea whether they're crooked or not."
"We can't do that," the president said of expanded mail-in voting. "Absentee is okay: You're sick. You're away. As an example, I have to do an absentee because I'm voting in Florida, and I happen to be president. I live in that very beautiful house over there that's painted white. So that's okay. And it's okay for people that are sick and they can't get up."
Responding to Trump's claims, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Democrat, pointed to vote by mail's success across the West Coast and said his state also requires signature verification and enables voters to track their mail-in ballots.
"Voting by mail is secure," Padilla said. "And unfortunately, not only is the accusation that it isn't baseless, but frankly, hypocritical. You look at Trump himself. He is a absentee voter. He's the first one to try to undermine people's confidence in vote by mail and elections in general. I mean, I think what's really going on here is they're setting the stage to call into question results from the November election that they may not like."
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said Wednesday on MSNBC's "Morning Joe": "The reality is mail-in ballots, absentee ballots, are well utilized all across the spectrum, all across this country and have been done so thoughtfully and safely for a generation...We want to prepare to keep people safe and allow them to have their constitutional rights protected, constitutional right to vote, without putting their health at risk."
Documented voter fraud cases in the U.S. are few — and nothing close to the level that would constitute a "rampant" fraud, officials said. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has tracked documented cases of fraud for the past 20 years and found more than 1,200 instances, about 200 of which involve misuse of absentee ballots. In that time, about 250 million mail-in votes have been cast.
Tom Ridge, the former Republican governor of Pennsylvania and Homeland Security secretary under former President George W. Bush, told NBC News the legitimacy of mail-in voting has "been pretty well validated by history."
"My disappointment with the president is that he creates doubts about the legitimacy of the forthcoming election," said Ridge, who co-chairs VoteSafe, a group of bipartisan election officials and organizations calling for safe voting during the coronavirus pandemic. "The reality is that (Trump is) sowing seeds of doubt in distaste of recorded history. And that's sad."
Researchers at UCLA and the University of New Mexico, in conjunction with the Union of Concerned Scientists, concluded that voter fraud is "not widespread" and that mail-in ballot fraud is "very rare."
In Washington, Wyman said each county election office has a "myriad of electronic and physical security controls," adding there is never a time when someone is alone with ballots. Officials also check registrations against the national death index. Penalties for fraud is a felony that could lead to time behind bars.
Voters are also able to track their ballot through the mail — and Wyman said election officials are currently building out a more detailed system for voters to improve that experience. In Nevada, election officials also use barcode tracking on the ballots. Voters can even drop off the ballots at a polling location if they are concerned about using the mail.
Many states have taken steps to try and boost mail in voting amid the coronavirus outbreak as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines "encourage mail-in methods of voting if allowed in the jurisdiction." Congressional Democrats have pushed for additional funding for mail-in voting and have called for the practice to be put into use nationally.
In Ohio, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, has pushed to make mail-in voting easier and said his state's security measures ensure the integrity of such voting.
Republicans have sued over increased mail-in efforts elsewhere, including in California and Texas. Conservatives have pointed to past commentary from Democrats such as Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., who questioned the legitimacy of paper ballots in 2004, though that was in regard to in-person voting, and they have cited a 2005 report authored by a commission chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James Baker saying that absentee ballots "remain the largest source of" possible fraud. This month, Carter embraced vote-by-mail, calling for its expanded use amid the pandemic.
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On Tuesday, West Virginia officials announced criminal charges against a mail carrier who they alleged "fraudulently altered eight absentee ballot requests" and "fraudulently changed the party affiliation on five from Democrat to Republican."
Pointing to his state's safeguards, which also include signature verification, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat, told NBC News his state "has a very sparse history of voter fraud."
"To the extent we've had any experience with that, it's been maybe a half a dozen cases," he said. "Interestingly, it's been from the Republican side of the aisle, not the Democratic side of the aisle. And some of those cases involved individuals who were literally intently trying to test the system to see if they could get away with it. They were caught. And so it shows that there's an efficacy in our system that protects against voter fraud."
As to what's behind Trump's tweets, several of those who spoke with NBC News said it seems as if the president is concerned about how he will fare in November.
"What's to worry?" Ridge said. "He's got five months to win."


Also Read: FULANI/TIV ATTACK CLAIMS 12 IN BENUE
One person was reportedly killed while three girls were raped over the weekend when suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked Mbalaagh community in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
Also, several other residents were missing after the attack. It was gathered that the three girls were in their farm when the suspected Fulani herdsmen, armed with AK 47 rifles and machetes, attacked, raped and dispossessed them of their valuables, including handsets.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Daniel Ezeala, who confirmed the incident, said one girl died as a result of the attack while another one was hospitalised. Ezeala added that the police search team and the Civilian Task Force set up by the state government during the Fulani/Farmers crisis, had already commenced investigation into the matter. The PPRO, who said the girls were attacked by only one Fulani boy, said that relative calm had returned to the troubled area.
He commended residents of Mbalaagh community for not taking the law into their hands to heat up the polity. The residents of Mbalaagh community had recently complained of the excesses of the Fulani herdsmen, even after the peace deal to end over three years of conflict between the two warring sides was brokered.
The residents had complained several times that the herdsmen were beating their wives in the farms, stopping people from farming in particular areas they claimed were close to their settlements, and freely grazing on farms, destroying crops as well as threatening to attack them.
Source: New Telegraph


Susan Duncan (Louisville) has posted to SSRN her working paper, "A Legal Response is Necessary for Self Produced Child Pornography: A Legislator’s Checklist for Drafting the Bill." Here is the abstract:
This Article explores self produced child pornography, known in the media as “sexting,” and offers a balanced, multi-faceted approach including both a legal response and education. Currently, states are modifying their laws because applying existing child pornography statutes to self produced child pornography results in a punishment which does not fit the crime. The author analyzes and critiques these proposed statutes finding none adequately address the multiple facets of the self produced child pornography problem. The Article concludes by offering a checklist of important provisions legislators should consider and proposed language legislators can incorporate into their bills. Policymakers and scholars will gain an excellent summary of both the problem and the arguments advanced by scholars studying the issue, as well as a template for solving the problem after reading this Article.
The full working paper is available here.


Attorneys hoping to overturn California’s same-sex marriage ban made their case before the California Supreme Court this morning, The San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Legalizing gay marriage was "a resounding and eloquent affirmation of our Constitution's foundational guarantee of equal citizenship,” Shannon Minter, an attorney representing gay couples, told the Supreme Court justices during the hearing. “It is today's case that will determine whether future generations of Californians can continue to count on that guarantee.”
In 2008, the Court ruled 4-3 to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples in California, however that ruling was overturned by voters who passed Proposition 8 by a narrow margin in November. Prop. 8 amended the state constitution to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman, making all same-sex unions null and void.
Minter argued this morning that Prop. 8 illegally "took away a fundamental right to marry in same-sex couples." In addition, San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera argued that “this is a battle for equality. It is a fight for the equality of all Californians."
Protect Marriage, the organization that fought to get Prop. 8 on the ballot, has argued that voters have the right to amend the constitution and the Court has an obligation to accept the decision of the majority.
Arguing on behalf of Prop. 8 is Kenneth Starr, the attorney who made headlines in the late 1990s due to his involvement in the Bill Clinton impeachment trial.
Should marriage for same-sex couples be legal? Click here to see the Opposing Views debate.
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CHARLESTON, ILL. — Anthony Mertz, convicted in the 2001 murder and rape of an Eastern Illinois University student, testified at his sentencing hearing Monday that he was sexually and physically abused as a child.
Mertz did not take the stand during his trial for the slaying of former Rolling Meadows High School and Harper College track star Shannon McNamara, who was found dead in her apartment near the EIU campus on June 12, 2001. But at his death-penalty hearing, Mertz was teary-eyed through most of his 40 minutes of direct questioning. His testimony is expected to continue Tuesday.
Mertz, 26, told the jury he never knew his mother, who left him to his grandmother's care before he was 2. He said he was sexually abused by a stepsister and physically abused by his stepmother and father.


Wife beater’s probation revoked after blowing many chances
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 24-year old man who received a lot chances from the court was ordered to serve all of his suspended sentences, which total up to 27 years.
Timothy Noa appeared before the High Court last Friday for a Deposition Hearing, after he failed to comply with some of the conditions of his probation.
The defendant did not wish to make any statement to the court when he was given the opportunity to address the court prior to the judges’ decision.
His attorney, public defender Douglas Fiaui addressed the court on his client’s behalf, where the tried his best to persuade the court to give his client another chance.
According to Fiaui, his client is a young man who has an anger problem in his domestic relationship and his anger had brought him before the court many times. He was sentence by the Family, Drug & Alcohol (FDA) court in 2016 and ordered to serve 12 months at the Territorial Correction Facility (TCF).
Immediately after his release, he was brought back to court again on allegations of violating conditions of his probation set by FDA.
Fiaui told the court that the government’s recommendation is to revoke his client’s probation and order him to serve a total of the 27 years that had been suspended by the court when he was sentenced.
“If my client’s probation is revoked he will lose many years of his life. For the time he already served in prison, he has already lost many years of his life. I humbly ask the court to please not accept the recommendation by the probation officer, but sentence my client to a probated sentence,” Fiaui asked the court.
“Your client does not wish to be heard?” Chief Justice Michael Kruse asked. Fiaui responded, “Yes, he doesn’t want to address the court.”
Kruse explained that when probated sentences are imposed there are rules with which the defendant must comply and when they don’t, there is no recourse except to revoke the probation.
Prosecutor Christy Dunn then asked the court to accept the recommendation by the probation officer to revoke probation and order the defendant to serve the suspended period of his detention.
“After I reviewed all of his criminal records and the circumstances surrounding all of his cases, the government feels that revoking probation is the best option,” Dunn said.
After a brief meeting by the Judges in chambers, Kruse said that the only option available to the court is to accept the Probation Office’s recommendation to revoke the defendant’s probation and order him to serve the suspended terms of imprisonment which totals 27 years.
Police arrested Noa on December 23, 2012 for assaulting his wife. Police received a call from a woman claiming the defendant assaulted her that morning. The victim told police that Noa had threatened to kill her if he was arrested.
The woman also told police that Noa was making unreasonable noises and was yelling profanities on the road and in front of their neighbor’s house. The victim requested that police officers take her to the hospital, because the defendant struck her several times on the facial area.
Court filings indicate the defendant was not intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Police also noted in the court filings the defendant was acting disorderly while he was being interviewed and hitting his head on the wall repeatedly and saying he wanted to kill himself.
Noa was initially charged with several counts but under a plea agreement with the prosecutors, he pled guilty to four felony counts — burglary second degree, false imprisonment, resisting arrest and domestic assault in the third degree.
In June 2014, Noa was sentences to 28 months imprisonment, one of the conditions of his seven-year probation.
In 2016, Noa was arrested again for assaulting his wife, where he was convicted of domestic assault in the second degree and was sentenced by the FDA court to serve a term of 12 months, one of the conditions of this five-year probation sentence.
After serving his 12 months detention, while out, Noa was re-arrested for not complying with conditions of his 2014 probation; and is now ordered by the court to serve all suspended periods of his detention, which total 27 years.


Domestic violence laws in Florida are in place to help protect victims. As a Charlotte domestic violence attorney, we understand that not all domestic violence victims are spouses or partners. Domestic violence can be directed at children, the elderly and even other family members. Unfortunately, statistically, there are more than 100,000 domestic violence incidents annually across the state.
When to contact a Sarasota Domestic Violence Attorney
The term domestic violence is used to describe abuse where violence is threatened, where physical violence has occurred and may also be used in instances where sexual abuse has occurred. In general, domestic violence laws cover victims who are known to their abusers through relationships such as:
- Domestic partners – including heterosexual and homosexual couples whether married or living together as well as people who have dated an abuser.
- Divorced or separated spouses – whether you are currently divorced or separated, you may still be a victim of domestic violence either through direct physical abuse or threats of violence.
- Children and parents of abusers – children and the elderly are often victimized by family members or caretakers. They have the right to be represented by a Manatee domestic violence lawyer in much the same manner as any other victim of domestic violence.
When to contact the Law Office of Eric A. Reyes
It is never easy to admit to being a victim of domestic violence and unfortunately, thousands of victims feel that abuse is a one-time incident. This is seldom the case, in fact all too often, abusers behavior accelerates and can lead to even more dangerous situations. If you have been struck or threatened by someone whom you’ve been involved in a relationship with, you should call our offices immediately. We can help in a number of ways including:
- Filing criminal charges – when necessary, we can help you file criminal charges against your abuser
- Obtaining restraining orders – restraining orders are available to allow law enforcement to intervene if your abuser approaches you
- Sue abuser for damages – when you have to move, suffer bodily injury or need ongoing psychological care, your abuser should be held financially responsible
No one should have to suffer abuse at the hands of another person and if you are one of the thousands of Florida domestic violence victims, Attorney Eric Reyes, P.A. is here to help protect your rights under the law.


As John McMurtry said, “[9/11] allowed an illegitimate administration to transmute into America’s patriotic champion at war - above accountability and the rule of law. ‘Defending America from another terrorist attack’ became a political blank check for corporate corruption of government expenditures with impunity, war criminal acts and threats across the Islamic and alternative third world, and attacks on civil rights and commons at home.” All this persists as 9/11 lies persist.
Despite record-low levels of public trust in Congress and the president, too many Americans still believe that elections are the path to major political reforms. Despite a solid history of campaign lies from politicians, and overwhelming belief that the nation is on the wrong track, Americans keep hoping that they can vote their way into a better future. Most Americans do not have a Boston Tea Party mentality. They are unready to revolt despite revolting conditions. Our truth movement must help Americans accept painful truth and its political fallout. We must put all the technical truth discovered by reputable scientists and engineers to work for systemic reforms.
We must do more than oust the official story and obtain a new 9/11 investigation that now has wide support by hundreds of respected Americans (www.patriotsquestion911.com). We must guide Americans into a more patriotic and courageous mental state. We must help Americans become outraged and rebellious, yet also optimistic about major political reforms.
Success against the power elites running and ruining our nation requires building an army of Americans openly revolting against the two-party corporatist state now in control. The 9/11 truth movement must use political strategies to defeat the status quo political establishment. Here are three actions.
First, with detailed technical analyses unequivocally proving that the official story is false, the movement can draft a bill that might be titled The 9/11 Truth Act of 2008. This proposed federal legislation should be delivered to every member of the House and Senate early next year. It would clarify the investigation: What its scope and objectives must be. What reliable entity, public or private or a combination, must be used. How the public must be given opportunities to present information. What resources must be provided and what time frame must be adhered to.
We must take the initiative and specify exactly what kind of new official 9/11 investigation is necessary, recognizing that professionals in the truth movement have limited resources and cannot address all questions. The 9/11 truth movement itself must define exactly what the first real credible and comprehensive government sponsored investigation must consist of. We can have no confidence in anything that the political establishment might devise to silence our movement. We must tell the public, the media and the political world what is required to reveal the total truth as to what caused, for example, the collapse of three World Trade Center buildings, especially building 7 not even hit by a plane.
Developing and submitting this legislation must then be followed up by all 9/11 groups urging their supporters to bombard Congress with demands for hearings and passage of the bill. This is the way to engage more Americans politically to obtain full 9/11 truth.
However, few politicians’ comments support the truth movement. A rare statement came from presidential candidate Ron Paul. In a radio interview in January, 2007 he said that the 9/11 investigations to date are “more or less cover-up and no real explanation of what went on.” However, later in the year when he became more visible he was asked about the possibility of the official story being orchestrated by the government. He said emphatically “absolutely not.” In another interview, when asked whether he thought 9/11 was an inside job that our government made happen, he responded forcefully “No.” So apparently Paul sees a cover-up but not about the involvement of our government. Would he support legislation for a new investigation?
Thus the second critical political action is this: Proclaim that only politicians that actively support passage of our legislation will earn support in the 2008 elections from the millions of Americans doubting the official 9/11 story. This threat is an absolute necessity. If the legislation is not passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush, then we must aggressively support a boycott on voting for all Democrats and Republicans in the 2008 federal elections.
Third, all those committed to 9/11 truth should honor what the Founders gave us in our Constitution in case some day Americans lost confidence in the federal government, especially in Congress. That day has arrived. 9/11 was that day. They gave us the option in Article V for a convention of state delegates to propose constitutional amendments. We must see SYSTEM reforms as only achievable through constitutional amendments that Congress will never propose nor achieve through normal legislation.
Congress and the entire elitist political establishment have intentionally denied us a convention for over 200 years. The one and only requirement in Article V has more than been satisfied by over 500 state applications from all 50 states. Enough is enough. Our truth movement should join the effort of Friends of the Article V Convention at www.foavc.org by urging truth group members to join FOAVC. The political establishment fears both 9/11 truth and an Article V convention. We must grasp that 9/11 truth can bring us to the brink of political reforms and the convention is the process to obtain them.
The 9/11 truth movement must also be a political movement – but not in any partisan sense. 9/11 truth can help Americans take back their country. 9/11 truth can end the criminal, corrupt and conniving plutocracy that stole our government and mutilated our democracy.
We must transform 9/11 from a catalyzing event for imperialistic war-mongering to one for democracy renewal. We must convert terrorist-transfixed fear into political reform enthusiasm.
The pursuit of truth is not always the pursuit of happiness – not when the truth hurts. The 9/11 truth movement is not about finding immediate happiness. It is about rebooting American democracy and, after accomplishing that, earning happiness.


Labour Law / Employment Law
HEINZE LANGE v. SENDEN advises employers and employees in all areas of labour law, civil service law and church labour law.
Our work begins with the drafting of contracts. The drafting of employment contracts is just as much a part of our field of activity as the drafting of service contracts for executives (e.g. contracts of employment for managing directors and board members). We advise you on the termination of employment and service contracts and negotiate settlements in the event of a dispute.
We represent both employers and employees in dismissal proceedings and in all other conceivable labour court proceedings at all instances. In the case of transfers of undertakings, mergers, transactions and restructurings, we solve problems under both labour and employment law. If necessary, we will negotiate a reconciliation of interests and a social plan for you.
We advise both employers and works councils on works constitution issues and conduct negotiations in front of the arbitration board. We are also your competent advisor in collective bargaining law.
We offer personnel managers and works councils tailor-made training courses to strengthen your in-house competence.


House Democrats and the Trump administration are close to striking a deal on enforcing labor standards in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the principal remaining issue that is yet to be resolved before a House vote, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday.
House Democrats are about to attempt something that Washington hasn’t been done in over three decades: Enact immigration reforms that would give farmers better access to foreign workers while offering legal status to their existing employees.
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a Clean Water Act case with major implications for agriculture, while farm groups who back a bipartisan ag labor bill will be lobbying lawmakers ahead of an expected House committee debate.
A bipartisan farm labor reform bill released Wednesday would expand the H-2A program to year-round workers and provide farms relief on wage rates, while offering legal status to existing agricultural workers who are undocumented.
Fraud, regulatory hurdles and the transition period from conventional to organic farming all present unique challenges for the growing organic industry, but one of its biggest problems is one also faced by conventional agriculture: a lack of enough workers.
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing changes to the Application Exclusion Zone language in federal pesticide law that would expand exemptions and lessen regulatory requirements for ag operations.
Corporations and organizations looking to serve the nation's farmers and ranchers are exploring a new pool of candidates to fill their open positions: students with backgrounds outside of traditional production agriculture.


AFPTer illustration: drag queens at a performance in Blackpool, UK
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 16:14
A federal judge in the United States yesterday blocked a law banning drag shows in the state of Tennessee at the last minute. The law was supposed to come into force today, but according to the judge it is contrary to the constitution.
The law is a first for the US and prohibits drag queens from performing in public places, in front of children or near schools. Earlier last month, Republican Governor Bill Lee signed the controversial bill.
The word drag does not appear in the new law. The text says that “cabaret intended for adults” is not allowed in public places or anywhere a child can see it. The ban applies to topless dancers and strippers, as well as male and female impersonators who perform performances that are “harmful to children”.
A theater group from the city of Memphis, which regularly performs drag shows, filed a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee last week. According to that group, the law violates the First Amendment in the Constitution, which protects freedom of speech and expression.
In this video, a clergyman and a drag queen in Tennessee share their thoughts on the law:
Controversial law for drag queens fuels tensions in Tennessee
A few hours before the law was to take effect, the judge ruled in favor of the theater group – at least temporarily. According to the judge, the state has not been able to substantiate sufficiently that the law is necessary, and the description of the regulation is too vague and too broad.
For example, the law would not make a clear distinction between – for example – a performance by a drag queen in a skirt and top and a similar performance in the same outfit by a sports team cheerleader.
Moreover, there is confusion about the locations where the performances are prohibited by law. “Does a private home also fall under this? And a camping site in a nature park?”, said the judge in the ruling. “Ultimately, the text of the law violates the First Amendment of the Constitution.”
The court’s ruling has postponed the entry into force of the law by at least fourteen days. “If the state of Tennessee wants to ban speech it considers obscene, it must do so within the limits of the US Constitution,” the judge said. The next step is now a new hearing, in which the state tries to refute the objections of the judge and the theater group.
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The white supremacist who shot and killed nine unsuspecting church goers in South Carolina said it’s “not fair” he has to hear so much extensive testimony about the impact of the crime.
Jurors will consider whether to sentence Dylann Roof to death or life in prison following the racially motivated slaying of the nine African Americans at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, a historic black church in downtown Charleston known as “Mother Emanuel.”
The 22-year-old was convicted last month over the June 17, 2015 killings.
Representing himself and offering no remorse for his actions, Roof argued that the condemning victim impact statements all but guaranteed his death sentence.
“If I don’t present any mitigation evidence, the victim-impact evidence will take over the whole sentencing trial and guarantee that I get the death penalty,” Roof wrote.
The filing was Roof’s first substantial contribution to his defence, an argument that was partially echoed by US District Judge Richard Gergel.
“I’m concerned both about the number of witnesses and the length of their testimony and the length collectively of their testimony, and I want you to revisit your strategy here, because at some point I’m going to cut you off if it gets too long,” he said.
However Assistant US Attorney Jay Richardson rushed to the defence of the grieving families, insisting it was “important that the government and these individuals are allowed to tell the stories of their loved ones”.
Parishioners attending a Bible study group had just begun their closing prayer when Roof opened fire, unleashing a horrific bloodbath that shocked the nation.
The victims, who had welcomed Roof into the church, ranged from 26 to 87 years old.
“My opening statement is going to seem a little bit out of place,” Roof said calmly as he delivered the brief remarks at a podium, occasionally glancing at notes.
“I am not going to lie to you. … Other than the fact that I trust people that I shouldn’t and the fact that I’m probably better at constantly embarrassing myself than anyone who’s ever existed, there’s nothing wrong with me psychologically.
“I am not sorry, I have not shed a tear for the innocent people I killed,” he wrote.
Shortly before Roof’s statement, prosecutors presented a jailhouse journal in which he wrote that he did not regret the massacre or “shed a tear” for the dead.
“I would ask you to forget it,” Roof told jurors, referring to what his lawyers said then.
During the trial, Roof made no attempt to explain his crimes and exhibited no signs of remorse as survivors recounted the rampage in heart-rending detail.


Auto Theft in Madera, Merced, or Tulare County | MercedCriminal Defense Attorney
Need a Fresno Criminal defense attorney for a violation of vehicle code 10851(a)?
Auto theft can be a serious matter and in Fresno County they have dedicated police investigators to help "crack down" on auto thefts. The Fresno Police Department along with other police agencies have dedicated their top officers to investigate and arrest auto thieves. I have experienced attorneys that have handled thousands of auto theft related offenses. If you are ever facing charges of theft you will want to represented by someone with experience. Call today for a free consultation - ask for Adam Rodriguez
What are the consequences of a vehicle code violation 10851(a)?
If you are convicted of a 10851(a) then you may receive 16 months, two years or up to three years in jail, depending on the nature of the offense and your criminal history. In addition, if you have prior vehicle thefts then your sentencing could be enhanced for a longer period of custody time. Vehicle Code violation 10851(a) is also a "wobbler" meaning that the charge could be reduced to a misdemeanor therefore reducing your potential custody time to only one year.
How do they prove that I committed a V.C. 10851(a)?
In order to find a person guilty of grand theft auto (GTA) the district attorney must prove:
1. Defendant took or drove a vehicle belonging to another person;
2. The other person had not consented to the taking or driving of his or her vehicle;
3. When defendant took or drove the vehicle, he or she had the specific intent to deprive the owner either permanently or temporarily of his or her title to or possession of the vehicle.


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Kentucky State Police Post 4 troopers arrested more than 50 for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and logged nearly 9,700 hours of service in March.
According to a news release, troopers and detectives assigned to the Elizabethtown post, which serves eight counties including Hardin and LaRue, issued 1,550 citations and opened 66 criminal cases in March.
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Pictured l-r, Sheriff Mike Couvillon, Abbeville Councilman Francis Plaisance, Gueydan Mayor Pro Tem Claudette Price, Abbeville Chief of Police Bill Spearman, and Narcotics Task Force Commander Captain Drew David.
Task Force makes arrests in Vermilion Parish
According to Sheriff Mike Couvillon, the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force made the following arrests for narcotics related offenses within the parish.
• Dion Green (Date of birth12-27-81) of Abbeville, arrested for two counts of possession of a legend drug, possession of Cloazepam, two counts of possession of Alprazolam, possession of Dextroamphetimine, possession of Amphetamine, removal of labeling, possession with the intent to distribute synthetic marijuana.
• Chase Callahan (Date of birth 3-21-85) of Abbeville, arrested for possession of heroin, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, and drug paraphernalia.
• On 4-10-19 agents conducted a search warrant at 1632 Daniel Street in Abbeville.
While conducting the search over four pounds of synthetic marijuana “legal weed” was seized.
• Carleen Grogan (Date of birth 8-22-91) who resides at said residence was arrested and charged with manufacturing of Synthetic Marijuana, possession with the intent to distribute synthetic marijuana, two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile, and two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a drug free zone.
Sheriff Couvillon would like to thank the Mayors, and their council, of Abbeville, Gueydan, and Erath, along with their Chiefs of Police, for their support of the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force. Sheriff Couvillon also applauds the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Task Force in fighting the war on illegal drugs.
He encourages all citizens with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit at 337-740-4501 or E-mail the Task Force anonymously at firstname.lastname@example.org and your e-mail will be held in the “strictest of confidence” and replied to in a very timely manner.
More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net. Click on Narcotics and fill out the TURN IN A PUSHER information.


Real estate can be separated into several distinctive classifications. The short article below will certainly clarify the terms Land, Improvements to a tract, Interests in the parcel, and Legal relationships in between landowners. Depending on the building type, a person might possess all of these groups. The terms Land, Improvements, and also Rate of interests should all recognize to you. You can likewise use the terms “real estate” as well as “real estate” reciprocally.
What is land? Land is real estate. In addition to buildings, it includes subsurface legal rights, plants, as well as various other natural aspects. Anything that grows or is attached to land is real estate, therefore are any kind of civil liberties obtained from the land. Even if we do not very own land, we still own a right to it. If we have an interest in getting real estate, we ought to learn concerning the legal definition of land. Here are some of the definitions of real residential property:
Improvements to a parcel
A property that has actually been improved is called a boosted tract These improvements might include structures and utilities. This kind of residential property will always appreciate in worth, as there is a restricted supply of land As cities grow, much more land is zoned as well as developed. Because of this, the price of land boosts. Right here are some ideas to assess the requirement for enhancements on a tract Before you begin building on a parcel, consider its condition.
Rate of interests in a parcel.
There are numerous means to split possession interests in a parcel of land. Some individuals separate their ownership passions right into fee rate of interests as well as others hold a lease or various other type of lease. The former is a common technique as well as may be valuable for the lessee and also owner. Relying on the kind of lease, the lessee may own mineral legal rights or surface civil liberties, and the latter might possess air space. If you’re looking for a better means to split possession interests, you must seek advice from a lawyer or a real estate professional.
Legal partnerships in between proprietors of a tract.
There are a variety of legal partnerships between the owners of a parcel. These relationships differ according to the type of residential or commercial property. For instance, an acquisition arrangement between a vendor and also possible buyer will have a various legal status than an agreement in between two owners of personal residential property. The purchaser needs to satisfy numerous needs prior to he or she is able to buy the land from the vendor. These demands include marketability of title as well as the vendor’s capacity to impose the contract.
Intangible properties connected to a tract.
An abstract asset is any kind of property that has some sort of worth to a company. These possessions have particular residential property civil liberties and also features that enhance the worth of business. There are two various types of intangible possessions. The first kind of abstract possession is real estate, which is connected with a tract, consisting of ownership as well as use civil liberties. The second kind is personal business residential or commercial property, which is extra familiar to business individuals, yet is not necessarily affixed to a tract. If you have any concerns with regards to wherever and how to use https://www.botany-at-dairy-farm.sg, you can call us at our own web site.
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Design for a penholder
US D48227 S
Description (OCR text may contain errors)
J. H. KULOW.
APPLICATION FILED AUG.28.1915.
48,227. Patented Nov. 30, 1915 THE NoRR/ s PETERS ca, FHOTO-LITHCL. WASHINGTON, 1.7V 6.
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
JOHN H. KULOW, OF BUFFALO, NEW YORK.
DESIGN FOR A PENHOLDER.
48,227. Specification for Design- Patented Nov. 30, 1915. D Application filed August 28, 1915. Serial No. 47,870. Term of patent 35 years.
To all whom it may concern: The figure is a perspective view of a pen- Be it known that I, JOHN H. KULOW, acitiholder showing my new design. zen of the United States, residing at Buf- WVhat I claim is: falo, in the county of Erie and State of New The ornamental design of a penholder York, have invented a new, original, and substantially as shown. ornamental Design for a Penholder, of which the following is a specification, refer- JOHN H. KULOW. ence being had to the accompanying drawing, forming a part thereof.
copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C.


A 34-year-old man who used a foil lined bag to steal drink from Tescos was given suspended prison sentences last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court.
He was Renaldas Medusauskas, Clonavon Avenue, Portadown.
For the theft of alcohol valued at £60 from Tescos in Craigavon on December 13 last year, going equipped to steal with a foil lined bag on the same date and a similar going equipped charge on December 11 he was jailed for four months.
Two month terms were imposed for the theft of alcohol valued £51.60 from Tescos on October 6 and the theft of a set of earphones and a wash bag, valued at £4.37, from Poundstretcher on November 21.
The two month terms and the four month sentence are to run consecutively, making a total of six months in jail, and all were suspended for two years.
The case had been adjourned for a short sentence report and a barrister for the defendant said he had very honestly admitted he had spent two periods of custody in Lithuania for theft offences.
He added that it was clear from the report that he had a problem with alcohol consumption and he had been stealing alcohol at the request of others for money.
District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said that committing the offences at the instigation of others was concerning.


Bill of Rights
The White House recently unveiled the AI Bill of Rights. What is this, why is it needed, and what does it do? In this post, I provide some perspective – from a technology and business standpoint, about this document and what it can or should mean for businesses.
Context – why is this needed
First, some context. As many people know, AI is now deployed or being deployed in virtually all business contexts, from finance (think credit card approvals) to healthcare (think disease diagnosis/risk assessments) and beyond. While many advanced technologies stay far away from consumers – when was the last time you thought about how the latest database research was used by your hospital to treat you? – AI is not like that. AI advances touch humans directly – whether it is in using human information, making decisions that affect humans, or both. Plus, AI is pervasive – now anyone from a large bank to a high school student can leverage the most advanced AIs known to humanity, and then put the resulting application in front of anyone. How do we make sure this ferocious pace of technological advancement is safe?
Enter AI Ethics
AI Ethics is the field of AI that focuses on the ethical application of AI – particularly as it relates to humans and society. AI Ethics covers areas such as AI bias – ensuring that AIs treat all humans fairly, AI and Privacy – ensuring that people can understand and control how their information is used etc. AI Ethics is a critical field as explained here. Now we can get to the AI Bill of Rights – which is a prototype design for AI Ethics in practice. The AI Bill of Rights outlines the government’s view on what human rights should be protected by organizations building and deploying AI.
What is in the AI Bill of Rights?
A detailed document on the AI Bill of Rights can be found here. The document outlines five basic rights. I have listed them below:
- Safety. The key element here is that automated systems can (and do!) make mistakes. In AI – these mistakes can occur in many ways – see the article here about how COVID-19 broke many AIs around the globe. While not all mistakes can be foreseen, operational ML techniques (MLOps) can be used to detect and mitigate AI mistakes before they …….


In the fall of 2009, Denver City Council rep Charlie Brown realized that the city had to get a handle on the booming medical marijuana dispensary industry -- and even as the Colorado Legislature was just starting to discuss MMJ, Denver was signing off on its ordinance. But now the city needs to revise its Denver Medical Marijuana Code to deal with certain provisions of the state law and the growing controversy over grow houses.
One of the major provisions of the new state laws was the requirement that dispensaries -- now known as "centers" -- grow at least 70 percent of their own product. That led to a boom in the grow-house business, with many operations getting their business licenses in Denver before new city zoning rules took affect that would outlaw grows from certain areas.
And so Charlie Brown is back in the saddle again. Last Monday, the Special Issues Committee, which Brown chairs, spent hours discussing a proposed ordinance that would license the city's grow operations, and while the council members reached no consensus, they grappled with a growing list of possible amendments, including one proposal to close any grow facility within 1,000 feet of a residential or mixed use area.
Under new zoning rules, city officials estimate that 167 of the 179 facilities that have gotten permits as grow houses would have to move. And new amendments have been proposed that would further limit locations for the facilities.
So many amendments were proposed that the Denver City Attorney's office spent the weekend redrafting the ordinance that will be discussed at 2 p.m. today in Room 391 of the City & County Building; we'll post the draft as soon as it's available.
But even without seeing that version, Brown promises that today's discussion could be a bumpy ride. And hold on tight: If the proposal makes it out of the committee, there will be a public hearing before Denver City Council two weeks from today.
Happy Valentine's Day.
More from our Calhoun: Wake-Up Call archive: "Gourmet food trucks collide with confusing Denver regulations."
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GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATIVE TO CORPORATIONS
Appointment of receivers; powers; term
Section 52. If the charter of the corporation expires or is annulled, or if the corporation is dissolved as provided in section fifty, or if its corporate existence for other purposes is terminated in any other manner, the supreme judicial or superior court, upon application of a creditor, stockholder or member, shall have jurisdiction in equity to appoint one or more receivers to take charge of its estate and effects and to collect the debts and property due and belonging to it, with power to prosecute and defend suits in its name or otherwise, to appoint agents under them and to do all other acts which might be done by such corporation, if in being, which may be necessary for the final settlement of its unfinished business. The powers of such receivers and the existence of the corporation may be continued as long as the court finds necessary for said purposes.


NEW DELHI: Farmers protesting against the three central agriculture laws are planning to intensify the seven-month-long agitation during the monsoon session of Parliament
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha — an umbrella body of farmer unions — announced on Sunday that a group of 200 farmers will protest outside Parliament every day during the upcoming monsoon session. The session will be held from July 19 to August 13.
The farmers said that on July 17, two days before the parliamentary session commences, they will hand over a "chetavani patra" (warning letter) to opposition members asking them to protest against the laws in the House
"We will also ask the opposition MPs on July 17 to raise the issue every day inside the House while we will sit outside in protest. We will tell them to not to benefit the Centre by walking out of a session. Don't let the session run till the government addresses the issue," farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said.
The opposition MPs have been vocal against the three laws introduced by the government last year. They even staged a walkout when the laws were cleared in Parliament.
Elaborating about the protest, Rajewal said that five protesters from each farm union will be taken to join the agitation.
The protests outside Parliament will continue till our demands are met, he added.
The SKM also called for a nationwide protest on July 8 against the rising prices of petrol, diesel and LPG
It asked people to come out and park their vehicles at state and national highways from 10 am till 12 pm.
Thousands of farmers protesting against the farm laws marched to the national capital in November last year to intensify their agitation. The farmers have been stationed at some border points of Delhi since then, refusing to leave until the government withdraws the laws.
The farmers fear the laws will pave way for the end of the Minimum Support Price system - the central procurement regime which assures guaranteed prices for certain crops.
The government has repeatedly tried to assuage the farmers' concerns, saying that MSP-based procurement will continue. (With inputs from PTI)


Estate Planning Lawyer
What Is an Estate Planning Lawyer?
An estate planning lawyer is a type of law professional that can help you create specific plans for your estate. Also known as estate planning attorneys, these individuals are aware of the correct documents to use when putting your wishes for incapacity and death into writing.
Most importantly, they understand the state and federal laws that impact your estate and can ensure that your goals are properly executed.
Estate planning attorneys can help you every step of the way during the estate planning process. After your demise, they can continue to guide your beneficiaries through the probate process.
Things an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Help You With
Estate planning lawyers can help you with a wide range of things. Here are some of the most common services that they provide:
Creating a Will and Identifying Beneficiaries
One of the most important things that an estate planning lawyer can help you with is creating a will. This document will outline your wishes for how your assets should be distributed after you die.
When it comes to making your will, you want to make sure that it fits your specific needs. A standard template from the internet will rarely be a good fit, and a handwritten will can often lead to probate litigation.
An estate planning lawyer can assist in creating a Will that reduces the likelihood of going to court.
These attorneys can provide impartial advice and help you identify who will benefit from your estate. These people or organizations who will inherit specific assets after your death are your beneficiaries.
Creating a Living Will
An estate planning lawyer can answer any questions about health care directives and help you create a living will. A living will clearly state your preferences regarding treatment, pain management and other medical decisions.
The purpose of a living will is to ensure that your wishes are honored should you become mentally incapacitated. In this document, you can express all medical decisions, especially end-of-life situations.
By creating a living will, you are providing family members or close friends with advance notice of your intentions, so there is no uncertainty later on.
Creating a Trust
Aside from wills, trusts are another excellent way to ensure that your assets are passed on to your loved ones in the way you desire.
Establishing a trust involves a third person, a trustee, who will manage the trust assets for your beneficiaries. Unlike wills which focus primarily on the distribution of assets after death, trusts concentrate on protecting and growing the assets until beneficiaries are eligible to receive their inheritance.
Working with an estate planning lawyer can help create a trust that meets your unique goals and needs.
Creating an Overall Estate Plan
An estate planning attorney often helps clients in a more comprehensive way. Their services include assessing an individual’s estate, asking about preferences or goals, and giving advice on the best options.
If you do not have an estate plan, your assets will be distributed according to state law. This situation may not be what you want, and it could result in unnecessary taxes and expenses for your loved ones.
When Should You Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?
You should consider hiring an estate planning lawyer if any of the statements below apply to you:
- You have a complex financial situation – You may need to set up a trust or take other measures to ensure that your assets are distributed as you wish.
- You own a business – You will need to make sure that your business is secure even in the event of your death.
- You have young children or disabled family members– Estate planning can help ensure that your loved ones are taken care of if something happens to you.
- You have a disability – Estate planning can help you ensure that your assets are used to support you if you cannot do so yourself.
- You have a large estate – You will want to minimize taxes and expenses so that your loved ones can inherit as much as possible.
- You have foreign property or assets – If you pass on an asset to someone in another state or country, it is important to understand the legal requirements for doing so.
- You want to leave a legacy – An estate planning lawyer can help you create a plan that meets your philanthropic goals.
How to Choose an Estate Planning Lawyer
You can take steps to ensure that you choose the best estate planning lawyer for your needs. Here are a few things to consider:
Create a List of Prospects
Start by creating a list of potential estate planning lawyers. You can get referrals from friends, family, or financial advisors. You can also find an attorney by checking the websites of your local, county, and state bar associations.
There are many different types of attorneys, so it is important to find one who specializes in estate law if you want the best possible estate plan.
Even if another attorney works with estates, they may not have the same level of expertise as an estate law specialist.
Talk to Each Prospect and Ask the Right Questions
After you have a list of potential prospects, the next step is to call each one and ask questions. These calls will help you get more information about their practice and what they can do for you.
Here are some important questions to ask:
- How long have you been practicing estate law?
- Do you specialize in estate law, or do you also work with other areas of law?
- What is your experience with estate planning? Do you have experience with trusts, wills, probate, or tax law?
- Can you provide examples of estate plans you have created?
- How do you charge for your services?
- Can you provide a list of references from clients who have used your services?
- Do you actually execute the estate plan?
- Do you review the estate plan periodically to ensure it is still up-to-date?
- How long does it take you to complete an estate plan?
- What is included in your estate planning services?
Aside from the questions listed above, it is also important to know if you will be working with only one specific person when dealing with an estate lawyer from a large law firm.
This information can help you build a good working relationship with your chosen person.
Check Their Fees and Certifications
To find a good estate lawyer, you will want to make sure you understand all of the fees associated with their services.
This way, you can be sure you are getting the best possible deal. Most estate lawyers typically charge by the hour. Others charge a flat fee for specific services, depending upon where they are located and the complexity of the work involved.
It is also important to make sure that the estate lawyer you are working with is properly certified.
Check whether he is an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), Chartered Trust and Estate Planner (CTEP), or Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA). These are the three primary professional designations for estate planning lawyers.
You should also ask if the lawyer is a member of any estate planning councils or associations, such as the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC).
These memberships indicate that the lawyer is serious about estate planning and stays up-to-date on the latest news and developments.
Make Your Choice
After you have interviewed all of the prospects on your list, it is time to decide.
You will want to choose an attorney you feel comfortable with and with the experience and qualifications you are looking for.
Estate planning is a complex process, so you want to be sure you have someone who knows what they are doing and can help you create the best possible plan for your unique situation.
You should also make sure that the attorney you choose is someone you can work with on a long-term basis.
Estate planning is not a one-time process. Instead, it is something that needs to be revisited and updated as your life circumstances change.
Estate Planning Lawyer vs Probate Lawyer
You may be wondering if you need an estate lawyer or a probate lawyer. The answer to this question depends on your needs.
Estate planning lawyers help people make a plan for dividing up their estate and assets before they die. Probate lawyers oversee the validation and administration of a will in probate court after a person has passed away.
Estate Planning Lawyer
An estate planning lawyer can help you plan for your assets and estate in the event of your death. This plan may involve creating a Will and identifying your beneficiaries.
With their understanding of state and federal laws, estate planning lawyers can decrease the chances that your estate plan will be contested or invalidated in probate court.
Other things that estate planning attorneys can help you with include creating trusts, setting up guardianships for minors, and helping you plan for long-term care.
Estate planning lawyers can also help you create a living will that informs your loved ones of your preferences during life and death situations. For instance, you can state your wishes or opinions about being placed on life support when seriously ill.
If you have an estate plan in place, your assets might be distributed without going through the probate court.
However, if you do not have a will or if your will needs to be validated by the court, your estate will be handled by a probate lawyer.
Probate is the process of validating a will before a judge. The probate lawyer will guide the estate administrator through this process or represent a party in probate litigation when there is a challenge to the will.
These attorneys may also be hired to find, inventory, and secure the estate of the decedent, including savings and checking accounts, personal possessions, real estate, and vehicles.
Other services could include identifying and collecting life insurance policies, determining the validity of debts, and advising on the repayment of these debts.
Estate planning is an important process that everyone should go through. An estate planning lawyer can help you to create a plan for your estate so that your family knows what to do in the event of your death.
An estate planning lawyer offers various services, such as drafting wills, creating trusts, setting up guardianships for minors, and preparing for long-term care.
Estate planning lawyers work in the same field as probate lawyers.
However, there are several key differences. For instance, if you do not have a will or if your will needs to be validated by the court, a probate lawyer can help you to navigate this process.
Choosing the right estate planning lawyer is an important decision. You should interview several lawyers and ask about their experience, fees, and whether they have any specialties.
Once you have chosen the right lawyer for you, be sure to keep in communication with them so that your estate plan can be updated as needed.
Estate planning is critical to ensuring that your wishes are fulfilled after death.
About the Author
True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®
True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.
True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.


Why Syracuse Law
At Syracuse Law, a legal education extends far beyond the classroom.
From our nationally recognized innovative centers and trial advocacy program to prestigious externship placements and practical clinical opportunities, experiential learning is key to our student’s success. Learn from renowned faculty who are experts in their fields, leading the way in disability, innovation, and national security law.
As an Orange lawyer, you will become a part of a powerful network of over 11,000 extraordinary alumni. Join us today for a dynamic legal education that will prepare you to impact justice and empower change.
Learning While Doing
Our centers and institutes: where diverse and interdisciplinary perspectives meet to solve the most complex challenges of our time. Explore the places where innovation meets expertise, as the brilliant minds of students, faculty, and practitioners collaborate for focused learning in critically important areas of the law.
Innovation Law Center (ILC)
Educating students on the technical, legal, and business aspects involved in bringing new technologies to market.Discover More
Institute of Security Policy and Law (SPL)
Preparing the next generation of practitioners and policymakers to enter the fields of national security, homeland security, intelligence, military law, and more.Discover More
Disability Law and Policy Program (DLPP)
Teaching international and comparative disability law, the nation’s most extensive program in this field.Discover More
Developing and honing student advocacy skills through in-class, intra- and inter-collegiate competitions.Discover More
Enhance your law degree by pursuing advanced training in a complementary discipline. Explore the many ways that the law intersects with other fields, including business, disability studies, communications, international affairs, public administration, forensic science, and more.
Grow Your Network
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Syracuse Law faculty are experts in their fields, providing insights and expertise in the most cutting-edge and influential topics of our time. Their research, publishing, and media commentary enhance the student learning experience as they serve as educators and mentors for future Orange lawyers.
Support for You
As a part of our Orange law community, you’ll have an opportunity to participate in 30+ student organizations and student-edited journals.
From your first year through the bar exam, the Office of Academic and Bar Success is here as a resource for you to achieve your goals.
Serving Those Who’ve Served Us
From servicemember to lawyer, your journey starts here. Transfer your military skills like solving problems, leading, and being disciplined to help you succeed in law school and beyond.


OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – Metro Technology Centers and the Oklahoma Department of Labor are working together to create a Youth Employment Safety (YES) program that will educate young workers, their employers and community sectors on youth employment laws and other work-related concerns.
YES, an online program, will teach young workers, employers and community advocates about youth employment laws and related workplace standards, according to Metro Tech officials.
Metro Tech and the Department of Labor signed an official alliance in June during a ceremony at Metro Tech District Center, 1900 Springlake Drive, in Oklahoma City.
“The Oklahoma Department of Labor is excited to collaborate with Metro Tech on our duel project to promote safety in the workplace for our young workers across the state,” Oklahoma Department of Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn said during the signing ceremony. “The educational outreach capabilities of Metro Tech will help our agency in the mission of safe workplace conditions for all of our citizens. The YES Youth Employment Safety program will help educate and train youth across the state with free online training programs and is a great step to a more educated and trained workforce.”
The YES training program will consist of three distinct training modules, one for young workers, one for employers of young workers and one for parents, educators and community members.
Young worker training will focus on youth employment laws, youth worker safety, workplace hiring and employment discrimination, mental health, emergency management, personal protective equipment and taxes.
Employer training spans youth employment laws, wage and hour protections, federal and state OSHA consultation programs and workplace hiring and employment discrimination.
The third training module will educate parents, educators and community members on youth employment laws, workplace hiring, employment discrimination, federal OSHA, and wage and hour protections.
Participants will be provided with an ODOL-recognized certificate of completion after finishing the program.
“The YES Alliance symbolizes our unwavering commitment to the safety, well-being and education of our youth,” Superintendent Collins said. “By forming this alliance with the Oklahoma Department of Labor, we are able to combine our resources and expertise to provide a free and critical educational tool for everyone. It is an exemplification of what we can achieve when we come together to address vital issues in our community.”
The program is scheduled to launch on the week of Labor Day.


Republic of the Union of Myanmar
National Unity Government
Response to the briefing by Mr. Andrew Kirkwood,
United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i
The National Unity Government of Myanmar (NUG) recognises the critical roles performed by United Nations (UN) agencies, funds and programmes in Myanmar, and restates its commitment to working in partnership with the UN Country Team (UNCT) and the Resident Coordinator’s Office.
The NUG also notes the 3 October 2021 media briefing by Mr. Andrew Kirkwood, UN Resident Coordinator a.i and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. It is however concerned by some inaccurate and misleading representations and significant omissions. They are addressed in this statement.
2. Military takeover
The Resident Coordinator a.i. referred to a “military takeover” and claimed that the military had “seized control”. This is a dangerous misrepresentation. The NUG, Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs), and pro-NUG districts and local communities control significant swathes of territory and are delivering essential services, including healthcare, education and humanitarian assistance. The NUG is constituted of and was established by democratically-elected parliamentarians and enjoys the popular support of the people. Critically, the UN Security Council and the General Assembly have recognised the continuing authority of President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Myanmar military staged an illegal, unsuccessful coup d’état on 1 February 2021 and has since been unable to wrest control of the country’s territory, infrastructure or institutions. It has collapsed service provision. It has acted unlawfully and unconstitutionally. It is opposed by the Myanmar people on a mass, country-wide scale, including by civil servants. On no grounds has the military junta “taken over” or “seized control”.
3. Multi-dimensional crisis
The Resident Coordinator a.i. rightfully spoke of “a crisis on top of a crisis with yet another crisis on top of that”. What he failed to add during his discussion of the “devastating third wave” of COVID-19 is that these are military-induced crises. The military junta has weaponised COVID-19 through targeted attacks on medical personnel and by withholding access to medical treatment, medicines, oxygen and vaccines. An unknown number of people have died and millions have been plunged into poverty – the same millions that the UNCT is now struggling to reach.
The Resident Coordinator a.i. reported that over 200,000 people have been “newly displaced” since 1 February 2021 “due to the conflict between the Myanmar armed forces, many of the ethnic armed organizations, and these newly formed People’s Defence Forces”. This statement stopped short of linking displacement to the large scale and widespread military operations that have seen civilians executed and tortured, villages raided and torched, and property destroyed and looted. These military actions comprise grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and in some cases crimes against humanity. It is disingenuous and dangerous to generically attribute displacement to “conflict”.
5. Humanitarian access
The NUG stands ready to work in partnership with the UNCT and humanitarian agencies to facilitate the delivery of emergency assistance and supplies. The Resident Coordinator a.i. has called on “all parties to use their influence to facilitate… safe and unhindered access”. As the legitimate Government of Myanmar, the NUG will meet this call. However, it is critical that the international community and the UNCT acknowledge that the military junta’s actions are plunging the country into a deeper humanitarian crisis.
6. Human rights and accountability
The Resident Coordinator a.i. did not make a single reference to human rights or to military atrocities in his statement. Only ten days earlier, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights briefed the UN Human Rights Council on the military’s crimes, reporting:
serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including violations of the rights to life, liberty, and security of person; the prohibition against torture; fair trial guarantees; freedom of expression, and freedom of peaceful assembly. Several of these violations may amount to crimes against humanity committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against the civilian population – or, to the extent arising in armed conflict, war crimes.
The High Commissioner added that ‘[t]he human rights violations… being committed by the Tatmadaw today are built upon the impunity with which they perpetrated the shocking campaigns of violence against the Rohingya just four years ago – and also against many other ethnic minorities over decades.’
The Resident Coordinator a.i. must present a more comprehensive picture of the UN’s work in country, including by addressing human rights concerns. The Rosenthal Report on the UN’s involvement in Myanmar found a collective failure on behalf of the UN system to convey ‘more forcefully the United Nations’ principled concerns regarding grave human rights violations.’ These failures must not be repeated.
The Resident Coordinator a.i. has called for a “depoliticised” humanitarian response. The military junta continues to apply its well-worn tactic of holding human lives to ransom. The UNCT must not take the bait by engaging with the junta based on justifications such as “staying and delivering” or “securing a license to operate”. The UNCT must strictly abide by its Engagement Principles, which demand that all programmes accrue benefits directly to the people and in no way grant legitimacy to the military junta. To act otherwise would see the UNCT enable the very “politicisation” that the Resident Coordinator a.i. has warned against. The UNCT is at grave risk of being instrumentalised by the military junta.
8. Socio-Economic Response Framework (SERF) for Myanmar
The NUG supports the Resident Coordinator a.i. in calling for increased contributions to alleviate the dire suffering in Myanmar. We stand ready to support SERF implementation. All humanitarian and development projects must be implemented through the NUG and its partners, EAOs, INGOs, NGOs, local and civil society organisations, and community-based organisations. Not a single dollar should be directed to the military junta. Calls have been made for the Security Council to list the military junta as a terrorist organisation. The UNCT and donor agencies should treat it as such.
9. Conclusions and recommendations
The NUG requests clarifications from the Resident Coordinator a.i in the form of a corrective statement. Particular caution must be exercised to avoid phrases that misrepresent the situation in Myanmar. The NUG also calls on the Resident Coordinator a.i. and the UNCT to:
• Engage directly with the NUG as the legitimate Government of Myanmar. The NUG and its partners control significant territory, deliver essential services, and enjoy the support of the people. The Security Council and the General Assembly continue to recognise the authority of President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and the NUG’s Permanent Representative to the UN continues to represent Myanmar in UN fora.
• Ensure that all humanitarian and development projects are implemented through the NUG and its partners, EAOs, INGOs, NGOs, local and civil society organisations, and community-based organisations. Not a single dollar should be directed to the military junta
• Avoid taking any actions that legitimise the military junta, in line with the UNCT’s Engagement Principles
• More comprehensively present the views of UNCT members, including with regard to the human rights situation in Myanmar and military atrocities
• Update the UNCT’s Human Rights Strategy. New programmes must be informed by human rights due diligence, conflict-sensitivity and risk assessments, and the do no harm principle. The Strategy should also identify the NUG as the primary implementing partner.
Finally, the NUG calls on the UN Secretary-General to formally appoint the new Resident Coordinator as a matter of urgency, in consultation with the NUG.


Lorman is pleased to offer a 20% discount off the fee of this seminar. Mention discount code B3298658.
Woodbridge, NJ (PRWEB) August 29, 2014
Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer is pleased to announce that Eric Marcy of the firm’s Criminal/Civil Rights/Class Action Law Teams will be speaking at a seminar entitled “Police Liability in New Jersey” on Wednesday, October 8th from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The seminar will be held at the Best Western Fairfield Executive Inn at 216-234 Route 46 East, Fairfield, NJ 07004.
The seminar is designed for attorneys, law enforcement officials, city and county administrators, risk managers and government officials involved in setting policy. Seminar attendees will learn the skills needed to handle every police liability challenge one could face. In addition, attendees will:
- Learn about Civil Right liability under 42 U.S.C. § 1983
- Understand the subtleties and differences of federal and state constitutional claims
- Review immunities and defenses under federal and state law
- Gain a better understanding of ministerial responsibilities for conducting internal investigations under the recently amended New Jersey Attorney General Guidelines
- Learn how internal affairs investigations impact allegations of pattern and practice cases
This program has been approved by the Board on Continuing Legal Education of the Supreme Court of New Jersey for 7.2 hours of total CLE credit (1.0 qualify as hours of credit for ethics/professional responsibility); New York Continuing Legal Education Board for up to a maximum of 7.0 credit hours (6.00 credit hours may be applied toward the Areas of Professional Practice requirement and 1.00 credit hour may be applied toward the Ethics and Professionalism requirement); Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board for 6.0 hours including 5.50 hours of substantive law, practice and procedure CLE credit and 0.50 hour of ethics, professionalism or substance abuse CLE credit.
To attend, register online at http://www.lorman.com/ID394068 or call Lorman Education Services’ Registration Department Toll Free at 1-866-352-9539. Lorman is pleased to offer a 20% discount off the fee of this seminar. Mention the discount code when registering. The Discount Code is B3298658 and the Priority Code is 15999.
Eric Marcy is a shareholder with the law firm of Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A. and practices in class action litigation, criminal and civil litigation, federal and state civil rights litigation and administrative law. Mr. Marcy is an authorized attorney under the New Jersey State PBA Legal Protection Plan, representing law enforcement officers in administrative, civil, and criminal matters. Mr. Marcy can be contacted at 732-855-6004 or emarcy(at)wilentz(dot)com.
About Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer P.A.
Founded in 1919 by David T. Wilentz, the New Jersey-based law firm is committed to its clients and the legal profession, and has been at the forefront of numerous landmark cases and precedent-setting decisions. Wilentz has a diverse practice, serving both individuals and businesses with their legal needs. The firm offers legal services throughout the New York Metropolitan area and Pennsylvania with offices in Woodbridge and Eatontown, New Jersey, New York City, and Philadelphia. For more information about Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, please visit http://www.wilentz.com.
Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer is celebrating its 95th anniversary in 2014. The firm is privileged to serve clients for more than nine decades and looks forward to continued success in the years ahead.


This is because of the policing freeze and hardly any officers being replaced since 2010.
Which will cause a huge headache for forces and a big gap within policing experience?
An analysis which has been revealed by The Times means that despite plans to increase officers numbers by more than 145,000 in England and Wales over the next three years.
32 per cent of these will be inexperienced creating a huge headache for police forces.
Since 2010 thousands of police officers have left the force including the most experinced senior officers who bring a wealth of common sense and grounded policing experience.
Natural attrition and budget cuts meant that experienced officers could not be replaced. Austerity hit in and the police faced further budget cuts and no new officers.
Now there are huge concerns over the level of experience that those joining the forces will bring despite Boris Johnson pledging 20k officers in the next three years
But experts are warning those new recruits will require a number of years to build up the experience of the departed cops they are replacing.
Meaning there will be a skills gap within policing.
Within the report, they say that we do not need 20,000 officers we need a total of 53,000 officers who need to be recruited due to the high attrition rates within policing meaning 9,000 officers leave every year.
There are already concerns within police forces across the UK that they do not simply have the manpower to consistently achieve the results they want.
Crime results are low because there is not enough feet on the ground and more serious cases such as complex fraud lays unresolved.
The news comes at a time when the confidence within policing is at an all-time low because people know simply when they call the police they simply are not coming for low-level crimes so they’ve simply stopped reporting issues.
When the cops are called and they do attend they are losing faith in the ability of the police to deal with the crime and stop it from happening again.
In February, Matt Parr, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, revealed that the public is not reporting certain crime types, such as car crime, due to a lack of faith that the offence will be resolved.
‘I think particularly in the volume crime area the public has rumbled that the police capacity to deal with this is extremely limited,’ he said.
‘There are some strikingly low figures about car crime resolution meaning most of the public simply give up reporting it because the chances of anything positive happening are so slim.’
The Home Office remains optimistic that it will reach its recruiting targets. Last week, they announced that they were on track to enlist 6,000 new officers by March, although coronavirus constraints may derail those plans.
Martin Hewitt, the National Police Chief’s Council’s chairman, told The Times: ‘The addition of 20,000 new police officers is welcomed. Policing has not proactively recruited at scale for a number of years.’


DETROIT, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The A&E Network and "The First 48" reality show are being sued by the family of a 7-year-old Detroit girl killed in a police raid they filmed.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit Tuesday, accuses the network, the show, production company Kirkstall Road Enterprises and Detroit police of executing an illegal raid, The Detroit News reported.
"The First 48" camera crew was on hand May 16 when Detroit police threw a flash grenade into the home and burst through the door. Moments later, a police gun discharged and a bullet struck and killed Aiyana Stanley-Jones, 7.
The lawsuit seeks more than $75,000 for the girl's parents, Charles Jones and Dominika Stanley, and grandmother, Mertilla Jones.
In May, lawyer Geoffrey Fieger filed suits against Detroit police in federal and state courts on behalf of the family. The lawsuits allege negligence and a coverup by police, who Fieger says first blamed the grandmother for grabbing at the officer's gun.
The outcome of the police investigation has been forwarded to prosecutors to determine whether to press charges.


Parchman inmates moved to Wilkinson County prison
TUPELO (AP) — The transfer of convicted murderer Steven Farris from the Parchman state penitentiary to a private prison in Wilkinson County has prompted protests from the victim’s family.
Farris was convicted of killing Casey Harmon, a Lee County juvenile detention center officer, in 1998. He was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison. Farris was being held at the detention center on a shoplifting charge.
John Harmon told The Clarion-Ledger that he considers the private prison a less secure facility. He said he just recently learned of the transfer.
“The question is whether this guy should be sent to Wilkinson, given his crimes,” Harmon said. “He should stay in Parchman, not go to one of these modern facilities.”
Mississippi Department of Corrections spokeswoman Tara Booth said such a transfer is not unusual.
“Farris is serving life plus 55 years. He wouldn’t be at Wilkinson CCF if it wasn’t an appropriate facility,” Booth said.
Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps said the Wilkinson County Correctional Facility has the same maximum security level as Parchman.
Epps said Farris and about 70 other inmates were moved last fall from a building that was being shut down at Parchman.
Information from: The Clarion-Ledger, http://www.clarionledger.com


Asbury Park bust.jpg
Police recovered several stolen items, including a metal cutout depicting Bruce Springsteen, from an apartment on Prospect Avenue.
(Asbury Park Police Department)
The green and white metal cutout of Springsteen, whose musical career began at the Upstage club on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park in 1969, was one of many stolen items police found Feb. 17 when they searched an apartment on Prospect Avenue in the Frederick Douglas Apartment complex, police said in a press release.
Among the stolen items were: usb thumb drives, external computer hard drives, cell phones, a Chronoswiss watch, a LED smart projector, a projection screen, an Apple computer and $380 in cash.
Officers also found in the apartment a .357 Magnum revolver, a .357 Ruger revolver, ammunition, crack cocaine, Oxycodone pills, marijuana and materials used to package and sell drugs, police said.
Police arrested Quaddeer Omar Fitzpatrick, 45, of Asbury Park, and charged him with several drug possession and drug dealing charges, weapons offenses and receiving stolen property.
Fitzpatrick was taken to police headquarters where he was processed and released. He was given a summons to appear at a later court date.
Officer Michael Casey, a spokesman for the Asbury Park Police Department, said the owner of the Springsteen artwork did not put a price value on it when the initial police report was taken but said it had a lot of sentimental value.
The artwork, which was approximately 30 inches by 24 inches, was taken from a home on the 1300 block of Washington Avenue.
"This is a one of a kind piece of art," police said.


Bartending Contract for Events: A Guide to Ensuring a Successful Experience
Hiring a professional bartender for your event can elevate the mood and make your guests feel well taken care of. However, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the bartending contract to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Here are some key points to consider when creating a bartending contract:
1. Scope of Services
Be specific about what services you expect from the bartender. Will they be responsible for serving alcohol only or will they also be responsible for setting up the bar, providing glassware, and cleaning up the bar area? Make sure both parties are clear on the scope of services to avoid any confusion on the day of the event.
2. Fees and Payment Terms
The contract should include the agreed-upon fee and the payment terms. Will the bartender be paid a flat fee or an hourly rate? Will payment be made before or after the event? Make sure to clarify all payment terms before signing the contract.
3. Liability Insurance
It’s important to ensure that the bartender has liability insurance to cover any accidents or injuries that may occur during the event. Make sure to ask for proof of insurance and include this information in the contract.
4. Beverages and Supplies
Specify which beverages and supplies will be provided by the client and which will be provided by the bartender. Will the bartender be responsible for purchasing and providing all beverage ingredients or will the client provide them? Will the bartender supply their own bar tools or will the client need to provide them? Make sure to include all necessary details in the contract.
5. Cancellation Policy
What happens if the event is cancelled or postponed? The contract should include a cancellation policy that outlines what fees, if any, will be charged in the event of cancellation or postponement.
6. Additional Services
Does the client require any additional services such as custom cocktails or specialty drinks? If so, make sure to include these details in the contract and agree on any additional fees.
In summary, a well-written bartending contract can help ensure a successful event by outlining the specific scope of services, fees, liability insurance, beverage and supplies, cancellation policy, and any additional services required. By clarifying these details before the event, both parties can enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable experience.