Karen Lee Torre
Karen Lee Torre, a New Haven trial lawyer, litigates civil rights issues in the federal court. Her e-mail address is thimbleislands@att.net.
Legally Conservative
Repeat Offender Judges
Monday, November 30, 2009 | by Karen Lee Torre | The Connecticut Law Tribune
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a notable opinion in
Legally Conservative
Listening To Victims
Monday, November 16, 2009 | by Karen Lee Torre | The Connecticut Law Tribune
I arrived in Washington D.C. last Wednesday morning to see the same front page headline in all the local newspapers announcing the State of Virginia had carried out the execution of mass murderer John Allen Muhammad. Known as the "D.C. sniper," Muhammad (not his real name, of course) and a sidekick terrorized the citizenry during a shooting spree in the greater D.C. area, randomly choosing victims, gunning them down as they were going about such ordinary activities as shopping or getting gas at a filling station.
Legally Conservative
Candid Cameras In The Courtroom
Monday, October 5, 2009 | by Karen Lee Torre | The Connecticut Law Tribune
I got used to the media. Over the years, they covered many of my cases because they involved either a crooked politician, an issue of interest to the public, or both. But that meant print reporters sitting in on my trials and TV cameras waiting for me outside the courthouse (and in recent months, on the front lawn of my home.) But not inside the courtroom while I worked. Big difference.
Legally Conservative
The Cy Pres Racket
Monday, September 28, 2009 | by Karen Lee Torre | The Connecticut Law Tribune
The cy pres doctrine sorely needs reform. Hopefully, the U.S. Supreme Court will take the first opportunity to rein it in, or Congress should do it. (Don't count on the Democrats).
Legally Conservative
Leisure Reading Judge Jacobs
Monday, September 7, 2009 | by Karen Lee Torre | The Connecticut Law Tribune
I make it a habit to scan the opinions and summary orders of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. I do it to keep abreast of the law in my areas of interest, and so I typically focus only on civil rights cases. But I often expand my reads and play games for amusement. For example, in race, gender and other discrimination cases, I'll read all summary orders in addition to published opinions. To test my own (widely shared) views regarding the outcome-oriented approach of certain of that court's members, I'll deliberately skip over the identity of the panelists, read the opinion or order and then guess who the author or panelists are. That I am so frequently correct in my presumptions is both gratifying and depressing.
Legally Conservative
The First Amendment And The Dysfunctional DEP
Monday, August 31, 2009 | by Karen Lee Torre | The Connecticut Law Tribune
For public employees who suffer harassment and other retaliation by government officials for what they say or write, a recent opinion of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals should provide more redress for the victims of abusive bureaucrats. In
Legally Conservative
In Praise Of Innocence
Monday, August 24, 2009 | by Karen Lee Torre | The Connecticut Law Tribune
Over the years, I have had outcomes in cases that gave rise to self-pride, smiles and a great night's sleep. They make up for the ones that keep you up half the night or make you bite your tongue to keep from telling an insufferable client to - well, you know. Sometimes, the best moments for a lawyer come in cases that are not about winning a seven-figure verdict or even an acquittal in a criminal case, for an acquittal does not necessarily mean you saved an innocent person from conviction.
Legally Conservative
A Year Of Reader Feedback
Monday, December 29, 2008 | by Karen Lee Torre | The Connecticut Law Tribune
I never thought so many people would read my column but at every court, bar event or party, I get approached by lawyers and judges with something to say about this or that column. I get e-mails from readers all the time and all but a few write to say they agreed with whatever I said. But even those who disagree strongly are quite open-minded correspondents. Thankfully, I have received no abusive messages and many readers have engaged me in thoughtful debates that I thoroughly enjoyed.
