Columns
Legal Ease
Delusions, Psychosis And Life's Other Enjoyments
Monday, December 26, 2011 | by Amy Goodusky | The Connecticut Law Tribune
A former in-law once famously declared that he was the protagonist of the song called "The Last Time I Saw Richard," written by Joni Mitchell. While he was named Richard, it is doubtful that the remainder of the claim was true. I mention this anecdote only because the story which follows might be construed to be similarly unlikely - but I assure you, it actually appears on paper, and is a matter of public record, which is filed in the Connecticut Superior Court. So, as my boyfriend humorist extraordinaire Dave Barry is wont to exclaim, I am not making this up,
Ethics Matters
Judge Droney And Other Year-End Thoughts
Monday, December 26, 2011 | by Mark Dubois | The Connecticut Law Tribune
As the year winds (grinds?) to an end, I am emptying the jar in which I keep all the topics I meant to write on. Of course, every time I think there is nothing new to say, another crazy case comes under the door or over the transom (though these days, it is usually by e-mail) and I marvel at the complexity of life and the creativity of our brethren when they stray from the path. So here are a few short thoughts for the end of the year.
Legal Ease
The 2011 Holiday Poem, For Better Or Verse
Monday, December 19, 2011 | by Amy Goodusky | The Connecticut Law Tribune
Yes, it's that time again! Another execrable extravaganza to commemorate the holiday season. As a coda to this year's sentiments, I would like to make a plea for greater global tolerance of fruitcake and as always, an emphatic entreaty for more civility in the profession. Peace on Earth!
One Hand Clapping
Decks Were Stacked In Favor Of Death
Monday, December 19, 2011 | by Norm Pattis | The Connecticut Law Tribune
There was much relief, and a dark, morbid sort of celebration, in New Haven the other day among those craving the death of Steven Hayes and Joshua Komisrajevsky, the villains in what will forever be known as "the Cheshire case." Both men were tried and convicted. Mr. Hayes has been sentenced to death; Mr. Komisrajevsky will soon be. But was justice done? Connecticut, the Texas of New England, retains its death penalty. In the northeastern United States, only New Hampshire also still has this archaic tool of blood lust still on the books. We were set to abolish the death penalty, but lawmakers were prevailed upon to retain it just this once, or twice. The 2007 slaughter in Cheshire rallied death penalty supporters.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Yes Virginia, ADR Is A Good Thing
Monday, December 12, 2011 | by Harry Mazadoorian | The Connecticut Law Tribune
While on a recent holiday visit to New York City, I saw a window at Macy's dedicated to the famous letter from little Virginia to the New York Sun, more than 100 years ago, asking about the existence of Santa. My focus on alternative dispute resolution caused me to imagine the following:
Ethics Matters
Concerns Over Ghostwritten Briefs Haunt Legal Profession
Monday, December 12, 2011 | by Mark Dubois | The Connecticut Law Tribune
One topic addressed at the recent symposium on unbundled legal services was ghostwriting. This can take several forms -from a lawyer coaching a self-represented client on what to do/say/expect in court to actually drafting a pleading or brief to be filed by the client in a court matter. As disciplinary counsel, I was all in favor of folks helping self-represented parties understand the process and assisting them in arriving at the courthouse with all the necessary forms filled in correctly. But I was cautious about ghostwriting.
Dan K.'s Inferno
Why All The Fuss About Kelo?
Monday, December 12, 2011 | by Dan Krisch | The Connecticut Law Tribune
I am reliving my 15 minutes of fame in a state of mild confusion. The Kelo case is back in the news (quite prominently in this publication), and the principal occasion for its return to the public eye is an apology supposedly given to Ms. Kelo by one of the members of the Connecticut Supreme Court majority.
Ethics Matters
Bending The Rules To Get Results
Monday, July 18, 2011 | by Mark Dubois | The Connecticut Law Tribune
Well, I guess that one more commentator on the Casey Anthony drama will neither make nor break the public's understanding of the case, but one thing about the trial did stick out for me and I think it is worth commenting on. That was the trial tactics of Jose Baez, the once laughed at and now suddenly credible defense attorney.
One Hand Clapping
Senator Can't Say No To Dr. Death
Monday, May 16, 2011 | by Norm Pattis | The Connecticut Law Tribune
I poked my head into the courtroom in which jury selection drags along, draining the state's coffers of needed cash, in the case of State v. Komisarjevsky. The courtroom was all but empty. There were two layers on each side, all looking weary. And to the far right, taking it all in, sat Dr. William Petit Jr.
One Hand Clapping
Senator Can't Say No To Dr. Death
Monday, May 16, 2011 | by Norm Pattis | The Connecticut Law Tribune
I poked my head into the courtroom in which jury selection drags along, draining the state's coffers of needed cash, in the case of State v. Komisarjevsky. The courtroom was all but empty. There were two layers on each side, all looking weary. And to the far right, taking it all in, sat Dr. William Petit Jr.
