Editorials

Transparency And Justice

Friday, February 8, 2013 |  The Connecticut Law Tribune

In the federal and state courts of Connecticut, virtually all proceedings are conducted in public. We take this for granted, and it certainly contributes to public confidence in the administration of justice. A recent order of the military judge presiding over the Military Commission trial of Khalid Shaikh Mohammad is disturbing because it raises questions as to whether that separate system of justice is applying the proper standards in keeping matters out of the public eye (beyond the fact that the trials are conducted at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba).

Impaired Clients Suing Their Lawyers

Friday, February 1, 2013 |  The Connecticut Law Tribune

When quoting language in our briefs, we as lawyers may occasionally be guilty of the sin of employing the ellipsis to eradicate unhelpful language or using brackets to embrace more helpful language.

'A Half Step Too Slow'

Friday, February 1, 2013 |  The Connecticut Law Tribune

That's what Coach George "Pappa Bear" Halas said to Chief Justice Callahan when he waived him following his pre-season with the Chicago Bears in 1952.

• Judges

The Poetic License

Friday, January 25, 2013 |  The Connecticut Law Tribune

Just as the clock struck midnight, ushering in 2013, Connecticut's laws changed. Two interesting legal changes of note relate to the license to drive, one changing the circumstances under which those convicted of driving while under the influence (DUI) multiple times may drive again and the other using the license itself to facilitate identification of those who have served this country in the military.

• Criminal Law

Improving On A Good Law

Friday, January 25, 2013 |  The Connecticut Law Tribune

After the tragedy in Newtown the public expects the legislature to take action to reduce gun violence in Connecticut. While Connecticut already has some of the toughest gun laws in the country, these laws can be improved.

A Call For Help

Friday, January 18, 2013 |  The Connecticut Law Tribune

On December 14, 2012, we saw the worst of humanity and the best of humanity. Following the horrific incident that took the lives of 26 innocent children, schoolteachers and administrators, as well as the shooter and his mother, we saw the world come together.

Pass The Uniform Electronic Material Act

Friday, January 18, 2013 |  The Connecticut Law Tribune

In our digital world, when using legal information, such as constitutions, statutes, and regulations, working from an authentic version is of the utmost importance.

Please Get To The Beep

Thursday, January 10, 2013 |  The Connecticut Law Tribune

Communications between lawyer and client and lawyer and lawyer are the lifeblood of the practice of law and anything that obstructs timely communications obstructs the practice of law. Case in point: message machines. Empirical surveys show that as soon as a message machine comes on a significant percentage of callers immediately hang up. Why? Because they can't stand to wait through the inane messages before the beep sounds.

What Not To Say At The Inauguration

Thursday, January 10, 2013 |  The Connecticut Law Tribune

The next big event on the political calendar is the presidential inauguration on January 20. This is the supreme moment of our national civic life. The oath-taking is of course its centerpiece (let's hope that goes more smoothly than it did in 2009, when Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wandered from the required text), followed by the Chief Executive's inaugural address.

Kudos To Probate

Friday, January 4, 2013 |  The Connecticut Law Tribune

On Oct. 3, 2011, the Law Tribune Editorial Board published an editorial, "Bringing Needed Changes to Probate Practice Book," expressing our view that "[n]ow that the courts have been reorganized, the time has come to deal with the inconsistencies in the practice in these courts."