Editor’s Choice: Top Five Legal News Stories of the Day

Posted July 6, 2011 in Uncategorized by David Baarlaer
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Here are some news items to keep you up-to-date with the latest happenings.

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  • Casey Anthony "not guilty" for Caylee’s death. By now you know a jury found Casey Anthony not guilty on charges she was responsible for the mysterious death of her two-year-old daughter, Caylee. The verdict is the culmination of a three-year trial process. It’s not over yet, though.

    Although Casey was found not guilty of murder, manslaughter and aggravated child abuse – where she faced the death penalty or decades in prison – she was convicted on four charges of lying to investigators. Each charge carries a sentence of one year in prison. But because she’s been in custody for over three years during the trial, Casey may get only one year in prison, or the judge could set her free.

    Even if she does get the one-year sentence, there’s a good possibility she’ll appeal the convictions for lying to police. For example, there was a dispute at trial over whether Casey’s "lies" to police were admissible as evidence against her because Casey wasn’t read her Miranda rights before making those statements to the police. These and other topics – like possible civil suits against Casey – should keep the Anthony saga alive for months or years.

    In the meantime, learn more about the criminal process here.

  • Fort Hood shooter will face death penalty. Finally, after nearly two years, there are developments in this case. Military officials announced this morning that Maj. Nidal Hasan will stand trial in a military court martial and will face the death penalty.

    As you may recall, Hasan went on a shooting rampage at Fort Hood where he served as a US Army psychiatrist. He killed 13 and injured over 40 others. Hasan might avoid the trial and enter a plea, but so far there’s no indication from prosecutors or Hasan’s attorney that a plea bargain has been offered or accepted. We’ll keep watch for further developments. You can learn more about military law and courts here.

  • Slicing budgets with surgeon-like skills. It’s July, which means in many states, new budget cuts that made the news months ago actually go into effect sometime this month. And there’s a common theme among state budgets across the country – Medicaid payments to doctors, hospitals and other health care providers are being slashed.

    Many fear the cuts mean:

    1. Higher out-of-pocket health care costs for the millions of low-income and disabled patients receiving Medicaid assistance
    2. Fewer doctors and other health care providers participating in Medicaid programs
    3. Health care providers making up the losses from Medicaid by increasing charges to patients with private insurance, such as employer-paid benefits

    Anyone receiving Medicaid assistance should call their doctor’s office or hospital before getting treatment to see if their Medicaid policies have changed.

  • Roger Clemens’ trial starts today. Federal prosecutors take their swings at one of baseball’s all-time greatest pitchers as jury selection is set to begin today. Clemens is charged with perjury and other federal offenses. Prosecutors claim he lied to a Congressional committee last year when he said he’d never used steroids or other performance enhancing drugs. Congress was investigating reports of widespread use of such drugs in major league baseball.

    Clemens insists he didn’t lie to Congress and didn’t use any drugs during his career. However, his best friend and former teammate, Andy Pettitte, is expected to dispel both of those claims. Pettitte admitted to using human growth hormone and claims Clemens used it, too. If convicted, Clemens faces 5 to 21 months in jail.

  • "Gay History 101" coming to a school near you. California lawmakers passed a bill yesterday that would require the state’s public schools to teach the historical accomplishments of gay men and lesbians. Today, the bill sits on the governor’s desk awaiting his signature – he’s yet to say if he’ll sign it or not.

    Public schools already must teach children about contributions to the development of California and the US made by Native Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and European Americans. The law adds lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans to the list. According to one lawmaker, the law is crucial because of the bullying. What do you think? Is this a step forward for gay and lesbian rights and quality public education, or will it lead to more harassment and segregation?

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