Hate crimes, harassment split ACLU; critics claim group ignoring free speech concerns in quest for social justice

Article Abstract:

Factions within the ACLU claim that the organization has strayed from its goals of promoting free speech and civil rights in some of its recent actions. The national organization's support for a hate-crimes law in connection with the Wisconsin v. Mitchell case before the US Supreme Court has been countered with a brief opposing the national group by an Ohio affiliate. A last-minute switch by the national office in support of a more general definition of sexual harassment avoided a split with a Florida affiliate over the Robinson v. Jacksonville Shipyards, Inc case.

Public opinion, Civil rights, American Civil Liberties Union

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N.Y. divorce lawyers slammed; critics call report on mistreated female clients an anecdotal one-sided "crock."

Article Abstract:

The NY City Department of Consumer Affairs has completed a year-long study on the state's divorce system based on 107 interviews with parties on all sides. It charges financial exploitation of female clients as well as other kinds of abuse. The report suggests that attorneys be required to give clients itemized retainer agreements in writing and that they provide breakdowns of bills on a monthly basis. It also suggests required arbitration of disputes on fees and giving a consumer's list of rights to anyone filing for divorce.

Reports, Attorneys, Legal specialization, Divorce, Family law

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What price gory? A lawyer's idea to auction a serial killer's effects spurs a successful fund-raising campaign by critics

Article Abstract:

A planned auction of serial murderer Jeffrey Dahmer's personal effects to raise money for his victims' relatives was called off after a Milwaukee civic organization raised more than $407,000 to buy and then destroy the same. Each of the families was to receive about $32,000. A judge had ruled in favor of the liquidation of Dahmer's personal effects to raise moeny for the families and Milwaukee lawyer Thomas Jacobson, who represents most of the families, then came up with the unpopular idea of an auction.

Economic aspects, Cases, Serial murders, Wisconsin, Claims against decedents' estates, Dahmer, Jeffrey

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