Monthly Archives: December 2012

Yelp Lawsuit Raises Freedom of Speech Issue

A rock-solid lawsuit?

The founding fathers could never have imagined what path freedom of speech has taken since our country’s inception.  Case in point, a character defamation lawsuit has been filed against a Yelp user who gave a negative review to a local contractor.  The defendant, Dietz Development, claims that online feedback is one of the most important ways a potential buyer or client uses when they make a decision on whether or not to use a service and is seeking $750,000 in damages.  The Yelp user, Jane Perez, has been defending her claims in court since late November, stating that she was simply exercising her freedom of speech after what she felt was an unsatisfying service.  A Judge in Southern California has ordered her to edit her comments via a preliminary injunction. Read more

Red Bull Space Jump & The Future of Patent Lawsuits

Whose is it?

The Red Bull Stratos jump caused, 8.5 million people to watch Felix Baumgartner fall through the atmosphere at the speed of sound.  Red Bull was able to create a live moment that captivated millions.  Everyone was talking about Red Bull for days.  Obviously millions cannot witness the event live in-person, so the platform to deliver the message is equally as important.

Read more

University of Colorado Students “Drug” Teacher

Yummy! *May consist of marijuana

The University of Colorado is no stranger to drug related controversy.  For many years Boulder has been the center of media attention regarding marijuana use, especially on April 20th.  However, just one month ago Colorado voters approved Amendment 64, which allows Colorado citizens to enjoy the recreational use of marijuana.  But even with this new law passed, Boulder can’t seem to stay out of the headlines for marijuana related crimes.  Recently 2 students from the University of Colorado at Boulder were arrested on suspicion of bringing pot brownies to class.  Several students as well as the teacher unknowingly indulged in the deliciously mellow treat which undoubtedly made for a very interesting class.  A prank that many people (especially from Boulder) would find hilarious, led to 3 hospitalizations due to intense side effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  This irresponsible demonstration of marijuana use couldn’t come at a worse time for those who recently contributed to passing Amendment 64.

Read more

The Supreme Court Will Finally Vote On Same Sex Marriages

Man & Man, Woman & Woman, Woman & Man, What’s the difference?

The United States Supreme Court will soon vote on two cases for same sex marriage.  The two cases include, California’s Proposition 8 and a federal case that limits the constitutional rights for gay and lesbians.  Right now the federal courts excludes governmental benefits for civil unions.  By listening to the cases together the courts can now rule for both and decide if same sex marriage should be a constitutional right or should be left up to the states to decide.

Read more

Parents Face Murder Charges After Beating Their 7 Year Old

Justice

Roderick Arrington, a 7 year old from Las Vegas, passed away on November 30 after his mother and step-father beat him to death.  What was the reason?  He did not do his homework and lied about reading a bible passage.  He was admitted to the hospital on November 29 for sever bruising and brain swelling.  Roderick moved from Illinois where he was living with his father to Las Vegas with his mother Dina Palmer and step-father Markiece Palmer.  Dina would let Markiece discipline her son and would join in if her son was no obeying their rules.  Dina was involved in Roderick’s last beating and watched Markiece, “shake her son to death.”  Roderick, had bruises on the back of his buttocks, thighs, and back from various objects.

Read more