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NJ Legislation Would Decriminalize 'Sexting' by Teens
Headline Legal News |
2009/07/23 09:17
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The New Jersey Law Journal reports that New Jersey legislators are proposing alternatives to criminal prosecution of teenagers 'sexting' that may be more effective in stanching the recent practice. The current trend is to charge them with child pornography, something some legislators believe to be unfair.
Pending bills in the state Assembly and the Senate would create a diversionary program, by which minors who are charged with the creation, distribution or exhibition of nude photos can avoid prosecution by completing a course focusing on the consequences of such acts.
The sponsors say teenagers often engage in the practice -- sometimes known by the play on words "sexting" -- out of a psychological vulnerability, not a criminal mindset, and the law should reflect that.
The bills A-4069 (Pamela Lampitt, D-Camden) and S-2926 (James Beach,D-Camden), were introduced in June, just three months after the Passaic County Sheriff's Department charged a 14-year-old girl with distribution of child pornography for posting nude pictures of herself on MySpace. The girl ultimately was given probation and counseling. |
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Investigator Rules Against Palin In Ethics Probe
Headline Legal News |
2009/07/22 08:57
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According to The Associated Press, days before Gov. Sarah Palin is scheduled to leave office, the former vice presidential candidate is facing yet another legal distraction: An independent investigator found evidence she may have violated ethics laws by trading on her position as she sought money for lawyer fees.
A report obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press says Palin is securing unwarranted benefits and receiving improper gifts through the Alaska Fund Trust, set up by supporters.
An investigator for the state personnel board says in the July 14 report that there is probable cause to believe Palin used or attempted to use her official position for personal gain because she authorized the creation of the Alaska Fund Trust as the "official" legal defense fund.
The practical effect of the ruling on Palin will be more financial than anything else, although the fate of the tens of thousands of dollars in the fund is unclear, said Palin attorney Thomas Van Flein. Palin posted an entry on Twitter in which she said the "matter is still pending," a statement echoed by Van Flein. |
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Biker Gang Meeting Blocked
Headline Legal News |
2009/07/21 09:47
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The Associated Press reports that city officials fenced out notorious bike gang the Mongols from a weekend get-together in the Mojave Desert city of Lancaster over the weekend.
The Desert Inn, where space had been reserved for about 300 Mongols, was shut down due to $180,000 in back motel bed taxes.
Mayor R. Rex Parris said the gang "are engaged in domestic terrorism ... and they kill our children." When the hotel refused to renege on the contract with the Mongols, the city was forced to find another way to stop the gang from staying in the city.
Mongols lawyer Albert Perez Jr. said a lawsuit is planned over the motel contract dispute. He said up to 800 people, including members from 10 states and their families, were expected to attend the event. |
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Islamic Scholar Wins Visa Denial Appeal
Headline Legal News |
2009/07/20 10:54
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According to Courthouse News, a ruling that upheld the denial of a visa for an Islamic scholar because he donated money to a charity connected to Hamas has been overturned.
The 2nd Circuit ruled based on whether Tariq Ramadan knew of the connection between the Association de Secours Palestinien (ASP) and whether the U.S. consular officer had given an opportunity to deny any knowledge of the connection.
"The record was unclear whether the consular officer had done so," wrote Judge Newman.
The appeals court has now given Ramadan the chance to show he had no idea of the Hamas connection to the Swiss-based organization. |
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Crime To Be Homeless In Santa Monica
Headline Legal News |
2009/07/17 09:08
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Courthouse News is reporting that one neighborhood in Los Angeles has made it a crime to be homeless.
Officers in Santa Monica have been instructed to arrest all of those who are homeless, calling it a "crime of presence." They are being forced to other neighborhoods, including Venice, Malibu and Skid Row.
The ACLU has filed a class action lawsuit that seeks damages for, according to Courthouse News, due process violations, cruel and unusual punishment, violation of equal protection, the right to travel and freedom of movement, and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. They seek declaratory judgment, an injunction and costs. |
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