Legislation

Pennsylvania protects its pups: The passage of Libre’s Law

September 7, 2017

Pennsylvania passes a law to curb animal cruelty by holding pet owners more accountable. ...[Continue Reading]

To Elect or Retention Elect, that is the question

April 18, 2016

The North Carolina Supreme Court is gearing up to rule how the term “elected” is defined within the state constitution, which will have implications on their own elections as justices ...[Continue Reading]

While marijuana may be legal in some states, employers can still drug test and terminate employees

April 12, 2016

Five states in the United States have legalized recreational marijuana, twenty-three states have legalized medical marijuana, but employers in these states can still require drug tests and fire an employee over a failed drug test, even though the conduct is no longer criminalized. ...[Continue Reading]

NC State legislators v. Charlotte City Council

March 25, 2016

The NC General Assembly knocks out the Charlotte City Council’s recent ordinance providing discrimination protections for the LGBT community, but the legislation does so much more. ...[Continue Reading]

Giving credit where credit is due: SCOTUS forces Alabama to recognize same-sex adoption

March 14, 2016

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of the United States reversed a decision of the Alabama Supreme Court that failed to recognize the validity of a same-sex adoption ordered by a Georgia court on the ground that the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision ran afoul to the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the United States Constitution. ...[Continue Reading]

Who decides on life or death: judge or jury?

March 14, 2016

The use of judicial override in capital cases is emerging as an issue in Florida and Alabama after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Florida’s death penalty sentencing scheme. ...[Continue Reading]

Fifth Circuit’s ruling on abortion regulations: to protect women’s health or a cover-up?

March 14, 2016

With a new abortion law on the books in Louisiana making putting more requirements in place that would affect access to abortions, the court’s intentions in its decision are uncertain. ...[Continue Reading]

The NEW but old problem with the healthcare system

February 29, 2016

An open healthcare market, which allows for patients to compare prices, may be the solution for overcharging and overutilization by doctors. ...[Continue Reading]

Will gerrymandering in North Carolina ever come to an end?

February 29, 2016

Given North Carolina’s history with redistricting and its continuous struggle with gerrymandering district lines, a recent lawsuit regarding the 2011 redistricting forced North Carolina legislators to take another look at the district lines. ...[Continue Reading]

How New Jersey could pave the way for Vegas style sports betting in other states

February 22, 2016

The result of the rehearing to determine whether New Jersey’s Sports Wagering Act is legal may affect whether other states will propose laws to regulate and permit wagering on professional and collegiate sport games across the nation. ...[Continue Reading]

Get rich or high tryin’— Marijuana sales continue to bring in “high” revenues across the U.S.

February 22, 2016

The legalization of marijuana has produced pros and cons to dispensaries across the United States, including increased state revenue but high federal taxes. ...[Continue Reading]

Would Wrongful Termination Claim be Appropriate for Employee Refusing Drug Test Conducted in Unauthorized Laboratory?

February 8, 2016

When employers terminate at-will employees for any reason or no reason, their conduct is often permissive, unless the termination is in violation of public policy, among other exceptions. However, could there be a claim for a wrongful termination action against an employer when an employee fails to submit to a drug test that is to be conducted by an unapproved laboratory? ...[Continue Reading]