News

A 17-year legal fight between two law professors over their divorce and prolonged disputes has drawn attention from judges, indicating that the couple has set a bad example and have abused the system.

The divorce case, having over 1,400 entries added to it, has lasted seven years longer than the couple’s 10-year marriage. Many of the entries have been back-and-forth disputes over the custody of the couple’s two children, now ages 17 and 20. In addition, issues among money is still being discussed.

Judges hearing the case have complained that professors have abused the system, broken rules, and are frightened that either of the parties are teaching current law students the ethical boundaries of the profession.

Christo Lassiter, University of Cincinnati law professor, questions how judges managed the cases between him and his now ex-wife. He claims he had no intent of spite or revenge against in former wife and his only motivation has been being a good parent.

Judges in the court feel that both parties should be admonished by the Ohio State Bar Association and feel that, being law professors, the parties ought to know better and understand that engaging in inappropriate behavior was ultimately detrimental to the resolution of their case and ultimately the welfare of their children.

As of October 2010, Michigan drivers are subject to a new law that boosts penalties for those convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence, or considered to be “Super Drunk.” Drivers who are convicted with a bodily alcohol content (BAC) of 0.17 or face stiffer penalties, including a one-year breath alcohol ignition interlock requirement, increased fines, and possibly longer jail time.
The “Super Drunk” Law and its enhanced penalties apply only to first-time high-BAC offenders. Repeat offender laws’ remained unchanged because of the consequences and punishment which are still greater than those established for the super drunk.

If caught and convicted under the Super Drunk driving offense, persons may face a maximum jail sentence of 180 days, a potential for larger court fines, and complete a one-year alcohol rehabilitation requirement, including an ignition interlock device installed in one’s vehicle.

The ignition interlock device (IID) requires the convicted driver to blow a 0.025 BAC or lower in order for the vehicle to ignite. If the blood alcohol content is higher, the vehicle will not start. In addition, the installation and usage fees for the IID can amount to $1000.

What is your take on the “Super Drunk” Law?

The case against George Zimmerman, the man who is on trial against last year’s shooting death of teen Trayvon Martin, is nearing a verdict. As the verdict approaches, authorities in Florida urge the public to ‘raise your voice, not your hands.’ Foreseeing that the outcome of the very public case is likely to spark widespread disappointment on either sides of the debate, law enforcement have set up a response plan.

Millions of Americans have already made up their minds about what should happen; many worry that no matter what the verdict, passions will be inflamed. The response plan, which includes a public service announcements, prompts the public not to resort to violence. To speak and voice your opinion is encouraged, however, to encourage violence is not.

The case of a Detroit police officer accused of involuntary manslaughter for the death of a 7-year-old girl was declared a mistrial, Tuesday afternoon, after the jury failed to reach a verdict. Detroit police officer, Joseph Weekley, shot and killed Aiyana Stanley-Jones in May as the Detroit Police Department’s Special Response Team executed a search warrant for a murder suspect. Aiyana was asleep on the couch as Weekley’s firearm accidentally discharged and shot her in the head. Do you believe justice was served?