Saturday, May 12, 2012

NYC Green Book Goes Online

Since 1918 New York City has published the Green Book, its official directory--a compendium of information and contacts (staff, telephone numbers, web sites) for City agencies, departments, and services, along with other interesting facts and useful NYC information for residents and researchers.  As of yesterday, the Green Book has gone green in a new way.  It is now online and free.  The online version, which the City expects to become the primary version of the Green Book, is organized with tabs, is searchable, and will be updated on a continual basis.  There are many links to the City's web site, NYC.gov, for further information on departments and officials.

However, the online version is still a work in progress in some respects.  It lacks some sections of specialized information available in the most recent print version, the 2008-2009 Green Book, including the sections on the New York City Courts and the Supreme Court Libraries.  Our Library has a copy of the latest print Green Book in the Ready Reference collection behind the Reference Desk, as well as two copies available to law students in the Office of Career Services.  In June, a 2012 print edition of the Green Book will be available for purchase, but will be published in limited quantities. The City's press release has more information.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Federal Court Blocks Sweeping Illinois Eavesdropping Statute


 Over a half-century old, the state law makes it a felony for anyone to produce a recording of a conversation unless all parties agree. In particular, it sets a maximum punishment of fifteen years’ imprisonment if a law enforcement officer is recorded.

Critics of the law have argued that it infringes upon the rights of citizens to document law enforcement officials’ misconduct. Read more here.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Tuesday, May 08, 2012

UK Supreme Court Proceedings Available Live

Law from the UK's highest court streaming online in real time!

Et. Seq., HLS's Library Blog notes that, "Live streaming of the UK Supreme Court’s hearings and judgments began on May 16, via Sky News.

According to the press notice, the Sky News site provides links to the Supreme Court’s case summaries for those being webcast. Check the Court’s Sittings Page to plan your UKSC viewing, being mindful of the 5 hour time difference."  (Read more about the televised court proceedings here)

"On this page you can watch live the hearings of the UK Supreme Court, the final court of appeal in the UK for all civil cases and for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not Scotland." (see Sky News UK Supreme Court page here)

Hat tip to BIALL Blog via HLS Library Blog.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Monday, May 07, 2012

Still time to tell us who should be the Employees of the Semester

There is still time to give us your input.  A survey will be resent to you soon asking you to nominate the "Employees of the Semester, Spring 2012".  Please let us know who you think should be recognized for their extraordinary work during the Spring 2012 semester.
 
You are requested to nominate 1 staff member and 1 administrator.
It does help us if you can provide a name,  although, we have figured out nominations from some pretty esoteric clues.
 
Please note that faculty members/professors – are not eligible.
The survey is anonymous and the input is greatly appreciated.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat