Scotland: Powers and Promises

As a virtual feline, I didn't take sides in the Scottish independence question decided last Thursday. Scotland's people, aged 16 and up, voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. After the vote, Prime Minister David Cameron announced in his official statement that the promised work toward a new devolution settlement--with increased powers for the Scottish Parliament--will soon be underway. He also advocated working toward increased legislative powers for Wales, Northern Ireland, and England over matters of taxation, spending, and welfare in their respective parts of the UK.

A brief list of the issues ("devolved matters") over which Scotland already enjoys legislative power, and those "reserved" to the UK Parliament in London, is posted on the Scottish Parliament web site.
This site is also a good source for current, previous, and enacted Scottish Parliament bills since 1999, the year after passage of the Scotland Act (1998) that established the current Scottish Parliament and Executive.  A colorful slide show illustrates the history of Scotland's parliaments from 1235 to the present day.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Browser Privacy

Sometimes, I just don't want to be noticed.  When that is the case, I turn to another virtual furry critter - Privacy Badger .

This browser add-on was recently introduced (in its beta version) by the Electronic Frontier Foundation. According to the EFF, Privacy Badger stops advertisers and other third-party trackers from secretly tracking where you go and what pages you look at on the web. If an advertiser seems to be tracking you across multiple websites without your permission, Privacy Badger automatically blocks that advertiser from loading any more content in your browser.  Privacy Badger works with Firefox and Chrome.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Department of Justice Releases Report on Police Body-Worn Cameras

Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Justice released a report that details its recommendations and warnings regarding the use of body-worn cameras by police.

Click here to read the story, and here is the link to the report (opens PDF).

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Record Number of Court Orders for Surveillance Received by DOJ in 2013

"The U.S. Department of Justice obtained a record number of court orders last year in criminal investigations for information about who people were communicating with by phone and email."

"The U.S. Marshals Service sought more orders last year than any other Justice Department agency, which isn’t unusual, given its mission of locating fugitives. The Drug Enforcement Administration obtained the next highest number of orders, followed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives."

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Blexlaw Training at Hofstra Law

Are you a 2L/3L/LLM who wants an advanced training session on Lexis Advance, Bloomberg Law or WestlawNext? Maybe a 1L who needs a makeup session or a more in-depth electronic database training before the Spring semester begins?

No problem! Check the online calendars below for upcoming trainings at Hofstra Law.
Lexis Advance Training Calendar
Bloomberg Law Training Calendar
WestlawNext Training Calendar

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

U.S. Law Week (BNA)

The U.S. Law Week (BNA) is a weekly publication providing highlights, summary and analysis of federal and state case law; and legislative and regulatory developments.  It has long been a go-to source for current awareness.  It is noted for the quality of summaries and analysis of issues. 

You will also find this on Bloomberg BNA.  Some people find Bloomberg BNA easier to search.

Still looking for a note or paper topic?  This is a good place to look for inspiration.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Online Resources: Privacy & Data Security Law Resource Center (BNA)

If you are interested in a multi-source library that provides privacy and data security laws, developments, news, expert analysis, case law, practice tools, and more, then take a look at BNA's Privacy & Data Security Law Resource Center.  Dates of coverage vary according to the contents of the individual database.

To access Privacy & Data Security Law Resource Center (BNA):

• Go to the Library's home page, click "Online Resources"
• Click the "Consumer Law" link
• Scroll down to "Privacy & Data Security Law Resource Center (BNA)"

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat