Voting for Judges

Here in New York we elect our Judges. You understand the critical role judges play in our legal system, having read dozens of cases (or is it thousands?). Even though I cannot vote (voting rights for Virtual Cats???), I have found a great site to be informed about judicial candidates - New York State Judicial Candidate Voter Guide .

And, if you are confused (as I was) about the different courts and districts in Nassau County, you can read a brief description on the same page. For more detail on the court system, link to New York State Courts - an Introductory Guide . The first few pages have a great explanation of the jurisdiction of the various courts.

Make sure you go out and vote! I would if I could.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

PridePrint

Attention All Students,

Do you have a PC laptop/notebook computer or an Apple MacBook laptop and use the Hofstra Wireless network? Then you can print your documents from your computer to either of our two wireless printers located in the Law School using the PridePrint software.

You can download and install the PridePrint software for the Hofstra Law School specific printers by going to http://law.hofstra.edu/prideprint (you will need to login to the Hofstra Portal with your Hofstra username and password). The software supports Windows 7, Vista and XP as well as MAC Lion, Snow Leopard and Leopard operating systems.

One PridePrint wireless printer is located in the 24 hour first floor lab, while the other printer is located in the Law Library, outside of the 24 Hour lab near the public access workstations. You do not need a card swipe for either printer. The PridePrint software automatically deducts the print amount from your account. Remember, the Hofstra Law School printers only charge 5 cents per single sided page.

If you have any questions on this, please contact us at either lawhelp@hofstra.edu or by phone at (516) 463-4192.

Dean Moore

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Research Resources: GlobaLex

Published by the Hauser Global Law School Program at NYU School of Law, GlobaLex is an electronic publication dedicated to international and foreign research. New and updated research guides published by GlobaLex include:

New research guides:

• Nuclear Law Research Guide By Linda Tashbook

Updated research guides:

• The Crisis in Darfur: Researching the Legal Issues by Amy Burchfield
• An Introduction to Sources for Treaty Research By Mark Engsberg and Mary Beth Chappell
  

To Access Globalex:

• Go to the Library's home page, click "Online Resources"
• Then, click on the "International Law" or "Foreign/Comparative Law" link
• Scroll down, click the "GlobaLex" link

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Interlibrary Loan

Are you writing a paper and the book or journal article you need cannot be obtained at the Law Library or Axinn Library? Please remember that you may request books or articles that we do not have through interlibrary loan. Just go to the Law Library's homepage and click on the "Interlibrary Loan" link. If you have not used this service, you will create your account and then place your loan requests. When the material requested arrives you will be notified by email and can pick up the material at the Circulation Desk. Books are on loan so before the due date drop the books at the Circulation Desk and we will return the book(s) to the lending library.

You only need to create the account once, but you may request interlibrary loans as needed. You can also manage your requests through your account. Check out our policy and talk with a librarian if you have further questions.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

United States Census Bureau QuickFacts Tables

The U.S. Census Bureau recently released updated summary profiles for various geographical areas within the 50 states. The tables include updated information from frequently requested statistics and provide statistics for all counties, cities and towns with more than 5,000 people. They also include information from various Census Bureau programs including the 2010 Census, 2010 American Community Survey and 2007 Survey of Business Owners, as well as student state facts. Access the full updated tables here.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Find me on Facebook

No, I do not have my own Facebook page. The Deane Law Library allows me to prowl on their Wall. So, you can find my postings as well as other useful information. It is a great way to stay in touch. And, I have it on good authority that some of the suggestions left in our Suggestion Box will be answered there.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Stem Cell Research A Legal Issue In Europe, Too

Although polarized American responses to stem cell research often dominate the news, the practice is controversial in Europe, as well.

As reported at Jurist, the European Court of Justice ruled on Tuesday that, under European law, patents are not issuable for any process that involves removing a stem cell from, and then destroying, a human embryo. Read more here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Another Free Speech Case for Supreme Court

This week the U.S. Supreme Court added to its already interesting docket for this term by taking up the federal government's appeal of a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling which struck down the Stolen Valor Act of 2005. This law makes it a federal crime to falsely claim, verbally or in writing, that you have received a military medal or decoration, with a one year prison term possible if the claim involves a major award such as the Purple Heart. The case of United States v. Alvarez involves an elected official of a California water district who falsely claimed to be a marine Medal of Honor recipient and pled guilty, but reserved the right to appeal on First Amendment grounds. The Supreme Court will now decide whether criminally proscribing this type of "false speech" makes the law "facially invalid" under the Free Speech Clause. You can read the court documents and follow commentary on this case at Scotusblog.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Research Resources: Electronic Commerce & Law Report (BNA)

BNA’s Electronic Commerce & Law Report provides national and global perspectives on the digital economy. It also provides access to news of trends and developments, insights and legal commentary.

To access Electronic Commerce & Law Report:(BNA):

• Go to the Library's home page, click "Online Resources"
• Then, click "Commercial and Corporate Law" link
• Scroll down, click the "Electronic Commerce & Law Report:(BNA)" link
  

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Need a quick refresher on advanced Lexis/Westlaw

Do you remember how to find a database? How to search within your search results? Use Shepard's / KeyCite for more than finding out if a case is still good law?

The Deane Law Library webcasts may be what you need. These were developed to be quick reminders on selected aspects of Lexis/Westlaw research. Move beyond the basics.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat