Oral Argument Transcripts From NY Court of Appeals

The New York Court of Appeals is now posting oral argument transcripts as well as webcasts of the arguments in New York's highest court.  The Oral Argument Archives on the Court's website includes argument webcasts going back to January 2010. Written transcripts were added beginning with the September 2012 session.  Transcripts now appear about one week after the video of an oral argument is posted.  This is a great resource for attorneys new to appellate work or to the Court of Appeals, and provides some model arguments for law students.  In addition, the Archives includes oral argument webcasts for important capital cases and public policy issues cases heard by the Court.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Facebook Law

For those interested in social media law and those who have social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter, an ongoing issue has been the request by prospective employers for candidates' social media account passwords.

This week California passed a law (ch 618)  prohibiting an employer from asking for a social media account information.  Two other states - Maryland and Illinois - have passed similar laws with respect to employers.   Delaware has a related law prohibiting academic institutions from requesting social media passwords from students or applicants.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Neuroscience and Criminal Law

Are modern discoveries in neuroscience challenging such fundamental criminal law concepts as mens rea and the general notion of responsibility? Read more here, and see what you think.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

SCOTUS Revisits Affirmative Action

It has been nine years since the Court handled its last major affirmative action case: Grutter v. Bollinger in 2003, but today the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas.  Fisher is an affirmative action case that examines whether the Court's decisions interpreting the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, including Grutter v. Bollinger, 539 U.S. 306 (2003), permit the University of Texas at Austin's use of race in undergraduate admissions decisions.

To review the docket and read up to date SCOTUS coverage, click here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Debate 2012: Presidential Debate at Hofstra University

As you are aware Hofstra University is the host for the town-hall Presidential Debate on Tuesday, October 16th.  Are you taking advantage of the special activities and events the University is offering?  There are extraordinary opportunities to hear speakers and expert panel discussions on a variety of issues.  Check out Debate 2012 and read your emails to keep aware of what is happening and how you can participate.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

HeinOnline Search Syntax "Need Help" Link Feature

HeinOnline has recently added a "Need Help" link to the advanced search screen across its numerous collections and libraries.  This new feature will allow users to determine how to do a proximity and wildcard search as well as how to use the boosting feature.  The “Need Help?” link can be found below the search box field on the advanced search screens.  When the user clicks the “Need Help” link, a new window will open with information on volume or section level fields for that particular library, along with information on common search syntax for proximity, wildcard/root expanders, and boosting.  In addition, the window provides a link to the Advanced Search Syntax Guide for more information.  To learn more about this feature click here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat