UK Supreme Court's Fifth Anniversary

August through October 2014 marks a 5-year milestone for the United Kingdom's new high court, the UK Supreme Court.  In August 2009 the Justices moved out of the House of Lords (where centuries of their predecessors had decided so many appellate cases featured in American law student case books) and into their own building. That October, they sat for the first time as a Supreme Court.

As explained on its website, the Court replaced the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords. It was created by legislation meant to "achieve a complete separation between the United Kingdom's senior Judges and the Upper House of Parliament." The creation of a separate high court emphasizes "the independence of the Law Lords," who as members of the new court can no longer sit and vote on legislation. Judges joining the Court after 2009 will be directly appointed upon the recommendation of a special commission.  The final court of appeal for all United Kingdom civil cases, and for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Court focuses on appeals "of the greatest public and constitutional importance."

In this recent post, the librarians' blog of the Law Library of Congress featured the UK Supreme Court and its beautiful building. The Court's website, in addition to case decisions, provides helpful information for law students about the court's history and jurisdiction, including this useful chart.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Black Cat Appreciation Day

August 17 is Black Cat Appreciation Day.  For some totally inexplicable reason, some of you humans do not like black cats.  Even less understandable is that black cats are the least likely to be adopted.

So to celebrate, I will try to educate those of you with misconceptions about black cats.  For a more scientific explanation on "melanistic" cats see this  National Geographic article .  Wikipedia explains how black cats result from a recessive gene and why you humans misunderstand my fellow black brethren.

And of course, what would be a posting about cats be without one or many videos ?

Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day !!

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Can You Imagine This At Yankee Stadium Or Citi Field?

As Summer break approaches its end, here is one last seasonally related item.

A Korean baseball team actually has robots in the stadium to stand in for absentee fans and cheer for the team. Read more about this unusual approach to team morale-boosting here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Statistical Data: The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)

If you are looking for statistical information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government, check the website of The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). 



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

New iOS productivity apps debut

If you are looking for new productivity apps for your iPhone or iPad, look no further this week.  Six new productivity apps are here! 

For example, "Hours aims to make time tracking less agonizing. Featuring a visual timeline, smart reminders, detailed reporting capabilities, and a slick, intuitive interface, Hours can make a tedious task a lot less painful. Price: $9.99.

PackPoint is an intelligent packing list builder for serious travelers. The app tells you what you need to stuff into your suitcase based on your journey's length, weather conditions and planned activities. Price: Free."  Read more about all the apps here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Law Library's Beanbag Lounge - Now Ready for Students

We have created a new lounge in the Law Library.  Enter the library and take the stairs before you down to the 022 area of the Law Library.  There are beanbag chairs with lap tables and electrical outlets for comfort and convenience. 

Enjoy!
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat