SCOTUS Bruises First Amendment in "Terrorist Aid" Case

On Monday, I was scheduled for admission to the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court; a very formal proceeding.  So first thing Monday morning, I made my way past the security checkpoints of the storied courthouse on the far-side of the Hill, and into Room G-32 (they have an entire suite of offices devoted to bar admissions).There were only four attorneys slated for individual admission on the Court's docket that day; the last day of the 2009-2010 term.  Good news for us admittees; the Court was issuing 4 opinions so the entire bench would be present for the admission ceremony.In another piece of extraordinary luck, we were seated in the front row of the courtroom for the day's proceedings.  I actually had a better seat than Nina Totenberg...

Read more »

Posted in: criminal law,First Amendment,free speech,Helena Kagan,Humanitarian Law Project,Justice Breyer,Justice John Roberts,SCOTUS,terrorist

What Happens at Your Creditors' Meeting Once You've Filed for Bankruptcy

 This post is the original content of the Colorado law firm of Wink & Wink, bankruptcy specialists.  They maintain an excellent law blog with frequent updates on matters of bankruptcy that are as relevant here in Michigan as they are in Colorado.  We hope you find this post as informative as we did!For many bankruptcy filers, the prospect of the §341 Meeting of Creditors causes some stress and anxiety. It’s normal to be apprehensive about your 341 Meeting, but at the same time it’s nothing to be afraid of because most 341 hearings go quickly and smoothly. As with all other aspects of your bankruptcy case, preparation is the key. So what follows is an overview of the 341 process to ease your worried mind.What Is A 341 Meeting?The...

Read more »

Posted in: 341 meeting,Bankrupcty,creditors,debtor,discharge,trustee,Wink and Wink

SCOTUS Tilts Miranda Warnings Toward Police in Case From Southfield

In January 2000, Van Chester Thompkins of Southfield committed a drive-by style shooting, killing one victim and wounding another.  He was convicted by an Oakland County Jury in May 2002 of first degree murder, assault, and a variety of weapons charges.The case was initially assigned to now-retired Judge Richard Kuhn and subsequently re-assigned to Judge Michael Warren. Thompkins was represented at trial by West Bloomfield attorney, Lawrence Kaluzny.From these local beginnings, this case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS).Thompkins was apprehended in Columbus, Ohio nearly a year after the shooting and questioned extensively by Southfield PD detectives.  During his custodial interrogation, the suspect refused...

Read more »

Posted in: Elizabeth Jacobs,habeas corpus,Judge Michael Warren,Judge Richard Kuhn,Lawrence Kaluzny,Miranda,Oakland County Prosecutor,police,SCOTUS