Law in Popular Culture

Upcoming Sandra Day O’Connor biography reveals her opinion on Alito, outreach to Thomas

Retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor privately commented that her replacement was dismantling her legacy, according to a new O’Connor biography scheduled for release on March 19. O’Connor, known as a swing justice, believed that conservative Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. had betrayed her accomplishments, according to biographer Evan Thomas. The…

Mar 15, 2019 4:00 PM CDT

‘Proven Innocent’ proves stale but prompts a discussion about lawyers with criminal histories

I previously wrote about how and why Marvel’s Daredevil isn’t a good role model for defense attorneys. To my surprise, I received quite a bit of backlash. The majority of complaints and negative comments circled around the fact that Daredevil, as a comic book character, isn’t meant to be a “role model” for attorneys. Many readers took offense to my use of a comic book character to equate the real-life tensions and contradictions defense attorneys face.

Mar 14, 2019 8:58 AM CDT

ABA announces 2019 Silver Gavel Awards finalists

The ABA has announced 19 finalists for the 2019 Silver Gavel Awards for Media and the Arts, which recognize outstanding work that fosters the public’s understanding of law and the legal system.

Mar 13, 2019 11:00 AM CDT

BigLaw co-chair charged in college cheating scandal; wiretapped calls are evidence

Updated: Gordon Caplan, co-chairman of Willkie Farr & Gallagher in its New York City office, is among 50 people charged in an alleged bribery scheme to gain students’ admission into top universities.

Mar 12, 2019 2:25 PM CDT

Planking party planned on Supreme Court steps to honor Ginsburg’s 86th birthday

An activist apparel company is planning a birthday tribute to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with a planking party on the steps of the Supreme Court. Ginsburg turns 86 on March 15. The company, the Outrage, received permission to stage the event for Ginsburg fans, report the Washingtonian…

Mar 12, 2019 7:00 AM CDT

Citing petition by law firm ‘Sue, Grabit, and Run,’ judge enjoins Old Man Winter

A Minnesota judge has not only complained about the weather—he decided to do something about it. In a March 7 order, Judge Kevin Burke issued an injunction barring any more snow this winter in specified areas of Minnesota—especially in Hennepin County where he presides. Above the Law, WCCO and the…

Mar 11, 2019 10:40 AM CDT

‘My Cousin Vinny’ plays big role in Merrick Garland opinion

Cross-examination drawing on lessons of My Cousin Vinny helped undermine a nursing home operator’s claimed reason for firing several union organizers, according to a federal appeals court. Chief U.S. Circuit Judge Merrick Garland—whose Supreme Court nomination failed after no vote was taken—wrote the March 5 opinion for the U.S. Court…

Mar 7, 2019 7:30 AM CST

At least 8 theaters drop ‘Mockingbird’ productions after producer of newer play threatens suit

Updated: At least eight theater companies throughout the United States have canceled productions of To Kill a Mockingbird because of litigation threats from the producer of a newer version of the play on Broadway. The New York Times report includes an interview with 11-year-old Olivia Mongelli, who was cast as…

Feb 28, 2019 2:35 PM CST

Why millennials should beware the Fyre Festival, fraud and failed ambition

Two documentaries on a luxury music event that never happened paint an unflattering picture of social media oversaturation, personal greed and the fear of missing out on the next big thing.

Feb 21, 2019 6:30 AM CST

Love hurts: 13 famous prenups (gallery)

Valentine’s Day is here, and our love for the law is stronger than ever. In our version of a romantic gesture, the ABA Journal is honoring the legal contract of love—the prenuptial agreement. Prenups are used to divide assets in cases of divorce or death, as a way to avoid…

Feb 14, 2019 7:30 AM CST

Why Marvel’s Daredevil isn’t a role model for defense attorneys

If you aren’t a fan of comics, I understand entirely. They aren’t for everyone. Please, though, don’t jump ship just yet. There is a genuine chance we’ll be on the same page in about 1,200 words no matter your feelings toward comic book culture. Or you might hate this correlation and let me know in the comments below ... either way, just give it a chance.

Feb 14, 2019 7:00 AM CST

Justice Ginsburg makes first public appearance after surgery to attend ‘Notorious RBG in Song’

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg attended a concert dedicated to her life and career Monday evening, her first public appearance since her Dec. 21 surgery to remove cancerous nodules from her lung. Ginsburg, 85, sat in the back and did not speak, report the Washington Post and the Associated…

Feb 5, 2019 10:39 AM CST

‘The Defenders’ is a legal classic: Why has it been hidden away?

I wanted to write another “look back” column this week. I decided to take a cue from one of my readers and review the “best” episode of the classic television legal drama The Defenders.

Jan 24, 2019 6:00 AM CST

Justice Ginsburg set to make animated cameo in ‘Lego Movie 2’

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be back on the big screen Feb. 8 in The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. Ginsburg will make a cameo appearance as an animated character in the film, as revealed in a trailer released Sunday, report the BBC and USA Today.…

Jan 23, 2019 7:00 AM CST

Lawyer feels ‘Hamiltonian’ after settling suit for ticket refund

A Houston personal injury lawyer has settled his lawsuit against Ticketmaster for refusing to refund $2,325 he spent for Hamilton tickets. Lawyer Joshua P. Davis said he mistakenly bought three tickets for January rather than March when he pressed the back button on his browser and the calendar changed. But…

Jan 17, 2019 2:17 PM CST