Fri.Nov 29, 2024

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Saudi Arabia detentions spark international concerns over freedom of expression

JURIST

Amnesty International urged Saudi Arabia on Thursday to release individuals who have been detained “solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression online.” Amnesty International stated that the releases must occur before the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which Saudi Arabia will host from December 15 to 19. The rights group said Saudi Arabia can prove its commitment to respecting and upholding the IGF’s themes by safeguarding online freedom of expression

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USPTO Patent Grant Rate and Growing Backlog

Patently O

by Dennis Crouch The USPTO utility patent grant rate data reveals an interesting narrative of policy shifts and administrative changes over the past fifteen years. The graph shows a clear upward trajectory from a notable low point around December 2009, when the grant rate bottomed out near 50%, to recent levels hovering around 75-80%. This dramatic shift beginning in 2010 coincided with Director David Kappos taking the helm at the USPTO, marking a decisive break from the more restrictive patent

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France to continue working closely with Netanyahu despite ICC arrest warrant

JURIST

France claimed on Wednesday it intends to continue to work closely with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and the other Israeli authorities despite the International Criminal Court’s recent arrest warrant against the Prime Minister of Israel. According to the French Foreign Ministry, under the Rome Statute, a State cannot be required to act inconsistently with its international obligations regarding the immunities that States not party to the International Criminal Court (ICC) enjoy.

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Book Review – Watchdogs: Inspectors General and the Battle for Honest and Accountable Government

LLRX

The 2024 election results have prompted discussion about the effectiveness of “guardrails” that might restrain Presidential activities that could harm the nation. Jerry Lawson's review notes that Glenn Fine’s new book, Watchdogs: Inspectors General and the Battle of Honest and Accountable Government is a timely and welcome contribution to the national debate.

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6 Contract Data Analytics Tools To Boost Contract Oversight

Analyzing contract trends with manual contract management is like sifting through a pile of papers in a dimly lit room, trying to find clues manually. Advanced CLM software’s contract data analytics, on the other hand, is like having an AI-based, intelligent magnifying glass that not only highlights key clues but also connects the dots for you. With innovative, AI-powered contract data analytics, you can solve the mystery of trends faster and with greater accuracy, making informed decisions base

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“Amicus Practice at the Texas Supreme Court: Expanding argument time, a look at the differences between amicus practice at SCOTX and the U.S. Supreme Court, and a preview of next week’s certified question.”

HowAppealing

“Amicus Practice at the Texas Supreme Court: Expanding argument time, a look at the differences between amicus practice at SCOTX and the U.S. Supreme Court, and a preview of next week’s certified question.” Adam Shniderman has this post at his “14th & Colorado” Substack site.

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“It’s Time to Change the Way We Elect the President; After the Electoral College votes, send the winner to the White House and let the second-place finisher serve as vice president — similar to the Framers’ original plan”

HowAppealing

“It’s Time to Change the Way We Elect the President; After the Electoral College votes, send the winner to the White House and let the second-place finisher serve as vice president — similar to the Framers’ original plan”: Law professor Stephen L. Carter has this essay online at Bloomberg Opinion.

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Romania court mandates recount in first round of presidential election

JURIST

Romania’s Constitutional Court directed the Central Electoral Bureau on Thursday to reverify and recount all ballots cast in the first round of the presidential election. The court’s ruling, made in accordance with Article 146(f) of the Romanian Constitution, empowers the Constitutional Court to intervene in electoral disputes. The ruling therefore mandates the reexamination of both valid and null ballots from the election, with the court instructing the Central Electoral Bureau to recoun

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Supreme Court to hear dispute over FDA rejection of flavored vapes

SCOTUSBlog

Share The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Monday in a dispute over the Food and Drug Administration’s rejection of two companies’ applications to sell flavored liquids for use in e-cigarettes. A federal appeals court in Louisiana set aside the FDA’s orders denying applications by Triton Distribution and Vapetasia, complaining that the agency had sent those companies and other makers of e-cigarette products “on a wild goose chase.

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UK prime minister promises to reduce migration through legal reform

JURIST

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised on Thursday to reduce the number of migrants entering the UK by overhauling the country’s points-based immigration system and by requiring businesses to train British workers. He made the announcement after the annual statistics on migration were published by the UK government, showing a fall in migration numbers since 2023.

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The Tech-Savvy Paralegals Playbook: How To Leverage AI

Speaker: Allison Mears, Adela Wekselblatt, and George Socha

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal industry, and paralegals are at the forefront of this transformation. As AI becomes more integrated into legal workflows, paralegals can streamline their daily tasks, enhance efficiency, and add greater value to their firms and organizations. But what exactly does AI mean for paralegals today—and how can you leverage it to your advantage?

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The morning read for Friday, Nov. 29

SCOTUSBlog

Share Each weekday, we select a short list of news articles and commentary related to the Supreme Court. Here’s the Friday morning read: The Supreme Court will hear arguments over Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors (Mark Sherman & Geoff Mulvihill, The Associated Press) Supreme Court hosts government power struggle over flavored vapes (Kelsey Reichmann, Courthouse News Service) The Supreme Court restrained Trump last time.

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Human rights organizations call on international community to protect abortion rights defenders

JURIST

A coalition of human rights organizations urged the international community on Friday to safeguard abortion care providers. A report , released on International Women Human Rights Defenders Day , outlines recommendations to ensure the protection of abortion rights defenders. Led by Amnesty International, the coalition includes prominent organizations such as the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Ipas, MSI Reproductive Choices, Organisation pour le Dialogue pour l’Avortement Sécurisé ,

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Epps Loses Defamation Case Against Fox News

JonathanTurley

Just months after a judge dismissed Nina Jankowicz’s much-hyped defamation lawsuit against Fox, a federal district court judge in Delaware, Judge Jennifer L. Hall, has dismissed Ray Epps’s defamation lawsuit. The Jan. 6 rioter said the network falsely identified him as an FBI informant. U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer L. Hall granted Fox News’ motion to dismiss the suit.

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UN expert urges Poland to address discrimination and violence against LGBT community

JURIST

A group of UN experts urged Poland to address entrenched discrimination and violence against the LGBT community through swift legislative and societal reforms on Friday. The expert’s statement follows a comprehensive country visit, between November 18 and 29, that revealed both promising progress and persistent challenges. The UN expert’s report highlights the enduring effects of discriminatory practices, such as the symbolic but impactful “LGBT-ideology free zones” estab

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Excellence in Trial: A Strategic Guide for Modern Paralegals

Modern trial practice has evolved beyond basic organization. With technology reshaping courtrooms and attorneys expecting more than ever, paralegals need to elevate their capabilities while mastering the fundamentals of trial excellence. This comprehensive guide from Steno, built from author Joe Stephens' real-world experience as both a practicing attorney and law professor, provides a blueprint for delivering exceptional trial support in today's complex legal environment.

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HCCH Monthly Update: September 2024

Conflict of Laws

Conventions & Instruments On 1 November 2024, the 2007 Child Support Convention entered into force for Kyrgyzstan. At present, 52 States and the European Union are bound by the 2007 Child Support Convention. More information is available here. On 21 November 2024, North Macedonia deposited its instrument of ratification of the 2005 Choice of Court Convention.

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Ontario judge dismisses lawsuit accusing Canada company of human rights abuses in Tanzania

JURIST

Ontario Superior Court Justice Edward Morgan on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit accusing Canadian company Barrick Gold of committing human rights abuses against Tanzanian mine workers. Justice Morgan granted Barrick Gold’s application for forum non conveniens (inconvenient forum), agreeing that Tanzanian courts would be better suited to handle the case.

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Rights group says ICC arrest warrant request for Myanmar military leader is decisive in ending impunity

JURIST

Secretary-General at Amnesty International , Agnès Callamard, welcomed on Wednesday the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan’s decision to seek an arrest warrant for Myanmar military leader, Min Aung Hlaing regarding alleged crimes against humanity committed against the Rohingya minority. Callamard stated: Today’s announcement by the ICC prosecutor is a decisive step and an important signal – both for Myanmar and the rest of the world – that those who are allegedly resp

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Amnesty International urges Angola to investigate police brutality during protests

JURIST

Amnesty International urged Angola authorities on Wednesday to hold police officers accountable for injuring and killing people during protests between November 2020 and June 2023. The organization has also lamented the delay of justice for the victims of human rights violations. A report published by Amnesty International uncovered the use of excessive and unnecessary force by police during protests under President João Lourenço’s regime.

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Transform Your E-Learning: Download the Ultimate Localization Use Case!

Uncover the secret to breaking language barriers and expanding your e-learning reach! This powerful use case reveals how Cesco Linguistic Services transformed 19 training modules for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood into culturally relevant courses in Arabic and Spanish—delivered on time and exceeding expectations. Learn how to localize your content seamlessly, avoid costly pitfalls, and connect with diverse audiences like never before.

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Canada top court rules multi-crown litigation provision constitutional in opioid class action

JURIST

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled on Friday that the province of British Columbia (BC) may bring a class action on behalf of multiple governments in Canada for harm caused by opioids. Faced with a public health crisis caused by the opioid epidemic, BC enacted the Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act in 2018. This legislation creates a statutory cause of action against the manufacturers, distributors and consultations of opioid drugs for causing or contributing to opioid-related dis

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Thailand forcibly returns 6 Cambodian opposition activists

JURIST

Thai authorities have forcibly returned six Cambodian political opposition activists and a young child, Human Rights Watch reported Friday. The forcible removal puts the activists at risk of mistreatment and unfair trials in Cambodia according to the group. The six activists and one activist’s five-year-old grandson were arrested in Thailand on Sunday and forcibly removed the following day.