New Law Cartoons

For a humorous perspective on serious legal matters, check this out. Lawyer-cartoonist Charles Fincher has started his own law cartoon blog, Scribble-in-Law. Fincher’s cartoons are aimed at people connected to the legal field who can appreciate the topical legal humor and satire. He creates them in a spontaneous style on real legal pads, and plans to update his law cartoons with new creations about three times a week. The Scribble-in-Law blog complements his main site, LawComix.com, which runs this cartoon project and contains links to his other projects. A pictorial archive of Scribble-in-Law cartoons from the main site, the blog may include additional drawings and material from time to time. Fincher’s cartoons have been published in over 100 law-related publications, including the ABA Journal.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Trial of Saddam Hussein

For those interested in the legal aspects, in addition to the dramatics, of the trial of Saddam Hussein, go to the Trial of Saddam Hussein, at the Library of Congress' website. It provides essential information related to the relevant trials and also sets out a selection of reference materials that will further explain important aspects of the trials. In addition to those with a general interest, the site is designed also for those with a special interest in international criminal law and "the seekers of universal justice".

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Just For Fun--Encarta Quizzes

With March roaring in like my relative, the proverbial lion, you may find yourself snowed in and requiring some study break amusements. If so, then try Encarta's quizzes. Here, you'll discover trivia-type quizzes on subjects ranging from the topical, such as the Oscars, to foreign language quizzes, as well as many others on such subjects as history, geography, music, and sports.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Good bye to February

At the start of February we hinted that we would write about why February has only 28 days. Well, we're doing that now. Of course, no one can be 100% sure of the facts, but the generally accepted history is February became a month some 3,000 years ago. Since the people of the time were mainly agricultural, nothing much happened in the winter months. But with only 10 months, the months didn't "line up" with the lunar year, so January and February were added. Working on a 355 day year (close, but not quite), and trying to give each month an odd number of days (even being unlucky), one month was stuck with 28. Which was February, since nothing much happened in that month anyhow.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

PJF Auction

The 17th Annual PJF Auction is Wednesday (tomorrow) evening. The buffet and drinks begin at 5:30 p.m.; the roast of Dean Twerski by Prof. Monroe Freedman begins at 7:00 p.m.; and the auction follows. Why should you go? Well, it is a chance to socialize and have fun and mingle with faculty and administrators in a relaxed setting. The price of admission ($10) is inexpensive for what you will receive. The items being up for auction range from the really useful (one week's parking at OCS) to the surreal (Matt Bodie, Alafair Burke and Gary Moore signing Karaoke). And, last but not least it is for a good cause and may benefit you!

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

HassleMe

Are you a very busy person with many things that you must remember to do. Since I am assuming that most of our readers are law students, professors and librarians, then the answer must be yes. Sometimes we need more than just a to-do list to remind us of the myriad of tasks that life brings. For those of us without somebody to remind us to do everything, we can have the computer hassle us instead. Just go to HassleMe and put in all the tasks that you must remember to do and how often you want the computer to send you an email reminder. Very soon you will also be able to be hassled via IM.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Bridge the Gap Program for Summer Associates, Interns

Will you be working for a law firm this summer? Or maybe a court, government office or non-profit group? If there’s a “gap” between what you remember about legal research from law school classes and the skills you'll need to hit the ground running at a real-world job, there’s a program for you. Each spring the Law Library Association of Greater New York (LLAGNY) offers a "Bridge the Gap" program for law students, to ease the transition from law school to employment. Law librarians who have first hand experience with Summer and new associates come together with leaders of the bench and bar to focus on legal research strategies and key skills, practical tips and advice. Learn how to approach work assignments, ask the right questions, and use skills efficiently to meet and exceed your employer’s expectations.

This year’s program will be held on Friday, March 24 at the New York City Bar. The information flyer and registration form may be found here (scroll down to Bridge the Gap, PDF link). For more information, ask for Tricia or Toni at the Library.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Speaking of Handouts

We have a growing collection of print and online handouts to help you in your research. The handouts provide guidance and tips on not only the EU and other international topics, but cover the best places to find forms - both general and New York specific, the best treatises on various legal topics, legislative history, etc. . . I could go on and on. Check out our handout racks by the Reference desk (one right in front and one somewhat behind).

We also have an increasing number of handouts and research guides on the Library's website. If you have ideas for useful handouts, you know where the comment link is.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

State And Local Government Web Sites

Do you need information from, or regarding, state or local governments and agencies? The State and Local Government Internet directory provides convenient access to the Web sites of thousands of state agencies and city and county governments. Users may employ the drop-down menus on the left to view directory pages to find state government offices (all the Web sites in a given state, ranging from a state's home page or a governor's site to the smallest counties or townships). Users may also search by topic (For instance, the Web sites of state government constitutional officers, state legislatures, state judiciaries and departments across all states), as well as for local government links by county government.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Speaking of EU

Perhaps you aren't doing EU Research, but instead looking into Canadian Law? Well, we have help for you there as well. Hot off the presses, a new research handout called Researching Canadian Law has just been written by one of our Reference Librarians. Stop by the handout rack by the Ref Desk to take a look.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat