Find me on Facebook

No, I do not have my own Facebook page. The Deane Law Library allows me to prowl on their Wall. So, you can find my postings as well as other useful information. It is a great way to stay in touch. And, I have it on good authority that some of the suggestions left in our Suggestion Box will be answered there.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Stem Cell Research A Legal Issue In Europe, Too

Although polarized American responses to stem cell research often dominate the news, the practice is controversial in Europe, as well.

As reported at Jurist, the European Court of Justice ruled on Tuesday that, under European law, patents are not issuable for any process that involves removing a stem cell from, and then destroying, a human embryo. Read more here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Another Free Speech Case for Supreme Court

This week the U.S. Supreme Court added to its already interesting docket for this term by taking up the federal government's appeal of a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling which struck down the Stolen Valor Act of 2005. This law makes it a federal crime to falsely claim, verbally or in writing, that you have received a military medal or decoration, with a one year prison term possible if the claim involves a major award such as the Purple Heart. The case of United States v. Alvarez involves an elected official of a California water district who falsely claimed to be a marine Medal of Honor recipient and pled guilty, but reserved the right to appeal on First Amendment grounds. The Supreme Court will now decide whether criminally proscribing this type of "false speech" makes the law "facially invalid" under the Free Speech Clause. You can read the court documents and follow commentary on this case at Scotusblog.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Research Resources: Electronic Commerce & Law Report (BNA)

BNA’s Electronic Commerce & Law Report provides national and global perspectives on the digital economy. It also provides access to news of trends and developments, insights and legal commentary.

To access Electronic Commerce & Law Report:(BNA):

• Go to the Library's home page, click "Online Resources"
• Then, click "Commercial and Corporate Law" link
• Scroll down, click the "Electronic Commerce & Law Report:(BNA)" link
  

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Need a quick refresher on advanced Lexis/Westlaw

Do you remember how to find a database? How to search within your search results? Use Shepard's / KeyCite for more than finding out if a case is still good law?

The Deane Law Library webcasts may be what you need. These were developed to be quick reminders on selected aspects of Lexis/Westlaw research. Move beyond the basics.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Cool reminder tool

Need help remembering to do daily tasks? Could you use a reminder to stretch, exercise, drink more (your choice of beverage ;) ), work on your paper, whatever . . .?

Sign up for a free account at askmeevery.com for a text reminder for whatever you need reminding. You can also ask questions requiring answers and askmeevery will track your answers and give you the data. To sign up - enter your question and cell number and then text back a password.

Financial health warning: Not for those with limited texting plans!
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Affirmative Action In The Legal News

California Governor Jerry Brown’s recent decision to veto legislation that would overturn a passed ballot proposition prohibiting affirmative action is much in the news, but there has been quite a bit of judicial and other activity on this front, as well. For a brief overview, see here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Research Resources: Current Index to Legal Periodicals

Current Index to Legal Periodicals is prepared on a weekly basis by law librarians and staff of the Marian Gould Gallagher Law Library at the University of Washington. This publication provides topical access to up to approximately 600 law reviews and other selected legal journals under 100 subject headings. In addition, CILP provides full tables of contents of all journals indexed.

To access Current Index to Legal Periodicals:

• Go to the Library's home page, click "Online Resources"
• Then, click "Article Finding"
• Scroll down and click the "Current Index to Legal Periodicals" link

Dates of coverage are from 1999 to present.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Columbus Day

Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Tuesday in October. Christopher Columbus landed in the new world on Oct. 12, 1492. Educated Europeans knew that the world is round, but they did not know the North and South American continents or the Pacific ocean. Columbus expected to sail around the world and reach China or India. He was seeking a shorter trade route to the Asian countries since at the time it was necessary to sail around the Horn of Africa to reach the east.

Columbus Day is controversial. In the 19th century the celebration was rejected because of association with Catholicism and in the 20th because of the impact the arrival of the Europeans had on the native population. For further information check out Columbus Day - History.com.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

New HeinOnline Enhancement: US Congressional Documents Collection

The HeinOnline US Congressional Documents Collection has recently been reorganized to make searching easier and more efficient. This extensive collection contains the complete Congressional Record Bound version, Annals of Congress, Register of Debates, Congressional Globe and other important congressional material. The new browse options allows users to search sections separately and includes searching All Titles, Rules & Precedents, Debates of Congress, Other Works Related to Congress, and more. To learn more about the new enhancements click here. To access HeinOnline click here.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat