Lawyers USA

Indiana Supreme Court Rules Out-of-State Support Order Can Be Reduced

A father could be allowed to pay less than the full amount of his out-of-state child support obligation for the purpose of allowing him to avoid incarceration for contempt, the Indiana Supreme Court has ruled. The mother in the case registered a Florida child support order for enforcement in Indiana pursuant to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.

U.S. District Court in New York Rules Law Firm Violated Fair Debt Act

A law firm violated federal debt collection law by sending out a debt collection letter without undertaking a "meaningful review" of the debtor's case, a U.S. District Court in New York has ruled in entering a verdict following a bench trial. The judgment was entered after a reversal by the 2nd Circuit. (See "Collection lawyers may be liable under Fair Debt Act," Lawyers USA, March 17, 2003. Search terms for Lawyers USA website: Miller and Upton.)

Justice Sandra Day O'connor: She Works Hard for the Circuits

The justices of the U.S. Supreme Court are a hardworking bunch, particularly since Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. altered the oral argument schedule last year to hold more afternoon argument sessions at the start of the term. This week the Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in five cases. But there is one High Court retiree who is working even harder: Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Legal Technology: Which E-Reader Is Right for You?

At first glance, an e-reader might seem to an attorney like nothing more than a high-tech approach to skimming through a novel on the subway. But legal technology experts agree that e-readers are the next great tool in the industry. So which e-reader is right for you?

6th Circuit Rules Sex Offender Can't Be Required to Register

A defendant could not be required to register as a sex offender before the implementation of a regulation making retroactive the federal sex offender registration statute, the 6th Circuit has ruled in reversing a conviction. The effective date of the Sexual Offenders Registration and Notification Act is July 27, 2006.

U.S. Supreme Court to Decide: Can a Judge Boost Attorney Fee Awards?

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on whether judges can enhance an attorney fee award based on "the superb quality" of the lawyers' performance. But during oral arguments in the case Purdue v. Kenny A., several justices seemed uncomfortable with a Georgia federal court's decision to give an extra $4.5 million taxpayer-funded boost to attorneys for their resolution of a foster care case.