2013 Government Law Legal News Archives

March 2013

FDA Action on Gluten-Free Food Labeling Expected Soon

Wednesday, 20 March, 2013

The safety of our food supply is a major concern for most Americans. Where does our food come from, how is it farmed and prepared and can we trust the information that is given to us on the packaging and store displays? With so many consumers watching what they eat … continue reading

Mayor Bloomberg Sets Sights on Tobacco Displays in New York City

Tuesday, 19 March, 2013

A week after his controversial ban on large sodas was overturned by a State Judge, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced a new legislative proposal targeting tobacco displays in New York City.  Over recent years, Mayor Bloomberg has established an agenda of promoting a healthier New York City through restrictive legislation … continue reading

Federal Judge in Texas Protects Whooping Cranes in Lawsuit

Thursday, 14 March, 2013

In Texas, Senior U.S. District Judge Janis Jack has issued an injunction restricting State officials from issuing water use permits that could further endanger the native whooping crane.  Finding that water use permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) during a drought had violated the Endangered Species … continue reading

Judge Rules New York's Sugary Drink Ban "Arbitrary and Capricious"

Tuesday, 12 March, 2013

Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Milton Tingling struck down a New York law that was set to go into effect today, spearheaded by Mayor Bloomberg, prohibiting sugary drinks sold in containers above 16 ounces. Citing research that indicated 58% of New York adults are obese, Bloomberg pushed this plan as … continue reading

Strange New Laws in 2013

Monday, 11 March, 2013

We've all heard of the strange laws that were filed decades ago that were never taken off the books. In Arizona, for example, an old city ordinance dictates that it is illegal to wear suspenders. But weird new laws? We have those too. In January 2013, thousands of laws went into … continue reading

Los Angeles to Ask Supreme Court to Overturn Homeless Property Decision

Monday, 4 March, 2013

A legal fight over homeless property may be headed to the Supreme Court. The city of Los Angeles is expected to request that the Justices review a recent decision that upheld an injunction preventing the city from removing and destroying personal property left unattended by homeless citizens. The decision against … continue reading

February 2013

Canadian Court Rules Detainees Can Search for Lawyers Online

Monday, 25 February, 2013

In Alberta, Canada, a judge has decided that detainees have the right to use online search engines to find legal representation.  The ruling comes from a case involving a 19-year-old man picked up for a DUI-related charge. The young man was offered a Yellow Pages directory and a landline, according to … continue reading

Mississippi Formally Ratifies the 13th Amendment, Officially Recognizes End of Slavery

Monday, 18 February, 2013

Mississippi has formally adoptied the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, officially accepting the US Constitution’s abolition of slavery.  Although Mississippi voted to ratify the 1865 amendment in 1995, officials committed an error by not submitting necessary paperwork, and the process remained incomplete.  The error was caught by a Mississippi citizen … continue reading

Obama Care Faces New Legal Challenge Over Contraception

Wednesday, 6 February, 2013

Although the Supreme Court has already decided that Obama Care is Constitutional, a critical issue seems to be headed toward another round in the country’s highest court of law.  Faith-affiliated universities, charity organizations, hospitals and businesses have filed several lawsuits in lower courts across America challenging the provision of Obama … continue reading

January 2013

Senate Approves $50 Billion Hurricane Sandy Relief Bill

Tuesday, 29 January, 2013

Earlier this week, the Senate passed an emergency spending bill which provides $50.5 billion in relief funds to aid citizens of New York and New Jersey who are recovering from Hurricane Sandy.  The bill was passed by the House two weeks ago, and will take effect once approved by President … continue reading

Federal Court Overturns Indiana Law Banning Sex Offenders From Social Media

Thursday, 24 January, 2013

A federal appeals court has overturned an Indiana law that forbid registered sex offenders from accessing social media websites.  The law, designed to prevent sex offenders from having online access to minors, was struck down for being too broad and prohibiting “substantial protected speech.”  The case provides an example to … continue reading

NY State Is First to Approve Gun Control Law

Wednesday, 16 January, 2013

New York became the first state Tuesday to tighten gun laws and ban assault weapons in the wake of the Connecticut elementary school shooting. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law a bill that encompasses a range of gun control measures, according to The New York Times. The ban, that … continue reading

HIV/AIDS Prevention Groups Look to Supreme Court for Free Speech Ruling

Tuesday, 15 January, 2013

The United States Supreme Court will determine whether or not the federal government can force groups that fight HIV/AIDS infections overseas to condemn illegal prostitution as a condition for receiving funding.   The case arises under a 2003 federal law that requires groups that receive government money to combat the spread … continue reading

Student Loses RFID Tracking Badge Lawsuit

Thursday, 10 January, 2013

Some public grade schools around the country have begun requiring students wear a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip in ID badges around their necks while on campus. The idea is not just to keep track of students’ whereabouts, but to actually secure more school funding. Funding for public schools depends … continue reading

$100M Newtown School Shooting Lawsuit Dropped

Wednesday, 2 January, 2013

A lawsuit filed on behalf of a young survivor of the tragic Newtown school shooting, has been withdrawn. The $100M suit, filed by attorney Irving Pinsky, was brought against the state of Connecticut for failure to prevent the emotional and psychological injury sustained by an unidentified 6-year-old, reports say.  Pinsky maintains … continue reading