Criminal law

Chicago Attorney Stephen Komie Announces Campaign for Third Vice President of the ISBA

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 30, 2023

CHICAGO, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Stephen M. Komie, who has led a storied legal career for the past 40 years, has announced his candidacy to run for the Illinois State Bar Association's Third Vice President. Attorney Komie's distinguished legal background as a premiere Illinois trial lawyer and his decades of leadership experience in the ISBA make him an exceptionally qualified candidate for ISBA's Third Vice President. Mr. Komie is humbled by the opportunity to continue to serve the ISBA in a new and exciting capacity as Third Vice President.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Stephen M. Komie, who has led a storied legal career for the past 40 years, has announced his candidacy to run for the Illinois State Bar Association's Third Vice President.
  • Mr. Komie is humbled by the opportunity to continue to serve the ISBA in a new and exciting capacity as Third Vice President.
  • Attorney Komie is the founder and Principal Attorney at Komie & Associates, a highly successful Chicago-based law firm assisting clients in cases involving criminal law, family law, civil litigation, and appeals.
  • If elected as Third Vice President of the ISBA, Stephen Komie plans to utilize his plethora of experience as a member of the ISBA Board of Governors, where he has served as Secretary and Treasurer.

The Chopin Law Firm LLC Welcomes New Attorney Madeline Dixon to Their Team

Retrieved on: 
Friday, November 17, 2023

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Chopin Law Firm LLC, a notable personal injury law firm, is proud to announce the latest addition to their team, Attorney Madeline Dixon. This move is part of the firm's ongoing commitment to providing exceptional legal representation to their clients in various areas of personal injury.

Key Points: 
  • The Chopin Law Firm LLC announces the addition of Madeline Dixon to their New Orleans-based legal team.
  • NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Chopin Law Firm LLC , a notable personal injury law firm, is proud to announce the latest addition to their team, Attorney Madeline Dixon.
  • "We are thrilled to welcome Maddie to our team," said a representative from Chopin Law Firm.
  • Before joining The Chopin Law Firm, Maddie was part of a nationally recognized law firm specializing in plaintiff's asbestos litigation.

Prime Minister announces the appointment of the Honourable Mary T. Moreau to the Supreme Court of Canada

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 6, 2023

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 6, 2023 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Mary T. Moreau to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 6, 2023 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Mary T. Moreau to the Supreme Court of Canada.
  • Justice Moreau's esteemed judicial career includes 29 years on the Court of King's Bench of Alberta.
  • Prior to becoming a judge, Justice Moreau practised criminal law, constitutional law, and civil litigation in Edmonton, Alberta.
  • This appointment is the sixth under the Supreme Court selection process launched by the Government of Canada in 2016.

Fontana Criminal Defense Attorney Douglas Borthwick Selected Among 2023 Top Attorneys

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 30, 2023

SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- California Attorney Douglas Borthwick has been named 2023 Top 10 Attorney for Criminal Defense by the American Association of Attorney Advocates.

Key Points: 
  • SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- California Attorney Douglas Borthwick has been named 2023 Top 10 Attorney for Criminal Defense by the American Association of Attorney Advocates.
  • The 2023 list comprises of industry leading attorneys from each State or region who have met the highest qualifications in their practice.
  • Attorney Douglas Borthwick has further achieved a "SUPERB" Rating from Avvo, the highest evaluation given by the nationally acclaimed attorney rating agency.
  • Douglas Borthwick has earned the trust and respect of his clients and colleagues for his integrity, preparation, determination, and attention to detail.

Wheaton Attorney Stacey McCullough to be Honored at DCBA 2023 Pro Bono Award Reception

Retrieved on: 
Friday, October 27, 2023

WHEATON, Ill., Oct. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- MKFM Law is proud to announce that firm attorney Stacey McCullough has been named the 2023 recipient of the 18th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award for her countless hours of volunteer work in the legal community. The award is presented annually to an attorney practicing in DuPage County who has provided outstanding pro bono services to low-income individuals or charitable organizations. A Pro Bono Award Reception was hosted by the DuPage County Bar Association at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton.

Key Points: 
  • WHEATON, Ill., Oct. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- MKFM Law is proud to announce that firm attorney Stacey McCullough has been named the 2023 recipient of the 18th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award for her countless hours of volunteer work in the legal community.
  • The award is presented annually to an attorney practicing in DuPage County who has provided outstanding pro bono services to low-income individuals or charitable organizations.
  • A Pro Bono Award Reception was hosted by the DuPage County Bar Association at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton.
  • The partners, attorneys, paralegals, and staff at MKFM invite you to join us in congratulating one of our premier attorneys, Stacey McCullough.

Prime Minister announces the nomination of the Honourable Mary T. Moreau to the Supreme Court of Canada

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 26, 2023

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the nomination of the Honourable Mary T. Moreau to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the nomination of the Honourable Mary T. Moreau to the Supreme Court of Canada.
  • They will hear from the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Arif Virani, and the Chairperson of the Independent Advisory Board for Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointments, the Honourable H. Wade MacLauchlan.
  • "I am pleased to announce the nomination of the Honourable Mary T. Moreau to the Supreme Court of Canada, following an open and non-partisan selection process.
  • In 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new process for Supreme Court of Canada judicial appointments.

Legal in one state, a crime in another: laws banning hate symbols are a mixed bag

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 26, 2023

Queensland has now joined several other states in outlawing extremist hate symbols.

Key Points: 
  • Queensland has now joined several other states in outlawing extremist hate symbols.
  • Far-right and neo-Nazi groups pose a significant ongoing threat to national security, in Australia and globally.
  • However, banning specific symbols and gestures is a tricky thing to do.

What are the laws across the country?

  • Over the last 16 months, Victoria, NSW and Tasmania have enacted laws banning the public display of Nazi symbols and salutes.
  • Last week, it expanded this to include any symbols used by the Nazi party, including paramilitary arms like the SS.
  • All the laws include exemptions where symbols are displayed for legitimate religious, artistic, legal, historical, or educational purposes.
  • The federal government has also put forward its own national ban laws, but those are yet to pass parliament.

How do Queensland’s laws compare?

  • First, the laws do not list any prohibited symbols.
  • This will, in theory, allow the Queensland government to adapt to new hate symbols as the need arises.
  • No one knows, at this point, what the laws will actually ban.
  • It is a crucial aspect of the rule of law that laws state clearly when conduct is a crime.

How consistent are the laws?

  • Victoria, Tasmania and NSW’s laws are broadly consistent, with Queensland as a clear outlier.
  • For example, it will now be an offence to display a Nazi tattoo in Queensland and NSW, but not in Victoria and Tasmania.
  • But it does suggest a degree of experimentation, with no consensus on the most effective approach.

How will we know if the laws are effective?

  • In any state, neo-Nazi groups may simply avoid prosecution under these laws by adapting the symbols, slogans and gestures they use.
  • In addition, the laws will allow police to disrupt and arrest those who pose a threat to our communities.
  • These developing laws send a clear signal that Nazi ideology has no place in Australian society.


Keiran Hardy does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Stetson University Wins National HEED Award for Diversity and Inclusion

Retrieved on: 
Friday, October 13, 2023

DELAND, Fla., Oct. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Stetson University has won the 2023 INSIGHT Into Diversity's Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Key Points: 
  • Stetson University has won the 2023 INSIGHT Into Diversity's Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • DELAND, Fla., Oct. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Stetson University has won the 2023 INSIGHT Into Diversity's Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • "This is an incredible honor for Stetson to receive the national HEED Award ...
  • For the fourth consecutive year, Stetson University College of Law won the award while the DeLand campus received the award for the first time.

Visa exploitation review urges tougher penalties and a ban on temporary migrants in sex work. Would this solve the problem?

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 4, 2023

This is in addition to legislation it has already introduced to strengthen employer compliance measures to protect temporary migrants from exploitation.

Key Points: 
  • This is in addition to legislation it has already introduced to strengthen employer compliance measures to protect temporary migrants from exploitation.
  • But the Nixon review goes further, with more than 30 recommendations.
  • Importantly, it has placed the compliance dimension into the visa processing system instead of keeping it mainly within Australian Border Force.

Cracking down on misconduct by migration agents

    • Among its recommendations, the Nixon review called for strengthening the compliance and investigative powers of the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority to address misconduct by registered migration agents.
    • It noted:
      [Registered migration agents] may perceive that engaging in such illegal activity is low risk, and high reward.
    • [Registered migration agents] may perceive that engaging in such illegal activity is low risk, and high reward.
    • The review also said overseas migration agents are currently not required to be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority to provide immigration advice, which it recommended changing.

A ban on temporary migrants in the sex industry?

    • Canada, for instance, has implemented a ban on any temporary migrants working in this sector.
    • The review recommended a similar ban in Australia, as well as increased penalties for those found to be hiring temporary migrants for the sex industry, saying:
      The prohibition of temporary migrants working in the sex industry would send a strong and clear message that the Australian government has no tolerance for the exploitation of temporary migrants.
    • The prohibition of temporary migrants working in the sex industry would send a strong and clear message that the Australian government has no tolerance for the exploitation of temporary migrants.
    • Some advocates in the sex industry, such as the Scarlet Alliance), believe a full ban would not stop exploitation in the sex industry, it would just drive it further underground.

Reducing backlogs in visa processing

    • The Nixon review also focused on the lengthy processing times for some visa subclasses, which it said cumulatively could last up to a decade.
    • There’s a clear link between government under-funding, visa processing backlogs and compliance issues.
    • The backlogs create an incentive to engage in fraudulent asylum claims because claimants have appeal rights for longer periods of time.
    • In this way, a bridging visa that is issued pending an Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) decision can act like a quasi-work visa.

No gavels, no hearsay and lots of drinking: a law expert ranks legal dramas by their accuracy

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 26, 2023

But it would be wrong to think that all we see on legal television shows is accurate – even when it claims to capture reality.

Key Points: 
  • But it would be wrong to think that all we see on legal television shows is accurate – even when it claims to capture reality.
  • Most legal dramas are terrible at capturing the realities of law.

Not accurate: Law(less) and (dis)Order

    • As with most serials, Law and Order presents the criminal justice system as moving quicker than you can say dun dun.
    • The mean duration of criminal law matters in Australian higher courts was almost one year (50 weeks) across 2021-22.
    • Most criminal matters do not proceed to a full trial as an accused will often plead guilty to the charges.
    • And should an accused be found guilty, a chunk of their sentence would be reduced by time served awaiting trial.

Not accurate: Suits

    • Suits (2011-19) centres around law firm partner Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) and his mentorship of Mike Ross (Patrick Adams) – the “lawyer” who never graduated law school and provides legal advice thanks to his photographic memory.
    • In Australia, law students who present themselves to be lawyers are subject to sanctions by the Legal Services Commission.
    • While Suits has left its mark(le) on the popular imagination of law, it fails to address one of the primary duties of civil litigation: the duty of disclosure.
    • It’s not like the lawyers of Suits have ever really been concerned about ethics, though.

Not accurate: How to Get Away with Murder(ing rules of evidence)

    • Annalise Keating (Davis) and her ragtag team of morally illiterate law students (although I never see them studying?!?!)
    • manipulate people to obtain evidence and then dramatically prompt witnesses on the stand to read this information into the record, or otherwise “sneak” it into the trial.
    • One of the most important rules of evidence deals with hearsay evidence.

Accurate: Fisk

    • Fisk excels in showing the importance of lawyer-client relations and the word-of-mouth that sustains much of small legal practice.
    • It’s the anti-Suits, and Fisk is more powerful for it.

Accurate: Rake

    • Rake excels at showing the reality of law.
    • Australian courts do not use gavels, and their presence in legal dramas in Australian and UK courts shows a lack of attention to detail.
    • Rake is accurate, in part, because the site of drama is rarely the courtroom, but rather Greene’s personal life.