Administrative Law

New Housing Rules Hit Katrina Victims

Nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005, displaced residents from the lowest economic rungs of the region’s economic ladder are still struggling–often in communities far from home. But as many businesses desperately seek workers, and former residents fruitlessly seek…

Jul 13, 2007 2:17 AM CDT

Thrift Regulator May Set New Loan Rules

In the wake of what many consider widespread problems with American bank lending practices, a federal thrift regulator may soon introduce an aggressive set of proposed rules to curb abuses. “If adopted, the proposal would be the most aggressive regulatory response this year aimed at tightening oversight of financial institutions,…

Jul 11, 2007 11:37 PM CDT

DOT: Give Bumped Flyers More Money

Government regulators reportedly are working on new rules that could require U.S. airlines to ante up a lot more money when they “bump” ticketed passengers from overcrowded flights. Officials at the Department of Transportation are still working out details, but plan to introduce a draft rule tomorrow that would offer…

Jul 10, 2007 2:35 AM CDT

Mortgage Fraud Mess

Growing numbers of homeowners are being dragged down by questionable loans

Jul 1, 2007 10:52 PM CDT

Lawyers Advise, Clients Strategize on New ‘Issue’ Political Advertising

Lawyers who advise advocacy groups are busy this week, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling Monday opening the door to more “issue”-oriented political advertising. The question: How far can these groups go in pre-election advertising that discusses issues but at least arguably also promotes political candidates? The Federal Election Commission,…

Jun 28, 2007 6:18 PM CDT

Will Nutty Law Result in Almond Capers?

Mike Braga doesn’t ordinarily think of himself as a potential lawbreaker. But the Madera, California, almond farmer will be faced with a legal dilemma as of Sept. 1. Either he stops selling unpasteurized almonds, except for any customers who might wish to buy organic almonds from a small farm stand,…

Jun 27, 2007 6:50 PM CDT

Reports: Lax Regulators Let Lenders Illegally Target Racial Minorities

Statistical studies have shown for several years that so-called subprime mortgage lenders apparently targeted racial minority groups for home loans with unfavorable terms. However, government regulators reportedly stood by and did nothing to stop them from violating numerous laws including fair-lending rules against redlining. Now, as the real estate market…

Jun 13, 2007 10:20 PM CDT

Is Robinson-Patman Act Outdated?

Since 1936, the Robinson-Patman Act has required manufacturers to sell to charge retailers the same price for same-sized containers of the same product. But some say it may be time to change the law, which has the effect of sometimes making it possible for consumers to buy large containers of…

Jun 7, 2007 7:41 PM CDT

1 in 3 Prosecutors on Justice Firing Line

At last count, the tally is 30, as far as the total number of U.S. attorneys reportedly considered for possible dismissal by the Justice Department during 2005 and 2006. And that amounts to almost exactly one-third of the country’s 93 U.S. Attorneys, says the Washington Post today. Nine of the…

May 18, 2007 10:13 PM CDT

Skirmish Over Fees

Debate continues over new law allowing veterans to hire lawyers for benefits appeals

May 1, 2007 11:29 AM CDT

Today in Legal History: U.S. Declares War on Spain, NY Mandates Car Plates, ‘Dixie’ Flag Retired

On this day in 1898, the U.S. declared war against Spain, involving America in Cuba’s struggle for independence. For details, see this Library of Congress Web page. On this day in 1901, New York became the first state to require car owners to register and get license plates for their…

Apr 25, 2007 5:14 PM CDT

Spinach Cases Settle; FDA Monitoring Lax

The producers of bacteria-tainted spinach that sicked hundreds and led to a nationwide recall last year have reportedly settled for undisclosed terms the lawsuits brought by the families of three people who died in the outbreak. However, more lawsuits are pending, some by victims who may need kidney transplants, according…

Apr 23, 2007 11:55 PM CDT

Today in Legal History: Stephen Douglas Born, Natchez Fire Kills 207

On this day in 1813, famed orator and attorney Stephen A. Douglas was born near Brandon, Vt. Perhaps best-known for his fiery debates against Abraham Lincoln during the U.S. Senate campaign of 1858 in Illinois, Douglas’s high-profile career included stints as an Illinois Supreme Court judge and as a longtime…

Apr 23, 2007 11:00 AM CDT

Supreme Court Rules in Global Crossing, Two Other Cases

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a private company may sue a long distance carrier for failing to pay for calls made without coins from pay phones, scotusblog reports. The 7-2 ruling (posted by scotusblog) reinforces the regulatory authority of the Federal Communications Commission, Associated Press reports. Justice Stephen…

Apr 17, 2007 4:06 PM CDT

Science Experiment

Industries Are Using a Landmark Case and a 2001 Law to Block Regulation, Critics Say

Nov 29, 2005 9:20 AM CST