Let’s take a look at this week in legal news.
Judge orders Apple to assist in unlocking San Bernardino shooter’s phone
A Los Angeles federal judge ordered Apple to assist the FBI in unlocking the iPhone of San Bernardino shooter Syed Rizwan Farook. Apple strongly opposes the order, releasing a letter to their customers outlining their opposition and the implications of complying with the order. Apple has drawn support from many companies and individuals, including Google, Twitter, Facebook and NSA whistleblower, Edward Snowden. John McAfee, the founder of McAfee Antivirus, offered to break the encryption for the FBI for free.
The FBI order has been likened to police, upon rendering a search warrant which turns up a locked safe, then ordering the safe company to assist them in opening the safe. Much has been written since the release of the order about the privacy vs securityimplications of the order. The battle between Apple and the FBI continues, in federal court, and in the court of public opinion.
Teen arrested and charged for posing as medical doctor
18-year-old Malachi Love-Robinson setup practice in West Palm Beach, Florida, posing as a medical doctor and treating patients in his newly established clinic. His ruse was uncovered when an officer posing as a patient sought services from him and confirmed that he was attempting to practice medicine. He is accused of practicing medicine without a license, allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from elderly patients. Love-Robinson claimed in an interview with ABC that he has a Ph.D., but was unwilling to disclose what field it is in. On Love-Robinson’s HealthGrades.com profile, removed post-arrest, he describes his practice, as “utiliz(ing) physiological, psychological, and mechanical methods, such as air, water, light, heat, earth (to treat patients).”
Harper Lee, Author of To Kill a Mockingbird, dies at age 89
Harper Lee, the author who penned the life of beloved fictional lawyer Atticus Finch in her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, died on Friday, February 19, 2016. Gregory Peck played Atticus Finch in the Oscar-winning adaptation of Lee’s book. The scenes of Peck, playing Finch, fighting for justice for a falsely accused defendant has inspired more than a few to study and practice law. Shortly before her death, Lee released a surprising follow up a sequel to her first book, Go Set a Watchman, portraying a more nuanced Finch. No doubt that Lee’s Atticus Finch will continue to inspire future legal careers.
The Simpsons talk SCOTUS
Have you ever wondered what the long-running television show, The Simpsons, has had to say about the Supreme Court of the United States throughout its 20 plus year run? Wonder no more.
PA judge gets picky about PJs
A Pennsylvania judge-turned-fashion police, laid down the law in his courtroom this month, posting a sign prohibiting any pajamas in his courtroom. Magisterial Judge Craig Long said no to PJs. His sartorial stance is contagious – neighboring York County Judge Ronald Haskell posted the same sign, adding that “Money from undergarments will not be accepted in this office.” Long conceded that the sign was not enforceable, but it didn’t stop him from making the demand. Findlaw provided a helpful list of fashion do’s and don’ts when you’re taking the stand