Travesty of U.S. Justice System

This is prima facie evidence of the necessity of reviewing federal (and state) criminal sentencing guidelines -- especially the mandatory sentences.  As the "war on drugs" is at the root of this, taking a hard look at its results is in order as well.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/13/life-without-parole_n_4256789.html

Heartwrenching stories.  Especially those of the young, first-time offenders.

The Duty of Your Divorce Attorney

I place high priority on good communication with clients, thorough preparation, and ethical practice.  Unfortunately, not all lawyers do.  Know the signs:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-choi/divorce-attorney_b_4071400.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce

Make sure your divorce attorney is doing what you hired him or her to do.

Justice Ginsburg and the Current Court: Activist?

This is great read and insight into the Supreme Court.  Justices rarely disclose these kind of thoughts.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/25/us/court-is-one-of-most-activist-ginsburg-says-vowing-to-stay.html?_r=0

With several hot-button issues set to be entertained by the Court during the next term, her thoughts are exceedingly timely.

Alabama's New Gun Law: Fully Loaded Iron Bowl

Alabama's new gun law, set to take effect on August 1, will make carrying a gun a lot easier.  This is a polarizing issue.  Regardless, the change is inevitable now.

http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/07/six_things_to_know_about_alaba.html#incart_2box

The new law, in essence, allows the normal citizen who possesses a concealed weapon permit to take guns into places they've never been - sporting events, schools, work, so on.  Is this a good idea?  We'll find out soon.  I can't imagine having fans armed at the Iron Bowl will ever end well.

Charged with a Crime: Fingerprints, Mugshot, and DNA?

With the recent decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, law enforcement may now acquire a DNA sample without a warrant from those individuals charged with a serious crime.  Though the Court was sharply divided on the issue (as is typical), this particular issue created some strange bedfellows among the justices.  Regardless, the question remains whether such a decision constitutes an added layer of identification for law enforcement or an intrusion into that which makes us each unique.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/03/supreme-court-dna-samples_n_3378379.html

Many critics lament that there is nothing to stop the expansion of such a gathering program.  While such expansion remains to be seen, the fact-of-the-matter is that DNA sampling is sure to be a ubiquitous practice from this point forward.

Edward Snowden, the Constitution, and "Big Brother": What Does It All Mean?

Recent revelations provided courtesy of a brave/crazy NSA contracted employee have shed light on what many of us have suspected for some time -- secret government programs, devoid of accountability, and, at least on the surface, potentially violating the Constitutional rights of U.S. citizens.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/10/us/snowden-leaker-reaction/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Leaks such as this invoke comparisons to a Jason Bourne movie or Jack Clancy novel.  And, there are debates on all sides as to the legality of the program, the morality of the unchecked observation, and whether the ends do, in fact, justify the means.  Regardless of where you stand, incidences such as this one remind me of how valuable our Constitution truly is.

Child Custody and the Working Mom: Preparing for Divorce

The world has changed -- for the better -- in the last fifty years, and women are now a more pronounced presence in the professional work force.  While much work remains to be done towards achieving full equality, I see many divorces involving spouses balancing their careers and their children.  Oftentimes, the wife is both a professional and a caregiver.  In these types of situations, preparing for a divorce in advance is vital:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-helfend-meyer/child-custody-and-the-wor_b_3369173.html

Great advice in this piece.  The trend in Alabama has been towards one parent having primary physical custody and the other having visitation.  This fact only stresses the importance of the advice in this article.  If you're in need of a child custody lawyer, don't hesitate to call.