KCLL Klues: Washington State Legal Research

We recently received a new shipment of books from the American Bar Association.  Of interest is Disability Discrimination Law, Evidence and Testimony: A Comprehensive Reference Manaul for Lawyers, Judges and Disability Professionals.  The authors have written this book so that the laws “can be utlized to minimize the current problems and to create better legal remedies”.

The official version of the RCW (Revised Code of Washington) published by the Statute Law Committee begins with Volume 0.  Volume 0 contains a wealth of useful information including the US Constitution,  our State’s Organic and Enabling acts, our State Constitution, and a set of tables to help you track changes to particular RCW sections.  It does not contain the set’s general index, however, which is instead found in the last volume.

If you’ve shopped for computer hard drives recently, you may have run across an unfamiliar acronym: SATA.  SATA stands for “Serial Advanced Technology Attachment” and refers to a relatively new type of interface for internal and external hard drives.  You may also see the interface referred to as “Serial ATA”.  Compared to ATA hard drives—now referred to as “PATA” or “Parallel ATA” drives–SATA devices send and receive data faster, are less prone to hardware failures and are easier to install.   The cables used with SATA drives are much smaller than those used with ATA drives and thus take up less room inside your computer and allow for better air flow.  SATA connectors on motherboards are also color-coded to make it easier to determine hard drive priority in those computers with multiple drives.  If you’re purchasing an external SATA drive for your computer, you’ll see the interface referred to as “eSATA”.  Most computer manufacturers are installing SATA rather than PATA drives in new systems and SATA may eventually replace PATA altogether. 

In this episode of KCLL’s SideBar I talk about steps you should take if you think you may be a victim of identity theft and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Craig, in his “Reel Verdict” commentary reviews the movie “The Net.”

Episode #21

In this episode of KCLL’s SideBar I chat about finding good free case law web sites. I review a few of the new web sites that are offering free searching. Rick and Mari create a screen cast tutorial on how to search the LegalWa web site. Craig, in “The Reel Verdict,” discusses “The Paper Chase.”

Episode #20

In this episode of KCLL’s SideBar we interview Stina, our former library technician, about her new job. Stina is working as a paralegal for a small law firm here in Seattle. She stopped by to talk with Rita K about what she took from her previous job here at KCLL that helps her and what she is learning and loves in the new job.

Episode #19

In this episode of KCLL’s SideBar we interview Mike Danko, a local criminal defense attorney, who is retiring from the practice of law.  But Mike isn’t really retiring; he is simply changing his focus. He has some great ideas about addressing the juvenile justice system and speaks about these plans. Then Craig, in “The Reel Verdict,” talks about the movie “A Clockwork Orange.”

Episode #18

In this episode of KCLL’s SideBar we talk about establishing paternity for children. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services – in conjunction with the local prosecuting attorney’s office cooperate to establish paternity. Then listen to Craig in our critic’s corner, “The Reel Verdict” as he talks about a television show this time, “Saturday Night Live”, and the appearances of two sports figures as hosts on the show. Stina, in her beer moment, will discuss Sam Adams beer.

Episode #17

In this episode we talk about the cooling-off period for cancelling contracts. Kim and Rick of our staff explain what types of purchases are eligible for “cooling off.” Then listen to Craig in our critic’s corner, “The Reel Verdict” as he talks about the top “cool” movies from 2007. Stina, in her beer moment, tells us about the correct “cool” temperature to serve various styles of beer.

Episode #16

Part 1: This month Rick of our staff interviews Mark Tackitt, a local defense attorney, about his unusual hobby as a civil War re-enactor. Join Rick as he and Mark discuss the role of lawyers in the Civil War

Episode #15: Part 1

Part 2: Rick interviews Seattle public defender Mark Tackitt as he discusses the manuals of conduct and procedure used by both armies during the Civil War.  These manuals were one of the many tools officers used to try to make order out of chaos.  Following Mark’s discussion, Stina, our resident Beer Expert, returns to discuss the results of her Civil War era beer brewing experiments.

Episode #15: Part 2