May 29
In this episode of KCLL’s SideBar we look at what kinds of public records are available in Washington State and how to find those records. Then we have a shorter “At the Reference Desk”, from the Seattle University Law School librarians. In this segment Bob talks about Canadian law, eh? Craig, in his “Reel Verdict” segment, reviews the new Star Trek movie, not because the movie has anything to do with the law, but for the reason that I wanted his perspective on the movie after I saw it myself.
Listen to Episode 30
Links for Episode 30
May 27
The Washington State Bar Association has announced that beginning June 1, 2009, homeowners facing foreclosure may contact the Home Foreclosure Legal Aid Project for legal assistance. This is a statewide program with legal assistance provided by volunteer attorneys. Check their website June 1 for further information.
May 26
According to the Daily Journal of Commerce of May 25-26, recent legislation signed by President Obama allows tenants to stay in their foreclosed rentals through the end of their lease and then 90 days after that. Public Law 111-22, To Prevent Morgage Foreclosures and Enhance Mortgage Credit Availability, was signed by the President on May 20, 2009. Title VII of that act, Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act, contains the language that protects the tenants. The Act goes into effect immediately, and automatically terminates on Dec. 31, 2012.
May 22
The Virtualchase web site is a great resource for legal research, using public records, and finding publicly available information. Genie Tyburski, its founder and long-time editor, stepped down from maintaining the site last year and indicated that the web site would close by the end of May, 2009. Ballard Spahr, her law firm and sponsor of the site, announced that Justia has purchased the site and will keep it open. This is great news for legal researchers and others who have long used the site. Now I can change my training materials and keep this on my list of Public Sleuthing links.
May 21
I found this story via a Twitter feed. One blog, the Virginia Poverty Law Center led to a second, the Work Forward site, which eventually led to the original story, from the Huffington Post. I find that I am getting many interesting stories in multiple ways.
But I am mentioning this story because I am not a fan of payday loans (my personal opinion, not a policy of my Library), the story is about bloggers leading people to the web site for the loans, and I have often wondered how these sites pull in the clients. I guess this is one way.
The original story says, “The Federal Trade Commission is considering updating its guidelines to indicate that the commission expects these kinds of testimonials to come with conspicuous disclosure of the paid relationship.” I am glad to hear that.
May 19
Online University has produced a list of the best blogs in three categories. These are University Law Library blogs, Law Librarian blogs and Legal Research blogs. KCLL Klues is on the list, along with many other great blogs. They say, “If you need “tips and tricks for legal research in Washington State,” look no further than this frequently-updated site.” Mary Whisner’s Trial Ad (and other) Notes is listed here, too. Many of the listed blogs are among my favorites.
Thanks to the Ross-Blakley Law Library Blog for noting this and @legalgoddess for tweeting about it.
May 19
When I teach my classes on skiptracing I often mention that one thing you cannot do when trying to obtain information about a person is to pretend to BE that person. ”Pretexting is the practice of getting your personal information under false pretenses. Pretexters sell your information to people who may use it to get credit in your name, steal your assets, or to investigate or sue you.”
The employee in this case, reported in this article from the P-I, pretended to be the person that he was hired to find. The information obtained was then sold to others. So when you are looking for information, you must be careful not to use this method. Washington state’s Pretexting law, RCW 9.26A.040, says in part: ”(1) A person is guilty of the unauthorized sale or procurement of telephone records if the person:
(a) Intentionally sells the telephone record of any resident of this state without the authorization of the customer to whom the record pertains;
(b) By fraudulent, deceptive, or false means obtains the telephone record of any resident of this state to whom the record pertains.”
The purchaser of the information was just as guilty as the person who obtained the information. If you need to find information about a person, be sure to do it legally.
May 18
The Northwest Women’s Law Center has changed its name to Legal Voice. As stated in their mission statement, they are committed to securing and protecting the rights of all women. Not only do they provide legal support, they also promote women’s rights through legislation and education. According to a recent story from the KPLU Newsroom, changing the name of a not for profit organization is a new trend. Link to this story on KPLU, Tacoma.
May 18
Check out the May issue of E-News for exciting news about the Legal Eagle DVD collection and a listing of June classes.
May 14
The Western District of Washington has a number of resources for the self-represented litigant. Their Representating Yourself page has a lot of information. The Getting Started section links to pages with information about filing the initial complaint and includes complaint forms for 42 USC 1983 and Title VII Employment Discrimination. The Local Rules section outlines important rules you need to know. Click on How Can I Get an Attorney Appointed? to find application forms and instructions.
The Publications page has a link to a document called Filing a Complaint in Your Own Behalf that appears to contain much of the information from the Representing Yourself pages all in one .pdf file.
We also own a number of books on civil rights litigation. You can search our catalog online or browse the shelves in
the KF 1325 call number area (Section 1983) and in KF 4750 for general civil rights actions.
Lastly, there is a federal civil rights legal clinic that’s held at KCLL one Thursday a month. The clinic is a partnership of the Federal Bar Association and the King County Bar Association.