University of Missouri School of Law

Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 04.12.19

* Judge Maryanne Trump Barry recently retired from the Third Circuit, meaning that the judicial ethics inquiry into her alleged inheritance tax evasion be all for naught. [Associated Press] * No, it isn't true that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Supreme Court papers won't be released "until a hundred years after the last justice with whom she has served is no longer alive." Much like conspiracy theorists' claims about RBG's death, that would be insane. [National Law Journal] * Numerous progressive groups have asked the House of Representatives to investigate Justice Brett Kavanaugh's "sham confirmation process" after he was accused of sexual misconduct -- but it's unlikely this will go anywhere. [BuzzFeed] * In case you missed it, former Skadden partner Greg Craig was charged in connection with the Mueller investigation for making false statements to the DOJ that were tied to his work for Ukraine. If you recall, former Skadden associate Alexander van der Zwaan was the first to be sentenced in the Mueller probe. [American Lawyer] * "I’m used to always being the caretaker for other people. It’s not natural for me to accept help." Dean Lyrissa Lidsky of the University of Missouri School of Law is battling breast cancer, and her law school colleagues and students have offered her all of their support. We're with you too, Dean! #LidskyStrong [Law.com] * Pharma bro Martin Shkreli, whose prison pals "affectionately call him 'asshole," is reportly fighting an antitrust lawsuit from solitary confinement. [Big Law Business]

By Staci Zaretsky
Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 11.09.15

* On Friday night, Judge Julie Kocurek, the presiding felony judge for Travis County, Texas, was shot outside her home. Her condition has been upgraded from critical to stable, and some say that she may have been a target of retaliation. We may have more on this terrible news later today. [American-Statesman] * Apparently it takes podcast stardom to get a post-conviction hearing these days: A Maryland judge has agreed to reopen the case against Adnan Syed, the man whose murder conviction received an in-depth look during the first season of "Serial." [CNN] * Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the legal sector added 700 jobs in October, bringing the industry to its highest level of employment all year. Don't get too excited -- we're still a long way from reaching pre-recession era glory. [Big Law Business / Bloomberg BNA] * It took almost 10 years without putting anyone to death, but California has finally proposed a one-drug alternative to its three-drug lethal injection protocol after it was struck down as unconstitutional in 2006. Was this worth the wait? [WSJ Law Blog] * Following a much-deserved public excoriation from our very own Elie Mystal, Mizzou Law's Student Bar Association has decided to do away with its absurd social media policy. In a media statement, the SBA even agreed that it was "poorly written." [Huffington Post]

By Staci Zaretsky
Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 04.02.15

* "He said what he wanted people to hear and he didn’t fully answer questions." St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch of Ferguson infamy spoke at Missouri Law yesterday. We understand there was some sort of an "incident" with the SBA as well. We may have more on this later. [KBIA] * "Don't panic; you're bound to get something eventually." California had some of the worst employment statistics for law graduates after the recession. If you're a member of the Lost Generation, these stories may resonate with you. [California Lawyer] * New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez was federally indicted on corruption charges yesterday for allegedly accepting more than $1 million worth of gifts and campaign contributions in exchange for political favors. Way to do Jersey lawyers proud. [AP] * Jury selection begins on April 27 for the criminal trial against the former members of Dewey & LeBoeuf's top brass. The prosecution dropped three counts, but Joel Sanders and the Steves must still defend themselves against 100 others. Yikes! [New York Law Journal] * Gordon Smith, one of the writers for Better Call Saul, doesn't think the show's portrayal of lawyer life will inspire young people to "run out to become attorneys." After all, Jimmy McGill's home and office haven't exactly been depicted as "glamorous." [WSJ Law Blog]

By Staci Zaretsky
9th Circuit

Non-Sequiturs: 04.10.12

* Professor Brian Tamanaha: “Not since 1986-1987 have law schools seen total applicant numbers this low.” Good news, or bad news? Actually, a bit of both. [Balkinization via Instapundit] * Musical chairs: Michael Chepiga, the retired Simpson partner and erstwhile Broadway playwright, has a new and unusual job. [Am Law Daily] * Elsewhere in job […]

By David Lat & Christopher Danzig
Crime

Law School: A Den of Thieves

It's exam time. Kids are living in the library and generally oblivious. This is high season for thieves! But we've got an email from a law student who is determined to take action. He had his textbooks stolen, and he's mad as hell. He wants to do away with his law school's honor code and go with more medieval punishments should they apprehend the thief....

By Elie Mystal