All states now have laws recognizing health care directives. Generally, the laws provide for individuals to determine to what lengths they wish health care providers to go to provide treatment or pain relief when their prognosis is bleak and they […]
You’ve just taken on a new case. As you read the initial pleadings or the demand letter, you almost wish you were reading a letter from a well-heeled law firm. Instead, you have found yourself face-to-face with a pro se […]
We have all probably dreamed of the day we could catch the IRS in an error that would work to our benefit. The taxpayers in Kunkel v. Commissioner, No. 15-2232, 2016.C07.0000730 (7th Cir. May 10, 2016) (VersusLaw), thought they had […]
As you probably know, the Department of Health and Human Services has issued its final non-discrimination rule for the Affordable Care Act (see, 45 C.F.R. Part 92, effective June 18, 2016). The final rule has generated a lot of discussion, […]
Heffernan v. City of Paterson, No. 14-1280, 2016.SCT.0002972 (April 26, 2016) (VersusLaw), decided earlier this year, presents an unusual situation. Heffernan, a police officer, was demoted by his superiors for engaging in political speech in contravention of the department’s rules. […]
In previous posts, we discussed recent federal-level action taken to address opioid drug use and abuse in this country. Commentators have criticized the federal government for being slow to act in this area because of its relationship with pharmaceutical companies, […]
Does Cause or Effect Trigger the Statute of Limitations in Constructive Discharge?
In Green v. Brennan, No. 14-613, 2016.SCT.0003401 (May 23, 2016) (VersusLaw), Green brought suit for constructive discharge against his employer, the U.S. Postal Service. Green, postmaster at an Englewood, Colorado office, applied for a promotion at a nearby Boulder office […]
Criminal contempt is, well, a criminal matter. Like other criminal matters, it includes a right to counsel. Civil contempt looks an awful lot like criminal contempt, except it’s different. A non-complying party cannot be punished for civil contempt when it […]
The federal government has employed a number of strategies to deal with the opioid public health crisis. Recognizing the complexity of trying to keep legal prescription drugs available to the patients who need them, while preventing their abuse by others, […]
The recent passing of Prince, possibly from alleged use of opioid medication, is one of the many tragic news stories we read every day regarding opioid use. For the past few years, many Americans have voiced concern over the nation’s […]