Lanham Act Gets Supreme Court Review

The case involves an Asian-American dance-rock band called the Slants, but it also has implications for the Washington Redskins. Source: Law on Disparaging Trademarks Gets Supreme Court Review The Supreme Court agreed on Thursday to decide whether a federal law that denies protection to disparaging trademarks can survive First Amendment scrutiny.  The case, concerning an … More Lanham Act Gets Supreme Court Review

$59M for whistleblower in Medicaid fraud suit against Pfizer

How much does it pay to sue Big Pharma? In the case of one serial whistleblower, $59 million. Louisiana doctor William LaCorte is set to collect a boatload of cash after filing a whistleblower suit against Pfizer over its heartburn med Protonix, which recently resulted in $784 million settlement. Source: Pfizer whistleblowers set to collect … More $59M for whistleblower in Medicaid fraud suit against Pfizer

“The beatings were a part of my life.  They are eating my flesh.”

The Financial Express | The Financial Express, the only English financial online in Bangladesh. It was an ambitious venture on the part of the International Publication Limited. Source: Seven chocolate brands reportedly exploit child slaves Legislation nearly passed in 2001 in which the FDA would implement “slave free” labeling on the packaging. Before the legislation … More “The beatings were a part of my life.  They are eating my flesh.”

Record $76 million TCPA settlement over cruise line robocalls

The plaintiffs allege the defendants, including Caribbean Cruise Line, illegally contacted class members and that their offer of a “free” cruise package in exchange for taking a political survey was a “scam.” The parties reportedly came to a settlement agreement last week. Source: Settlement in TCPA class action over cruise line robocalls could reach record … More Record $76 million TCPA settlement over cruise line robocalls

For-profit college enrollment is tanking

Some of the nation’s largest for-profit colleges are suffering steep declines in enrollment amid growing competition, new regulation and government pressure that led to the recent collapse of one of the industry’s biggest players, ITT Technical Institute . Source: Enrollment is tanking at the University of Phoenix, DeVry and other for-profit colleges The industry has … More For-profit college enrollment is tanking

How expensive for-profit colleges lure low-income people to enroll

For some, for-profit advertisements are the only source of information when it comes to career preparation. Source: Why many low-income people end up at expensive for-profit colleges Without reliable advice about the benefits of different types of higher education institutions and the connections between more academic courses and a career, the students in the study … More How expensive for-profit colleges lure low-income people to enroll

Public defender says attorney-client phone calls were recorded despite assurances to contrary

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The federal public defender in Kansas says the Leavenworth Detention Center recorded attorney-client phone calls, even when an attorney’s phone number was registered with the facility. Source: Federal judge chides prosecutors in Leavenworth CCA recording controversy: ‘You all need to get your act together’ The U.S. Public Defender in Kansas said … More Public defender says attorney-client phone calls were recorded despite assurances to contrary

The Securus Hack and SecureDrop Upload Explained

Source: The Securus Hack and SecureDrop Upload Explained: Interview with Alex Friedmann of Prison Legal News | Aaron Swartz Day and International Hackathon “…despite official assurances to the contrary, privileged communications between lawyers and clients housed in the county jails have been taped, stored, “procured,” and listened to by prosecutors. The plaintiffs say that while … More The Securus Hack and SecureDrop Upload Explained

Loan Forgiveness For ITT Students Possible

In a statement, the for-profit college giant blamed the shut down on the Education Department’s sanctions on its use of federal financial aid. Source: ITT Tech Shutdown: Loan Forgiveness For Students Possible As For-Profit College Chain Closes Former students who feel defrauded by ITT Tech may have good cases for borrower defense to repayment claims, … More Loan Forgiveness For ITT Students Possible