Archive for April, 2012
April 2012 – Kids & The Law/ Privacy
Highlights from our April “Kids & the Law” issue include articles on Truancy and the Juvenile Justice System, social media, privacy, and the impact on job searches and prospects, the tension between modern technology and the 4th Amendment, the Contra Costa Couty Law & Justice Academies, and much more…
March 2012 – Torts
Highlights from the March 2012 “Torts” issue include articles on Howell v. Hamilton Meats, Tort Reform, CCP Section 998, the right to privacy after death, and more…
Inside: Kids & the Law
Kids and the law. What do you think of when you hear those words together? Maybe you think about skipping school or getting caught at a party with some beer or maybe it is more sinister- maybe you think of gangs, Juvenile Hall or kids “in the system.”
Truancy and the Juvenile Justice System
What is the jurisdiction of the juvenile court? Generally, the juvenile court has jurisdiction over all acts of delinquency. Delinquency is any behavior that is prohibited by the juvenile law of the state. Delinquency consists of two general categories. First, delinquency is any act committed by a juvenile that would be a crime if committed by an adult. Therefore, acts such as theft, burglary and robbery are acts of delinquency.
Why Your Status Updates May Come Back to Haunt You
Before social media hit it big, embarrassing pictures and comments could be shared between friends without too much fear that the public would ever see or hear such material. But now, with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and other social media outlets, job applicants would be wise to tackle head-on issues of privacy controls and having embarrassing pictures or comments disclosed for public consumption.
The Tension between Modern Technology and the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the citizen from unreasonable searches and seizures by government agents. The Constitution was drafted with quill pens dipped in ink and copied by hand. The framers of the Constitution could not have conceived of modern technology when they drafted the Fourth Amendment. The internet, social media, cell phones, and twitter have altered the perception of privacy. There is a growing disconnect between the legal idea of a reasonable expectation of privacy for Fourth Amendment purposes and the public’s idea of privacy. In addition modern technology allows the government to perform searches and surveillance in ways not possible even twenty years ago. The case of United States v. Jones (2012) 132 S.Ct. 945[1] foreshadows the coming legal battles over how technology impacts the Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Law and Justice Academies of Contra Costa County
“We often hear that students are our future. Volunteer Contra Costa attorneys working with local high school students accomplish two goals: Law & Justice Academies instill in students purpose for remaining in school and direction in a variety of law-related careers after graduation. All of our futures are brighter because of these collective efforts.” These inspirational and encouraging words are from Dick Frankel who is a member of the Deer Valley Law & Justice Academy Advisory Committee.
California Highway Patrol Youth Programs and Services
In an effort to save lives and prevent future tragedies, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) utilizes enforcement, engineering, emergency medical services, and education. The educational component is very powerful. Our children are our future.
For Reading’s Sake!
The Martinez Juvenile Hall Bedtime Reading Program recently celebrated its twenty year anniversary and is still going strong.
Every unit at Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall is visited once a week by a volunteer reader. Readers …
Interview with Judge Lois Haight
My life before being a judge was incredibly busy. My family was in Washington D.C for 8 years. I had some great opportunities as Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. to create an office for Victims of Crime in the U.S Department of Justice. I was able to brief the President and his cabinet on several occasions on the important issues of victims of crime and family violence to gain support for important legislation. Further being appointed as a U.S delegate to the United Nations for four different overseas conferences was a great challenge and learning experience.
Judge Becton Receives the 2012 Rose Bird Memorial Award
On March 23, 2012, Presiding Judge Diana Becton was honored by California Women Lawyers (CWL) with the 2012 Rose Bird Memorial Award. Family, friends and colleagues surrounded Judge Becton at the sold-out reception in Walnut …
Children Addressing the Court – Video MCLE Preview
Children Addressing the Court – an MCLE event sponsored by the Family Law Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association. The full program features a presentation by Matthew Sullivan, Ph.D. who specializes in Forensic Child and Family Psychology; a presentation by Deputy District Attorney Dana Filkowski; as well as a roundtable discussion.
Mexico MCLE – Study with Style
Join the CCCBA for our annual MCLE trip to Mexico – October 6-13, 2012
Children’s Waiting Room at Arnason Justice Center Now Open!
At long last, the Contra Costa Superior Court has opened the doors of our new Children’s Waiting Room! This bright and cheerful room, located to the side of the shared space occupied by the self help center and public law library at the Arnason Justice Center in Pittsburg, is a safe and engaging place for children to hang out while their parent or guardian is in the courthouse.
Judge Grossman’s Retirement Party
Judge Grossman’s retirement party was held on a lovely spring evening in March at the Veterans Memorial Building in Lafayette, an elegant and fitting location for us to celebrate one of our most well-loved judges.
Attended …
First Inter-Professional Mixer of 2012
The first Inter-Professional Mixer of the year, on March 21, 2012, was a hit. Once again, more than 200 people mingled at Pyramid Alehouse in Walnut Creek. Attorneys and other professionals, including bankers, accountants, real …
Coffee Talk: What do you, as a parent, do to monitor your kids’ social media/ electronic communication?
We are friends with our daughter on Facebook and have her password. We occasionally check her phone texts and computer to see what she is up to. However, more recent apps, such as Snapchat, allow …
