Jamie Kelly News
Florida law on DNA collection protects privacy, expert says
WEST PALM BEACH – Someone’s DNA holds their most private information, and a Florida law that prohibits surreptitious DNA collection is designed to protect individual privacy, according to a professor who studies medicine and the law.
Law prof: Tax debt for OJ lawyer meets time threshold for discharge
PORTLAND, Maine – One of the superstar lawyers who was a member of O.J. Simpson’s “dream team” has filed bankruptcy to discharge millions of dollars in taxes owed and may fall into the category of people allowed to do so, at least in terms of how long the debt has existed, according to a law professor.
Hulk Hogan's Gawker verdict as much about newsworthiness as privacy, according to experts
ST. PETERSBURG—The $140 million Florida verdict for invasion of privacy last month that has driven Gawker Media into bankruptcy and toward a possible sale is less a result of one state’s privacy laws and more a combination of the decision of one particular jury and possibly the visceral reaction to excerpts of a sex tape, according to people who have studied the case.
Colleagues praise newly appointed state solicitor general
TALLAHASSEE – Those who have worked with Amit Agarwal, who was appointed earlier this month to be Florida’s new solicitor general, have high praise for him as an attorney and as a person.
Legal ethics require caution with social media during litigation, prof says
GAINESVILLE – With social media becoming an ever-greater part of people’s lives, it isn’t surprising that it’s also being drawn in to litigation, but lawyers need to be careful when advising clients, according to a Florida law professor.
Lawyer: Public, private sector whistle-blowers face different standards
NAPLES –Two Lee County Domestic Animal Services employees have been temporarily re-instated while their wrongful termination lawsuit is pending, which is one of the statutory remedies available for public employees under Florida’s whistle-blower laws, but is relatively uncommon in the private sector, according to a civil rights and employment attorney.
The Florida Channel recognized for bringing transparency to courts
TALLAHASSEE – A report from earlier this year by the Government Accountability Office highlighted the way Florida uses video to give its citizens access to the state’s judiciary.
Miami nurse's petitions could have big implications for judges
MIAMI –The petitions started by Miami nurse Maria Ruiz to have California judge Aaron Persky removed from office because of the short sentence he imposed in a sexual assault case aren’t likely to succeed in that regard, but could have larger implications on judges across the country, according to a legal analyst.
Uber gets final OK, license from Broward County
FORT LAUDERDALE – Ride-sharing service Uber has cleared the last hurdle and is officially licensed to operate in Broward County.
Advocates disappointed in decision to forego federal money for foreclosure aid
TALLAHASSEE – Florida would have been eligible for as much as $250 million in the expansion of the federal Hardest Hit Fund, but chose not to apply for any money, a decision that has disappointed and baffled consumer advocates.
Bar for malpractice higher in emergency cases
BLOUNTSTOWN – No lawsuit has yet been filed regarding the December death of Barbara Dawson at Calhoun-Liberty Hospital, but cases involving medical care during an emergency situation have to clear a higher bar than other cases in the state.
Rep. Brown taking redistricting case to U.S. Supreme Court
JACKSONVILLE – U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.) is continuing to fight a redistricting plan that would shift her congressional district from north-south to east-west, but her prospects for victory aren’t clear for several reasons.
Unopposed candidates common in Florida and the US, professor says
GAINESVILLE – R.J. Larizza, state attorney for Florida’s 7th Judicial Circuit, is running unopposed for a third term, an increasingly common phenomenon in state and local elections.
'Docs vs. Glocks' case not about guns but speech, foundation says
WEST PALM BEACH – Courts need to change the way they examine laws limiting speech in professional situations, starting with the Florida law banning doctors from asking patients about gun ownership without a health reason, according to the Pacific Legal Foundation.
Florida's abortion delay law again on hold
TALLAHASSEE – A law that required Florida women seeking an abortion to make a second visit to their doctor after at least 24 hours is again on hold, this time while the state’s Supreme Court considers its constitutionality.