law

Books

One for the Books: 8 Literary Lawsuits

You can't judge a book by its cover. Sometimes you need an actual court of law.... READ ON

List

The 11 Most-Watched Television Trials

On April 11, 1961, the trial of war criminal Adolf Eichmann was the first to be completely televised. Here are 11 of the most-watched since then.... READ ON

Big Question

How Does the FCC Find Naughty Language?

It was a banner weekend for F-bombs. In Boston last Saturday, Red Sox designated hitter David “Big Papi” Ortiz dropped one into a pre-game speech, saying “This is our f***ing city. And nobody’s going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong.”... READ ON

History

The 65 Year Battle over the Deceased Wife's Sister's Marriage Act

Until 1907, it was illegal in England for a man to marry the sister of his dead wife.... READ ON

List

Coming Up Tort: 8 Crazy Pop Culture Lawsuits

Swimming pools, fancy cars, and a lawyer on speed dial — they're all the trappings of fame. Sometimes when notable people fight the law, we all win.... READ ON

Article

Ferris Bueller's Day in Court?

It's hard not to love Matthew Broderick as the utterly charismatic Ferris Bueller. But while the movie may be all about living each day to its fullest, in real life, it might actually be better to show some restraint.... READ ON

Big Question

What’s the Difference Between a Boat and a Ship?

Article

Over the Borderline: The Little Bit of Minnesota That Could Have Gone Canadian

If you look at a map of North America, you’ll notice that the Canada–United States border is strikingly straight from the Pacific Ocean to about a third of the way across Minnesota, where it hiccups and then squiggles the rest of the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The border first started to get worked out between the U.S. and Great Britain (Canada wasn't an independent country until after most of the border was laid down) not long after the American Revolution, and was updated and amended in a series of... READ ON

Big Question

What is Martial Law?

After the tri-state area was devastated by Hurricane Sandy, food, gas, and power were in high demand but short supply. In those situations, people get desperate, and they sometimes become violent, throwing not just common courtesy, but also any sense of what it means to be law abiding, out the window. This lack of order usually leads the government to declare what’s known as Martial Law. In the wake of the hurricane, some news outlets reported that parts of New Jersey had been placed under martial law.... READ ON

Big Question

Who Wrote "Happy Birthday to You" (and Who's Collecting the Millions in Royalties)?

“Happy Birthday to You” has been used in hundreds of movies, countless advertisements, an estimated 1,500,000+ singing telegrams, and been the basis for pieces by classical composers like Igor Stravinsky and Aaron Copland. It’s arguably the most recognized song in the English-speaking world, and it's making some lucky people a whole lot of money. But... READ ON