This is my initial blog on my newly revamped website. In terms of my law practice, I focus on personal injury cases, including auto accidents, workers’ compensation, and social security disability, but I also do basic wills, power of attorney, healthcare agent, business formations, and other legal matters. On my blog, I want to keep you updated on current topics that are in the law as well as current events in Knoxville and beyond.
U.S. Supreme Court and a New President
On the legal front, we recently saw the U.S. Supreme Court weigh in on cases regarding abortion clinics requirements as well as a former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell having his conviction for corruption charges vacated. On the political front we got through the conventions this summer with the Republicans in Cleveland and the Democrats in Philadelphia. We know that either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump will become the 45th President of the United States of America. This election will undoubtfully have a huge impact on the laws of the land as the new President will likely get an opportunity to appoint at least two new Supreme Court Justices. There is also the issue of the pending nomination of Judge Merrick Garland who is Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Serial
Also for any fans of the Serial podcast by Sarah Koenig on this American Life Radio it was met with much interest that Adnan Syed was granted a new trial by a Circuit Court in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Syed had been convicted of the 1999 murder of his former high school girlfriend, Hae Min Lee. He had petitioned for post-conviction relief arguing, among other things, that he had received ineffective assistance of counsel. It seems that the issue of an uncalled alibi witness and the ineffective assistance of counsel who failed to cross-examine the state’s expert regarding the reliability of cell tower location evidence led to the judge granting a new trial. Maryland’s Attorney General, plans to appeal a Judges Order granting a new trial.
Coach Pat Summitt
Around Knoxville and across America, the passing of the legendary Coach Pat Summitt brought out an outpouring of respect and love which speaks volumes to the fearless, relentless, disciplined, unmatched, driven, larger-than-life leader that Coach Summit was. Her legacy will live on forever!