State Law

A Thought On Connecticut?s Divorce Laws

Posted on June 02, 2009
From Meade v. Pongonis (1991) an unreported decision from then Judge (and now Justice) Katz: Specifically, despite statutes designed to facilitate divorce and separation for persons who choose to end their marriages, the statutory framework, considered in its entirety, seeks to promote and preserve marriage as an institution...

Friday Praise: CT Judicial Branch Law Library Website Is First Rate

Posted on May 29, 2009
by Ryan McKeen I love the CT Judicial Branches News Log site. Love it. If you haven’t checked it out - you need to. It is the single greatest resource on the internet to stay on top of developments in Connecticut law. From advanced released opinions to legislation this site has it all...

CT State Senate Approves Probate Court Reform Bill

Posted on May 28, 2009
by Ryan McKeen The Senate last night approved a bill that cuts the current 117 probate court districts by more than half. It also imposes regular schedules in those courts and requires future probate judges to be attorneys. Conn Politics.TV You can read the text of the bill here...

Basics of Blogs Twitter, and Social Media for Lawyers CLE Tonight!

Posted on May 26, 2009
Be there or be square. If you’re going, you may want to read this before you attend. Despite my efforts, Gideon will not be a panelist tonight….he or she said something about anonymity and speaking in public.

To access blog feed reader register for free. (You will also learn about new ways to read and access the freshest law blogs.)

Connecticut Cat Bite Law

Posted on May 21, 2009
Just finished reading the 2008 Connecticut Appellate Review by Wesley W. Horton and Kenneth J. Bartschi and they touched upon the very important case of Allen v. Cox. The authors pose the question: Does a cat get one free bite? Their answer, “No, if the cat has a bad reputationl yes, if it has a [...

Connecticut Superior Court Clarifies Mechanic?s Lien Statute Regarding Time Limit For Filing Of Lien

Posted on May 19, 2009
The following situation comes up more often then you think. A contractor performs services. Several months later, a homeowner notices a defect and calls the contractor to repair the work that was done months ago. The contractor comes out and performs the work and there’s a billing dispute...

Will Someone Please Fix The CT Statute Indexes

Posted on May 18, 2009
This is a small issue but there’s no legal issue too small for this blog. The indexes to the Connecticut General Statutes (the blue books put out by the State) are some form of cruel and unusual punishment. The indexes are comprised of 3 seperate index books that are divided alphabetically...

Chief Justice Chase Rogers Is Doing Great Job

Posted on May 15, 2009
Chief Justice Rogers gets it and Connecticut’s courts are better because of it. Check out Justice Roger’s State of the Judiciary Speech. For starters, there’s no more waiting in the rain because someone had to check his cellphone. That and all of Connecticut’s courts now open at the same time...

Hey Chief Justice Rogers

Posted on May 14, 2009
I’m working on a “serious” post about your speech yesterday on the State of the Judicial Branch. Well done. I came across this line in your speech but decided to exclude it from my upcoming post: Another key component of our strategic plan is educating the public about the Judicial Branch...

Condo Duplex A Conplex

Posted on May 14, 2009
File this under things I never thought about. In Connecticut there are condo complexes that are comprised entirely of two units. The street term for these condos are conplexs. One part condo and one part duplex. These units would appear to the naked eye to be a duplex or a two family home...

Foreclosure in Connecticut: A Sign Of The Times

Posted on May 13, 2009
Yesterday I did a title bring down on a bank owned property. That’s not the interesting part of the story. Having looked through thousands of pages of land records in my life, it’s not uncommon to come across a bank owned property. Usually, I see title in the name of “New Alliance” or “Enfield Federal Savings Bank” [...

The Dirty Little Secret of Document Review Sweatshops

Posted on May 11, 2009
Law is a profession. One of three only three true professions on this planet: Divinity, Medicine, and Law. Sometimes. Breaking into the profession right now is tough with widespread layoffs and government cutbacks. Traditionally, those awaiting bar exam results or job offers often took temporary jobs either doing document review or clerking in a court...

Quick Hits: CT Blogging CLE, Twitterific 2.0, and Zack Greinke

Posted on May 08, 2009
This week has been busy. I hope to be back with a few new posts next week. For today it’s my latest installment of quickhits: -Really excited about the upcoming CLE on the “Basics of Blogs, Twitter, and Social Media for Lawyers” on May 26th...

Make Paul Newman A Connecticut State Hero

Posted on May 06, 2009
I originally posted this last year but it seems no one listened to me. So it’s time for a repost. Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 3-110e simply reads as follows: Nathan Hale shall be the state hero. I?ve always thought that if Hale had been a better spy,  he never would have had to give his ?one life? for this country (that?s another blog entry [...

With Justice Souter Retiring, Nation Needs To Confront Shameful Gender Imbalance On Supreme Court

Posted on May 01, 2009
Justice David Souter will step down at the end of the Supreme Court’s term this June. This gives President Obama a chance to right a wrong. According to the ABA, in 2007, women accounted for: 30.1% of the Nation?s  1,143,358 lawyers; 46.9% of the Nation?s 141,031 law students; 162 of the Nation?s 675 U...

February 2009 Connecticut Bar Exam Results Released

Posted on May 01, 2009
The results can be found by clicking here.

Connecticut Bar Exam Results Expected Tomorrow

Posted on April 30, 2009
Good luck to all those who took the February 2009 Connecticut Bar Exam and are awaiting results. Unreleased and unscientific studies have shown that if you’re reading this there’s a 99.9% chance your name will appear on the judicial branch website tomorrow morning.

Why The Statewide Grievance Committee Doesn?t Need To Regulate Twitter

Posted on April 28, 2009
On word: unfollow. Oliver Wendell Holmes would love twitter. It is perhaps the greatest marketplace of ideas in the history of human kind. You’ve got 140 characters to say something or nothing. To read what someone writes on twitter you have to choose to follow someone...

Connecticut Statewide Grievance Committee Needs A Facebook Exception For Advertising Rules

Posted on April 27, 2009
I like to follow rules because doing so usually makes life easier.  I especially like to follow rules that impact my livelyhood. Every quarter, I have to register this blog with the grievance committee. I’m not happy about it but I don’t have the time or the desire to make an issue of it...

Must See Connecticut Legislative Testimony

Posted on April 23, 2009
Throwing hula hoops on our state hero!?!?!?!  

A CONNECTICUT LAW BLOG?S DISCLOSURE: MY ONLY REGRET IS THAT I CAN?T PUT THIS DISCLAIMER ON EVERY TWEET I WRITE

Posted on April 22, 2009
I like writing about law. Really, I do. The last thing I need is for this blog to jeopardy. Law is what I do for a living because it puts food in my dog’s bowl. I love practicing law. Aside from pitching for the Red Sox, I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing for [...

Connecticut Turn Signal Law

Posted on April 20, 2009
I’m going to run the risk of sounding like Andy Rooney in this post but so be it. Do they not make vehicles with turn signals anymore? I spend a lot of time on Connecticut roads and I’m afraid the turn signal is becoming extinct.  Has the recession caused automakers to cut back on turn signals? Anyhow there’s [...

Connecticut Law Haiku Fever

Posted on April 16, 2009
Dogs, cats, bears and chimps Kerrigan and the Countess Monk keet cases too _______________________________ Catch CT law Haiku fever by posting your law haiku below.

Save The Date: Basics of Blogs, Twitter, and Social Media for Lawyers CLE

Posted on April 15, 2009
Last night, I was checking my blog stats and saw a spike in readers. I though to myself that I had greatly underestimated my readers thirst for knowledge about crosswalk law. Then I realized that CLE pamphlets had hit desks of lawyers across the state...

The More You Know: CT Crosswalk Law Edition

Posted on April 14, 2009
Did you know that in 1929 pedestrians in Connecticut gained the right of way in crosswalks? For more on CT crosswalk law, click here.

CT Small Claims Filing Fee To Increase?

Posted on April 09, 2009
The best bargain for Connecticut residents in terms of resolving minor disputes are small claims courts. Right now, for $35 and often not marshal fees a person can get their day in court before a magistrate. The CT Law Tribune is reporting that the legislature is looking to raise the court entry fee to $60...

Opening Day

Posted on April 06, 2009
Take it to the bank, Kevin Youkilis will be money in 2009. Alas, opening day is upon us. Best day of the year, bar none. For entertainment purposes only, here are my predictions for 2009: Red Sox go 98-64 and win the AL East. Rays take the wild card...

Breaking News: Layoffs at Shipman & Goodwin

Posted on April 03, 2009
Getting reports that 4 Associates, 1 contract partner, and 21 staff have been cut at Shipman & Goodwin. I understand that the firm will make a formal announcement this afternoon. This very sad news…I know a number of excellent people at the firm...

Thursday Night Nonsense: No Law Against This

Posted on April 02, 2009
And it’s pretty darn funny.

OLR?s Greatest Hits: The History of the Practice Book

Posted on March 31, 2009
Had some friends over this weekend for a competitive game of “Apples to Apples.”  Prior to their arrival, I made some popcorn - not the microwave kind. You see, I have an elaborate popcorn popper machine. One of our guests says “hey, where did you get that totally cool, way awesome popcorn popper...

Connecticut Supreme Court Briefs Now Online

Posted on March 30, 2009
Wow! And the site is powered by Wordpress! Obtaining briefs on issues is often a valuable and productive exercise in the practice of law. A court decision informs readers of the result but briefs help litigants understand the process of how the result was achieved...

Thoughts on the Douglas-David Divorce: Pedroia > Countess

Posted on March 26, 2009
On a normal day, the halls of Hartford Family Court are a strange place to be. If you’ve never been, the building is mostly one giant hallway.  Even on slow days, the building feels like a crowded subway car. Too many people, too few seats. Sometimes it’s hot...

Read This!!! The Case of a Disappearing Marriage

Posted on March 20, 2009
Some couples going through a divorce wish they could make their marriage disappear. For at least two women, their marriage did disappear. Two Ladies in Waiting takes a fascinating  and fresh look at same-sex marriage, constitutional rights, federalism, civil unions through the lens of their honeymoon...

Plaintiff In Stamford Chimp Attack Seeks To Attach 50 Million Dollars In Assets

Posted on March 19, 2009
Yesterday, I wrote my blog entry and then headed to court. I flipped on CNN in the car and heard an anchor say the the Plaintiff in the Stamford chimp attack case is suing for 50 million dollars!  Evidently the good folks at CNN don’t read A Connecticut Law Blog...

Prejudgment Remedy Sought In Stamford Chimp Attack Case

Posted on March 18, 2009
by Ryan C. McKeen The Hartford Courant is reporting that a lawsuit is being filed in the Stamford chimp attack case. That’s not true. The Plaintiff hasn’t filed suit. The Plaintiff in the Stamford Chimp attack case has filed an application for a prejudgment remedy...

Lawyers and Fantasy Baseball Insanity

Posted on March 12, 2009
Everything started innocently enough. Once upon a time, after the first semester of law school, 9 classmates decided to form a fantasy baseball league. It made sense because we liked baseball, were friends, and moreover we were still kind of normal. It’s hard to pinpoint the moment it happens but at some point in law school a [...

An Idea for Attorneys Looking for a Job in Connecticut

Posted on March 09, 2009
I’ve been as down on this economy as anyone. For anyone that’s paying attention - it’s hard not to be. Then this morning happened. As I was tying my tie - I was listening to Warren Buffett on CNBC. If there’s a podcast of this interview it’s well worth downloading...

Legislature to Hold Public Hearing on Same-Sex Marriage Law in the Wake of Kerrigan

Posted on March 06, 2009
When statutes and a supreme court ruling conflict the legislature should look at revising its statutes. Uncertainty can make life uncomfortable for citizens, lawyers, and judges - it’s generally a bad thing. Today, the legislature is holding a hearing on exactly what to do in the wake of Kerrigan...

Fighting Back In Foreclosure

Posted on March 05, 2009

How Stupid Are We?

Posted on March 03, 2009

While The CT Legislature Is Looking At Blue Laws??

Posted on February 27, 2009

CT Legislature Passes Deficit Reduction Bill

Posted on February 26, 2009
Connecticut lawmakers have approved a bill aimed at taming the state’s budget deficit, now estimated at more than $1 billion.  ConnPolitics.Tv You can find the bill here. Read OLR’s analysis here. I guess the big news is that the legislature will expand the bottle law to include non-carbonated beverages...

More Layoffs At The Hartford Courant

Posted on February 25, 2009
This is a law blog, so it’s reasonable to ask why I’m writing about layoffs of the Hartford Courant. The Hartford Courant Alumni blog covers the carnage. The reason is that our state needs professional journalists. We need them to investigate, to expose, to inform, and to challenge us...

Watch Your Credit Cards

Posted on February 24, 2009
Credit-card companies continue to raise customer interest rates and fees despite a record-low target rate from the Federal Reserve and billions of dollars in bailout money that has been pumped in to the financial companies. Fox Business News. Rates are rising all over the place even for customers with good credit...

Explaining The Crisis of Credit

Posted on February 22, 2009
Click here to view the embedded video.

The Day After Day Pitney: More on Hartford Legal Layoffs

Posted on February 20, 2009
The firm names may be different but on Above The Law the story is the same. First a firm announces a salary freeze, or reduces bonuses, or lays off staff. It’s like a bad a la carte appetizer. The firm issues a statement about tough economic times, how the firm is strong, and nothing more is planned...

Liability in Stamford Chimp Attack

Posted on February 19, 2009
by Ryan McKeen Much is being made of the horrible chimpanzee attack in Stamford this week. This morning the Hartford Courant has an article about the chimp and prior safety concerns. Link.  The article states that Travis the chimpanzee was “never had anything but love,” “was treated like a member of the family” and was fed “steak, shrimp and ice cream...

Breaking CT Legal News: Above The Law Reports That Day Pitney Lays Off 66 Staff; Layoffs Also At Updike Kelly

Posted on February 19, 2009
Link. Article says layoffs across all firm offices.  No associate layoffs. According to its website, Day Pitney has Connecticut offices in Hartford, West Hartford, Greenwich, New Haven and Stamford. Memo from co-chair of exective committee states that affected staff will be provided severance packages...

Connecticut Foreclosure Statistics That I?d Like To Know

Posted on February 18, 2009
by Ryan C. McKeen Foreclosures in Connecticut are on the rise and have been for sometime. I haven’t seen updated numbers from the Judicial Branch (which would be useful) but I don’t live under a rock either. I’m not that interested in the overall numbers because I know they’re bad...

Free Advice On Going To Court

Posted on February 17, 2009
by Ryan McKeen Today is a classic mid to late February day. It’s what it should be for this time of year. It’s cold outside, sunny, and a little windy. Unlike a “classic” January day, the sun is radiant. If you park your car outside, you’ll get in it, and it will feel a little warm...

Blawg Stew: Judge Cofield, Attorney Layoffs, the Hartford Courant, and the Best Words of Winter

Posted on February 13, 2009
by Ryan McKeen Blogging is a lot like making Italian food. I’m convinced many Italian dishes were born as a result of leftovers being thrown in a pot when no one ingredient would suffice for a meal. It’s Friday, and here are my leftover blog ideas: *In case you missed it, the Hartford Courtant’s Stan Simpson wrote a column on [...

On CT Probate Court Reform and Taxing Legal Services

Posted on February 12, 2009
By Ryan McKeen I love those new light bulbs, you know, the spiral kind.  Their packaging tells me that I can save $120 a year or something if I replace my old fashioned light bulbs. Having changed out my bulbs - they’re not kidding, I do save money on my monthly electric bill...

CT Surrogacy Law Blog

Posted on February 10, 2009
Octo-mom has the country (or at least Ann Curry) talking about the moral and legal issues surrounding reproductive science. Surrogacy creates fascinating legal issues. I was happy to discover that Fairfield attorney, Christopher M. Gallagher has launched the CT Surrogacy Blog...

CT legislature considering a dog and cat lemon law

Posted on February 08, 2009
By Ryan McKeen I’ve written about lemons before and Attorney Sergei Lemberg writes about them all the time. If you’re a long time reader then you know my dog Brady (pictured on the right). I adopted Brady from the Hartford Pound as a puppy...

Sunday Afternoon Nonsense: The Guitar Hero Curse

Posted on February 08, 2009
Worth a thousand words and with apologies to Tony Hawk - a few legal problems. It’s not often that two stars at the center of one week’s ”America pretends to get its collective underwear in a bunch” scandals endorse the same product in the same ad...

Some of the Laws Governor Rell Seeks To Repeal

Posted on February 06, 2009
If Governor Rell has her way-  I’ll have less to write about. Here are some of the statutes that Governor Rell seeks to repeal: * A law that makes it clear that a person cannot defend any action on the grounds that it was made on a Sunday. Conn...

Gov. Rell?s Plan For Probate Court Consolidation

Posted on February 05, 2009
It’s also time for reform of our probate court system. Our system is antiquated and broken. I am proposing an overhaul that will reduce the number of courts, improve services and increase the hours of operation. It will also save money. Gov. Rell, 2/4/09 Here is the link to Governor’s Bill No...

Lincoln on Litigation

Posted on February 04, 2009
by Ryan McKeen I’ve written before that this blog is a product of things that I bump into. I constantly read law journals, the CT Law Tribune, various ABA magazines, and of course law blogs. Legal education doesn’t end with law school - it just gets less expensive...

Is Richard Blumenthal Losing the War On Virtual Beer Pong?

Posted on February 01, 2009
Yes. Last July, I wrote about Attorney General Blumenthal taking on the makers of a beer pong video game for the Nintendo Wii. In the name of protecting the children of Connecticut, Mr. Blumenthal forced the makers of the game to rename the game Pong Toss...

Explaining (in Part) The Decrease In Business Start Ups In Connecticut for 2008

Posted on January 29, 2009
by Ryan McKeen 1/29/2009 Yet even that number, economists said, may be just a cloud. The total number of businesses to start in Connecticut last year ? 27,483 ? is still 11 percent lower than the number of those that started up in 2007. The data were released Wednesday by Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz...

The Best Fenway Park Seating Chart In The World

Posted on January 29, 2009
by Ryan McKeen, 1/30/2009 Do you have tickets to Fenway Park? Are you thinking of purchasing tickets to Fenway Park? Are you looking to take your favorite Red Sox Fan Connecticut Law Blogger to Fenway Park (ftr, Dan Schwartz and Gideon are Yankee fans)? Check out Precise Seating...

Why you can?t purchase ?Two Buck Chuck? in Connecticut.

Posted on January 28, 2009
Alright, it’s actually $3 Charles but that’s beside the point. Two Buck Chuck is made by Charles Shaw and is exclusive to Trader Joe’s. According to Trader Joe’s website “Two Buck Chuck” has become the nation’s best selling wines...

Kinda Sorta

Posted on January 27, 2009
“So in Connecticut, it is easy to fire someone for any reason or no reason at all and difficult to evict someone for a good reason. No wonder our state has problems.” -A recently unemployed landlord. This came to me via email and is published with the author’s permission...

Sunday Morning Nonsense: Roger?s Place in History

Posted on January 25, 2009
It seems there’s the economy doesn’t impact Red Sox fans. The Sox sold out the season yesterday. I found this video and it was too good not to post. Enjoy.  Billy from Ohio will always be a Yankee to me.

NEW CONNECTICUT LEGAL EVENTS PAGE: CAN RAIL SAVE CONNECTICUT CITIES?

Posted on January 25, 2009
by Ryan McKeen 1/26/2009 I’m happy to announce that A Connecticut Law Blog is launching a CT Legal Events page. I’m sure I won’t get to them all but if you are reading this and are hosting an event drop me an email at rmckeen at lttnlaw...

Strange CT School Holiday Law

Posted on January 22, 2009
By Ryan C. McKeen Connecticut General Statutes Section 1-4 is one of the more interesting statutes on the books.  Check this out: When any such holiday, except holidays in January and December, occurs on a school day, each local and regional board of education may close the public schools under its jurisdiction for such day or hold a [...

CT Legislative Update: A Wine Tasting Stimulus Bill

Posted on January 22, 2009
Connecticut Representative Andrew Fleischmann first came to my attention when he introduced a bill that would require movie theaters to publicize the actual start times of movies.  No more waiting through a seemingly endless string of commercials. In these tough economic times, Connecticut residents are scrutinizing every dollar they spend...

Godspeed, Mr. Obama

Posted on January 20, 2009

Mediation: The Need To Be Heard

Posted on January 20, 2009
by Ryan McKeen Learning from the little things. I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on litigation and with good reason. Other than a real estate closing, forming a company, or doing an estate plan - it’s most of what I do. A few weeks back, I was involved in a small dispute between a landlord and tenant...

The Problem With ?Martin Luther King Day? in Connecticut?.

Posted on January 18, 2009
By Ryan McKeen What’s in a name? - William Shakespeare Connecticut General Statute Section 1-4 designates the first Monday occurring on or after January 15th as “Martin Luther King Day.” I think the legislature intended to honor Martin Luther King, Jr...

Red Sox, Rock Cats, and Eric Holder

Posted on January 16, 2009
Last May, I had a nightmare. In my dream it was mid-January.  It was one of those dreams that you have on a Thursday night and you think it’s Monday. January is the coldest, darkest, and hands down the worst time of year in New England. I hate January...

Quick Hit: Hillary Duff in Barely Legal

Posted on January 14, 2009
I love the ABA Application for my iPod Touch. It brings breaking legal news to the palm of my hand. If you have an iPhone or iPod touch I highly recommend adding the ABA application. Over breakfast, I nearly spit out my coffee reading this link: Hillary Duff to Play Teen Lawyer...

My Smartphone Problem

Posted on January 14, 2009
I have a stupid cell phone. All it does is make calls, text (no fancy keyboard) and provides me with some sort of limited internet which isn’t worth the cost. Truth be told, I don’t use my cell phone that much. Sure it’s useful when I need it but if I think about it, I don’t need it [...

Homebrewing Law In Connecticut

Posted on January 11, 2009
My brother-in-law, Dan, is not only a fine person but a brewmaster in waiting. Dan is majoring in chemical engineering and as he likes to say “there’s a lot of chemistry in making beer.” Dan makes some of the best beers that I’ve ever had...

No, I?m not from the People?s Court

Posted on January 09, 2009
This afternoon, while waiting in a hallway for a courtoom to open, I was asked if I was from the People’s Court. Because I’m at work, I don’t watch the show but I love the youtube clips. This is my favorite:  

Things I Learned Outside of The Classroom In Law School

Posted on January 06, 2009
1. Reputation is everything and it starts in law school. 2. Friends matter. 3. Interests other than law keep you sane. 4. Dealing with jerky classmates is great practice for dealing with jerky lawyers. 5. Dealing with demanding professors is great training for dealing with demanding partners and judges...

I?ll Take Superior Court Probate Mediation For $1,000, Alex

Posted on January 05, 2009
I hope that you have had a happy and safe holiday season. Here at A Connecticut Law Blog, I’m ready to hit the ground running in 2009. The Pats aren’t in the playoffs, truck day is still 5 weeks away, and I’m feeling energized. This post comes from a merger of two ideas...

Connecticut?s Prejudgment Remedy Problem

Posted on January 05, 2009
Connecticut has a prejudgment remedy problem. The statutes do not make it clear as to whether or not a plaintiff can commence an action at the same time that it commences a prejudgment remedy. I know from experience that some Connecticut court clerks allow this to happen while at least one won’t...

Raising Money For CT Legal Aid

Posted on December 30, 2008
Yesterday, The Hartford Courant ran an editorial about how legal aid funding is drying up. The Courant suggests raising the annual attorney registration fee to help fund legal aid. I don’t think this does enough. The burden of providing legal services for the poor falls not just on lawyers but our State has a whole...

Dear Sports Media, Teams Can?t Control Their Own Destiny?

Posted on December 29, 2008
I’m supposed to be taking a blogcation but this is a time for action! A sports team can NOT control its own destiny! Webster’s dictionary defines destiny “as a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresisitible power…...

A Connecticut Law Blog Turns 1

Posted on December 24, 2008
“It was Christmas Eve last year……..” - Rent Last night, I was driving out to dinner with some friends. On the way there, I tell my wife that my blog turns 1 tomorrow. Her response was a very muted “okay.” I tell her, you were supposed to say “congratulations...

I?ll Take The Wine To Go

Posted on December 22, 2008
As I wrap up 2008, here at A Connecticut Law Blog, it’s time for a look back on the year that was. Here’s a post that you may be able to put to good use during the holiday season: Have you ever ordered a bottle of wine in a restaurant, enjoyed it, but did not finish it [...

Turn your headlights on today!

Posted on December 19, 2008
It’s going to snow today. I’ll drive home today with zero visibility and without fail I’ll see or not see drivers without their headlights on. Earth to you: headlights are not only to help you see but so that others can see you. Turn them ON! Don’t be that guy today...

Tweet CT Judicial Branch Website! Tweet!

Posted on December 18, 2008
I was reading in the CT Law Tribune that courts in Philadelphia have launched a twitter feed of news and announcements. What is twitter and why should the judicial branch have a feed? Most people have the same reaction to Twitter that I did: Who needs this? From Twitter wiki: Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service, [...

A Gift Idea For The Lawyer on Your List

Posted on December 17, 2008
If you don’t know what to get the lawyer in your life then consider your problem solved. Brooks Brothers Miracle Non-Iron Shirts are the best thing to happen to the profession since the invention of Westlaw and Lexis. They’re pricey but they’re great...

Where to eat near Hartford courts

Posted on December 16, 2008
If you’re headed to the probate court in Constitution plaza you’re all set. Walk out the door of the court and walk into Spris or across the street to all sorts of Hartford’s restaurants. If you’re headed to the superior court area in Hartford then you’re options are dare I say limited...

Connecticut?s Best Food Courts

Posted on December 14, 2008
I think I’ve been to every courthouse in the state except for Milford. Food and courts go hand and hand. When I’m traveling across the state for an early morning short calendar, I usually end up arriving very early which leaves me plenty of time to kill...

Should Connecticut?s Attorneys Oath Be Changed?

Posted on December 11, 2008
I think it’s a question worth asking and a revision worth making. On Tuesday I asked the question if anyone remembers the Connecticut attorneys oath. I didn’t. In large part it is unmemorable, technical, and contains a laundry list of things an attorney should not do...

Connecticut Attorneys? Oath?.Remember It?

Posted on December 08, 2008
I just finished reading an excellent article in the ABA’s Litigation publication about the legal profession and oaths by Joseph A. Greenway, Jr., U.S. District Judge for the District of New Jersey. Judge Greenway challenges readers to make recite the oath he or she took upon becoming an attorney...

The difference between a personal injury and a tort?

Posted on December 06, 2008
  Here’s something I wrote about sports related injuries in Connecticut.

The Battle of the ?Injured? Get? Lawyers

Posted on December 05, 2008
Yesterday, I was pulling into the office and I saw a bus. You know, one of those large blue torts on wheels/ On one side of the bus was an ad for one ”Injured? Get” Lawyer and on the back of the bus was an ad for a different ”Injured? Get” lawyer...

A Boost for the Real Estate Market?

Posted on December 04, 2008
Recently, I’ve found myself repeating the phrase “it’s always darkest before dawn.” Yesterday I was speaking with a town clerk. Town clerk’s offices across the state tell the tale of the boom and bust of the housing market in the state...

The First Annual CT Blawgy goes to?..

Posted on December 03, 2008
A Public Defender! Earlier this week the ABA published a list of the top 100 law blogs in the country. There are some excellent blogs on the ABA’s list and I think A Public Defender holds its own with every one of them. Gideon’s posts at A Public Defender are insightful, well written, and witty...

Changes to Connecticut?s Civil Summons Form

Posted on December 01, 2008
Somebody or somebodies are hard at work at the Judicial Branch. I’m pleased to report that logic and common sense are ruling the day. A number of court forms have recently been updated and improved. For starters, the civil summons form underwent a complete and much need makeover...

Avoiding a conservatorship

Posted on November 30, 2008
Rick Green wrote this article about how ugly a conservatorship proceeding can turn in Connecticut. I?ve represented people who have been involved in very difficult conservatorship proceedings that end up being a drain on not only their finances but their dignity...

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 26, 2008
Football, turkey, stuffing and pie makes Thanksgiving easily the best holiday of the year. Whatever you are doing, whether it’s cooking, running the Manchester Road Race or eating turkey and watching football, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. I’ve been really busy, I think there should be a law against contested hearings on Thanksgiving Eve, and once [...

Bob Dylan, A CT Law Blog Search Terms, and Tazawa

Posted on November 23, 2008
For Clarence Earl: Advertising signs that con you Into thinking you’re the one That can do what’s never been done That can win what’s never been won Meantime life outside goes on All around you. - Bob Dylan Here are some of the over 1000 search terms (in bold) that have deposited you my blog this month and my response: winter forecast for connecticut: cold, [...

Friday Morning Coffee

Posted on November 21, 2008
It’s been a busy week but then again what week isn’t busy. Here’s a roundup of some things I’ve bumped into this week: For first amendment purposes, context is everything and this Christmas ”gift” makes that point. Click here to see what I mean (the amazing thing is that it’s not a spoof and could be yours for a suggested donation [...

Nebraska?s Safe Haven Law vs. Connecticut?s Safe Haven Law

Posted on November 20, 2008
You’ve probably read or heard about Nebraska’s safe haven law and its horrible and presumably unintended effects. Nebraska is now set to change this law. Here’s the text of the Nebraska law: “No person shall be prosecuted for any crime based solely upon the act of leaving a child in the custody of an employee on duty at [...

Blawging: The Ground Game

Posted on November 19, 2008
What we do on the internet echoes in life. - From The Movie Gladiator (not really) If you are blogging in hopes of attracting business, search engine optimization is not enough. You need ground game. What do I mean by ground game? I mean integrating traditional rain making activities with your blog...

Why Blawging Isn?t Enough

Posted on November 18, 2008
Blawging is a marketing tool but perhaps more accurately it should be part of a marketing strategy. It is no surprise that the candidate who mastered the internet ended up being elected president. The internet is the most powerful medium and it’s becoming more powerful...

Barney The Dog: A Presidential Liability

Posted on November 16, 2008
President Bush has a lot to worry about. The economy, two wars, eating pretzels and Barney his dog. It seems the Reuters reporter isn’t the only person that Barney has bitten. The Boston Globe has this article about how Barney drew blood when he bit the wrist of the Celtics public relations director in September...

A Smaller Trumpet: CT?s Legal Aid Agencies Getting Slammed

Posted on November 14, 2008
Christopher Nolan has this article in the CT Law Tribune about how the economic crisis is impacting legal aid agencies and it’s not pretty. Nolan writes: The amount of money coming from the major funding source for legal aid agencies is falling faster than the stock market on a bad day, from $20 million in 2007, to [...

Is CT?s Civil Union Statute Unconstitutional?

Posted on November 12, 2008
I don’t have a ton of time today so this is some thinking out loud. Here’s my question: Is it unconstitutional for the State to deny opposite sex couples the ability to enter into a civil union? Here are the eligibility requirments for civil unions in Connecticut:  A person is eligible to enter into a civil union if such person is:       (1) [...

Thank You Veterans

Posted on November 11, 2008
Happy Veterans Day. Without the brave service of veterans none of this (our legal system, this blog, our freedoms) would be possible. Thank you.

CT Parenting Classes Upheld As Constitutional

Posted on November 10, 2008
I’ve written before about parenting education classes in Connecticut. To make a long story short, a pro se litigant challenged the validity of the law by taking his case up to the Connecticut Supreme Court. Good for him. Dutkiewicz v. Dutkiewicz...

Some Friday Links: Lawyers, Rights, A Wrong, and Annie Hornish

Posted on November 07, 2008
I haven’t been able to catch up from Tuesday’s election. Late nights early in the week are killer no matter how much coffee I drink. Anyway, the bolded blue letters in my posts are links. Here’s what I’ve been reading: The ABA has an article on attorneys who may play a role in an Obama administration...

Presumption of Death in CT

Posted on November 06, 2008
Any person who has been absent from his home and unheard of for a period of seven or more years shall be presumed to be dead……Conn.Gen. Stat. Sec. 45a-329 This statute exists to prevent property from going to waste. So if you are going on a long vacation, make sure to email, write, or phone home every six [...

ELECTION DAY 2008

Posted on November 04, 2008
Click here for a summary of your election rights. If you believe that your rights have been violated, call the State Elections Enforcement Commission at 1-866-733-2468. Click here for Connecticut Constitutional expert, Wesley Horton’s take on the constitutional convention...

CT Condo Law: Displaying Political Signs

Posted on November 02, 2008
Common interest communities are interesting legal creatures. Most condo owners own both more and less than they may think (that’s another blog post for another day). Displaying a political sign is a way for a homeowner to show support for a candidate...

Having a Tiger as a Pet is Illegal in CT?.

Posted on October 31, 2008
In addition to the improvements that you see on the site there are more you don’t see. Everyone knows blogging is a ratings game. On a daily basis, I’m pushed by this site’s advertisers (which there are none) to increase traffic. In response to these pressures, I added a program that lets me know what my readers are [...

Will Someone Please Explain The First Amendment To Sarah Palin

Posted on October 31, 2008
“If [the media] convince enough voters that that is negative campaigning, for me to call Barack Obama out on his associations,” Palin told host Chris Plante, “then I don’t know what the future of our country would be in terms of First Amendment rights and our ability to ask questions without fear of attacks by [...

What Would Property Tax Amnesty Mean For Purchasers Of Municipal Tax Liens?

Posted on October 30, 2008
Yesterday, the Hartford Courant ran this article about Governor Rell’s proposal for property tax amnesty. According to the article, Governor Rell is proposing lifting the mandatory 18 percent penalty charged to property owners who are late on payment of their taxes...

Connecticut Judge Rules That Halloween Is ?A Pain In The Neck?

Posted on October 29, 2008
Here’s the actual quote: “Halloween. For the next five years, Halloween is probably fun but then it’s going to become a pain in the neck to you.” Henderson v. Henderson, 2003 WL 23177463 (Munro, J.) A few thoughts here. First, the five years are up for the Hendersons...

Welcome To ?A Connecticut Law Blog 2.0?

Posted on October 28, 2008
I launched www.aconnecticutlawblog.com at the very end of 2007.  This weekend, I completed a month long redesign of the blog. I’ve changed the site’s theme added some bells and whistles and installed programs that will improve the look and feel of this site...

On Improving the Connecticut Judicial Branch Website

Posted on October 27, 2008
The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch website is good but it can be better. Last week, I wrote about making Connecticut Superior Court decisions freely available online at the judicial branch website. Check out some of the discussion on that post. Making superior court decisions available would be the first improvement that I would make to the site...

A Connecticut Law Blog Endorses George Colli For State Senate

Posted on October 26, 2008
CT Elections

Use Arial Font And Get Fined $25

Posted on October 24, 2008
A little print butter law for your Friday. No person shall, by himself, his servant or agent, sell or offer or expose for sale, or have in his possession with intent to sell, any print butter unless the package or wrapper containing the same has conspicuously printed thereon, in letters or figures not less than one-half inch [...

Connecticut Superior Court Opinions Should Be Put Online

Posted on October 23, 2008
Last winter I attended a seminar on “What Connecticut Judges Want You To Know.” In law school I learned that a lawyer should always cite cases from the highest court in the state while writing briefs. It was explained that superior or lower court opinions were useful only to the degree that they explained or applied the rulings [...

A confluence of interests?

Posted on October 22, 2008
As an attorney, I’m always worried about a conflict of interest but not in this case. Yesterday, I picked up the Connecticut Law Tribune and saw a case that I briefed and argued had made its way into the Connecticut Law Reporter. I had a personal interest in this case: coffee...

Around the Links: On Blogs, Angels and Lemons.

Posted on October 21, 2008
Between my annual battle with leaves, late nights watching the Red Sox, and early morning hearings, I’ve fallen a bit behind in my blogging. Right now there’s no more late nights watching the Red Sox. In a few weeks, I’ll be dealing with snow instead of leaves and I’ll always have to deal with court hearings...

The Green Fields of The Mind

Posted on October 20, 2008
It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone...

Fighting Foreclosure In Connecticut Courts

Posted on October 17, 2008
I’ve posted here before about what happens on Connecticut’s foreclosure dockets. I like the underdog (not so fast Rays) and I like good lawyering. A few months ago, I was waiting for my case to be called on the foreclosure docket when I saw a lawyer fight back on behalf of his client...

That?s John McCain?s Chair

Posted on October 16, 2008
Last night, for the first time, I managed to stay awake for a full debate. As a lawyer, I’m always interested in the art of argument. I understand that sometimes the words I say aren’t what my audience hears. Here’s what I heard during last night’s debate:

What Now For Civil Unions In Connecticut?

Posted on October 15, 2008
Last week's ruling in Kerrigan v. Commissioner of Public Health legalized same-sex marriage in Connecticut. But where does that leave civil unions in Connecticut? Professor Jennifer Levi stops by to answer this question.

Same-Sex Marriage In Connecticut: Why Justice Scalia?s Dissent In Lawrence v. Texas Was (In Part) Right ?

Posted on October 14, 2008
How the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Lawrence v. Texas laid the groundwork for Kerrigan v. Commissioner of Public Health and same-sex marriage in Connecticut.

Rally Monday Millar

Posted on October 13, 2008
This is in part because I just learned how to post videos. In part because I have the day off. In part because I have made a baseball related post since June. But mostly, because I believe in the powers of Kevin Millar. Go Sox!

Connecticut Bar Exam Results - July 2008

Posted on October 13, 2008
Congratulations to all who passed the July 2008 Connecticut Bar Exam. I hope that you haven’t stopped smiling. Did you have the Gipper at your back? Congratulations. Please comment below and share your stories about passing the July 2008 Connecticut bar exam...

Same-Sex Marriage In Connecticut: Justice Vertefeuille?s Dissent In Kerrigan

Posted on October 11, 2008
In the coming weeks and months, lots will be written about the Connecticut Supreme Court’s decision in Kerrigan v. Commissioner of Public Health. As it should be. I’m still digesting the opinion as are other bloggers in Connecticut. Connecticut Employment Law Blogger, Daniel Schwartz wonders what impact Kerrigan will have on Connecticut employers...

Friday Musings: Google 2001; Sarah Palin; The Red Sox; & Plaintiff?s Costs In A Civil Action

Posted on October 10, 2008
It’s the Friday before a long weekend. The weather is perfect, the leaves are changing and the Red Sox open the ALCS tonight in Tampa. Here’s some lite fare for your Friday: * Google 2001 is way cool. It’s kind of like a sonogram of the web...

EQUAL AT LAST!!! JUSTICE IN KERRIGAN

Posted on October 10, 2008
Link. More to follow…Justice Palmer writes for the majority. Finished skimming Justice Palmer’s opinion and it is compelling. Justices Palmer, Norcott, Katz, and Harper in the majority. Three dissenting opinions (Justice Borden joined by Justice Vertefuille, Justice Vertefuille, and Justice Zarella)...

On Kerrigan v. Commissioner of Public Health

Posted on October 10, 2008
I’m reposting what I wrote in May in advance of today’s opinion by the Court. “What’s in a name?” - William Shakespeare Gideon reflects on our Supreme Court confronting the issue of gay marriage in Connecticut in light of the California Supreme Court’s overturning California’s ban on gay marriages: …it seems to me that the most likely outcome [...

Update: Kerrigan Expected At 11:30 This Morning

Posted on October 10, 2008
This comes to me from a loyal reader. No word on the outcome. My over/under on the number of pages: 150.

Sheriff Tom Dart: The Right Idea, The Wrong Solution. Protecting Tenants Whose Landlord Has Been Foreclosed

Posted on October 09, 2008
I’ve written before about how the foreclosure crisis has impacted tenants in Connecticut. The situation is sickening. I represented a 100 year old woman who lived alone in an apartment for close to 20 years and always paid her rent on time. She lived on the same street for over 40 years...

New Connecticut Law On Safeguarding Social Security Numbers

Posted on October 07, 2008
Connecticut Public Act 08-167 requires that anyone who collects social security numbers in the course of their businesses to publish a privacy protection policy that ensures the confidentiality of social security numbers, prohibits their unlawful disclosure and limits access to them.

Telephone & Cable Installation Fees For Connecticut Nursing Home Residents

Posted on October 06, 2008
Residents in nursing homes may often change rooms for a number of reasons including roommate disputes. Now they’ll have a few less things to worry about. On October 1, 2008, PA 08-115 went into effect which prohibits telephone and cable operators from charging an installation fee when a resident changes rooms within a facility...

Monogramming Dentures: Not A Fashion Statement, A New Connecticut Law

Posted on October 02, 2008
Connecticut has laws about everything and as of yesterday we have more laws about more things. I’ve taken great pleasure in writing about ”interesting” Connecticut laws in this blog. Fortunately, there is no shortage of material. I’m pleased to write that this past legislative session generated more laws...

Happy New Law Day In Connecticut

Posted on October 01, 2008
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for laws in Connecticut. Every year, plenty of new laws go into effect on October 1st. I like to think of it as Christmas for lawyers. Today, laws big and small went into effect. Unfortunately, there is no law requiring Red Sox playoff games to start before 7pm on [...

A Good Webmaster Is Vital For A Law Blawg

Posted on September 30, 2008
Sometimes modern technology sucks. - Johnny Drama I’ve had numerous problems with this site over the past week or so. In that time, I’ve spent more time on the technical aspects of this site than I have writing. Through it all, I’ve had a reliable, knowledgeable, webmaster keeping this site alive and making improvements along the way...

Paul Newman Should Be A State Hero

Posted on September 29, 2008
Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 3-110e simply reads as follows: Nathan Hale shall be the state hero. I’ve always thought that if Hale had been a better spy,  he never would have had to give his “one life” for this country (that’s another blog entry for another day)...

New Digs At A Connecticut Law Blog And These Aren?t Them

Posted on September 25, 2008
I’ve been playing with themes and widgets for the past few hours. From what I understand, Word Press stopped supporting my old theme. Can’t say that I’m thrilled about that. What I’ve done is some house keeping. I’ve tried to keep things similar to the old site while at the same time making it a little more [...

John McCain Declines Debate; Could Decline Jury Duty In Connecticut

Posted on September 25, 2008
Yesterday, John McCain suspended his campaign and asked Barack Obama to postpone the first Presidential debate. This had me thinking, if John McCain were a Connecticut resident, what could he decline to do? For starters: jury duty. In Connecticut, a person 70 years or older can choose not to serve on a jury if called...

Dealing With Debt Collectors In Connecticut by Kelly Kilpatrick

Posted on September 24, 2008
In a recent blog post about debt collectors preying on senior citizens, one method of collecting debts was revealed.  This method involves finding someone with a similar name and going after them for the amount owed.  Oftentimes, the person being contacted is not the person who owes money to the collection agency; however, sometimes people [...

Arod Gets Divorced

Posted on September 23, 2008
Last week, Alex Rodriguez reached a divorce settlement with Cynthia Rodriguez. Now, I have no personal insight into this but it wouldn’t shock me if Arod pushed his lawyers to get the settlement finalized in September. After all, he always comes up short in October...

Quick Update

Posted on September 22, 2008
I’m hoping to be back live on Tuesday. We’ve been having some technical problems here that should be resolved in the near future. That and sometimes the practice of law gets in the way of my blogging and this past week has done just that. In the meantime, I’m guessing that today will be Yankee Elimination Day...

An Interview With Sergeant Jamie Favreau

Posted on April 01, 2008
Before you read this, watch this. (update - the link now works) Curt Schilling, just minutes after the Red Sox won their second World Series title in 4 years (this never gets old) thanks Baghdadjamie and his wife Kristine for their service to the Country...

In A Word: Shameful

Posted on March 31, 2008
Today is the last day of March which means a few things. First, today is the day that most major league baseball teams open their regular season schedule. Second, tomorrow is April which usually means that within the next two weeks we’ll have one of those great 75 degree spring days where everyone seems to wear a smile...

What Is A Conservator and What Does A Conservator Do?

Posted on March 27, 2008
I hear and read a lot about conservatorships in Connecticut.  What is a conservator? What does a conservator do?  In Connecticut, a proposed conserved person is required by statute to receive a notice of the possible consequences of a conservatorship...

Opening Day > Law

Posted on March 25, 2008
Today is opening day. As I sit here writing this entry (not yet having finished lunch) the Red Sox are 1 and 0, in first place in the AL East and a half game up on the Yankees. Here are links to some of my favorite baseball sites on the internet: Fangraphs - A fascinating way to analyze a [...

Anatomical Gifts in Connecticut: ?A Little Story About Jack and Vincent?.

Posted on March 24, 2008
…two American men doin’ best they can.” On Saturday, the Hartford Courant ran this article, titled: “The Ultimate Act of Kindness.”  This week, Spanilo, 57, again received an organ transplant. A longtime friend donated one of his kidneys to Spanilo...

Connecticut Law: Don?t Dye The Easter Bunny

Posted on March 20, 2008
In the Easter spirit, today, I’m taking a look at Connecticut rabbit law. Yes, Connecticut has a statute about rabbits. In Connnecticut, it is illegal for a person to sell or give away a live rabbit that has been dyed, colored or otherwise treated so as to import to them an artificial color...

St. Patrick?s Day: ?A Day To Be Proclaimed By The Governor?

Posted on March 17, 2008
Connecticut has law’s about everything or nearly everything and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. St. Patrick’s Day is 1 of 51 Days a year that is “to be proclaimed by the Governor.” Click here for a complete list. By statute, “the Governor shall proclaim March seventeenth of each year to be St...

O?Child Support Legislation

Posted on March 14, 2008
With the prices of goods and fuel rising  and money harder to come by, it should come as no surprise that the Legislature is looking to make some changes to Connecticut’s child support laws. The Courant ran this article last week about a bill that would lengthen the amount of time that an obligor was required to pay child [...

Taking Wine Home May Get A Little More Difficult

Posted on March 13, 2008
Last month, I wrote about taking an unfinished bottle of wine home from a restaurant. There is a bill pending before the legislature that would change the law to allow restaurant owners and employees to prevent intoxicated persons from removing an unfinished bottle of wine from the restaurant...

$75,000 For What?

Posted on March 12, 2008
Today’s edition of legislators legislating in an election year: $75,000.00 of your tax dollars for a Hartford West Indian Independence Day Celebration. Representative Kirkley-Bey has proposed a bill that would allocate $75,000.00 of your money to support the celebration of Hartford’s West Indian Independence Day Celebration...

Legislature Considering Income Tax Deduction for Funeral Expenses

Posted on March 11, 2008
In case you needed another reason to pre-plan your funeral, the Legislature just may give you one. The Legislature is considering a bill that would allow individuals who earn less than $150,000.00 per year, and who pay state income tax a personal income tax deduction for funeral expenses not to exceed $5,000...

Connecticut Ticket Reselling Legislation

Posted on March 10, 2008
It’s election year and our legislatures are hard at work legislating. This week at www.aconnecticutlawblog.com , I’ll be taking a look at pending legislation in Connecticut. Each day, I’ll tackle a different bill. Today’s edition of legislators legislating in an election year is: ticket reselling...

Sunday Real Estate Contracts in Connecticut

Posted on March 07, 2008
Did you ever worry that if you entered into a real estate contract on a Sunday that it would be invalid? I haven’t and it turns out with good reason because Connecticut has a statute that says real estate contracts and leases entered into on Sundays are valid: No provision of section 53-302a shall be construed [...

Adverse Possession: The Pictures That Prove

Posted on March 06, 2008
In case you needed it, I have yet another reason to keep those old pictures of family picnics: adverse possession. Most broadly defined, adverse possession, is a method of acquiring title to real property without compensation by possession for a statutory period of time under certain conditions...

Avoiding a Conservatorship in Connecticut

Posted on March 05, 2008
Rick Green wrote this article about how ugly a conservatorship proceeding can turn in Connecticut. I’ve represented people who have been involved in very difficult conservatorship proceedings that end up being a drain on not only their finances but their dignity...

U.S. Supreme Court Shields Medical Device Makers From Liability

Posted on March 04, 2008
   by Richard Cabelus                     At the outset of  tort litigation it is common practice for a plaintiffs? attorney to  sue all parties who were involved in the event which lead to their client?s damages. After all a good lawyer wants to keep all avenues of liability open, so that his client can recover, and hopefully be [...

Connecticut Probate Courts Lack Security

Posted on March 03, 2008
Last weekend, the Hartford Courant ran another editorial arguing for probate court consolidation. Lost in all of the politics of the situation is the glaring fact that Connecticut Probate Courts lack security. One of the issues that the Courant never seems to address in making the argument for consolidation is the lack of security in probate courts...

The Right To Dry: Connnecticut, Clotheslines, Apartments and Condos

Posted on February 28, 2008
  Bill Leukhardt of the Hartford Courant wrote this interesting article on a bill before the legislature that would give tenants and residents of condominiums and apartment buildings “the right to dry” their clothes using solar power.   Here is a link to the bill itself...

The Healthcare Crisis Plays Out In Connecticut Small Claims Courts

Posted on February 27, 2008
Last night, I watched part of the debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. As the candidates spent the first 17 minutes of the debate discussing healthcare insurance, it occurred to me that the last time I was in Small Claims Court that most of the cases on the docket involved defendants who were being sued for unpaid [...

When Cats Attack

Posted on February 26, 2008
  So often it’s the dogs that get all of the bad press. Here at aconnecticutlawblog, make no bones about it - I’m a dog person. In the interest of equal time, I’ve decided to write about cat bite  law. Today, the Connecticut Supreme Court released an opinion holding that when a cat has a propensity to attack other cats, knowledge [...

Citing The Wrong Floor Results In A Defective Notice To Quit

Posted on February 25, 2008
Judge Weise in Hartford Housing Session held that a notice to quit was defective when it named the right street, right room number, but wrong floor. Lim v. Dasilva (Doc. No. HDSP-144141 (Weise J.). The defendant resided in room number six on the third floor and the notice to quit described the premises as room number [...

Turn On Your Headlights During A Snowstorm

Posted on February 22, 2008
Driving to work today, in a snowstorm, I noticed several cars operating without their headlights on. Not only is driving without your headlights on really stupid, potentially negligent, and dangerous - it’s illegal in Connecticut: Every vehicle upon a highway within this state shall display such lighted lamps and illuminating devices as may be required …  at any time during [...

Connecticut Criminal Records Now Online

Posted on February 20, 2008
I just recently discovered that the Judicial Branch Website has been updated to include Conviction and Bond Forfeiture Dispositions for Criminal and Motor Vehicle offenses since 2000.  The site is now searchable by a criminal defendant’s last name...

Connecticut Evictions: Obtaining Judgment By Default

Posted on February 19, 2008
The notice to quit has been properly drafted and served. The complaint is both proper and has been served both properly on the tenant. The tenant has failed to appear after the return date and you are ready to file a motion for judgment by default for failing to appear...

Brought to you by www.aconnecticutlawblog.com ?

Posted on February 18, 2008
Here at www.aconnecticutlawblog.com , I try not to take myself too seriously. The practice of law is serious enough. In keeping with this spirit and this writer’s love of baseball, www.aconnecticutlawblog.com (read me) has decided to sponsor two www...

Taking Wine Home From Connecticut Restaurants

Posted on February 17, 2008
   Have you ever ordered a bottle of wine in a restaurant, enjoyed it, but did not finish it with your meal? In Connecticut, you can ask your server to put more than just your meal in your “doggie bag.”  By statute a restaurant patron is allowed to remove one unsealed bottle of wine for off-premises consumption [...

Adoptions in Connecticut: Adopting Adults

Posted on February 14, 2008
Ever wish you were adopted by a wealthy person? Generally, when I think of adoption, I think of an adult adopting a minor child. However, an adult in Connecticut can agree to be adopted by another adult. Here’s the statute: Any person eighteen years of age or older may, by written agreement with another person at least eighteen years [...

Connecticut Lottery Agreements: Mo Money Mo Problems

Posted on February 12, 2008
 The Connecticut Appeals Court has ruled a 1995 pact struck by two widowed sisters to split each other?s future gambling winnings is still binding despite the fact they no longer speak to one another.  Boston Herald, 02/04/2008 The case of Sokaitis v...

Protecting Pets in Connecticut

Posted on February 10, 2008
  Generally, the law treats animals, including household pets, as personal property. There is little legal distinction between your family pet and your computer.  Recognizing the increased value that our society places on pets and that some pets are subject to abuse, the legistlature enacted the following law:  …The court, in its discretion, may make such orders as it deems appropriate for the protection of any animal [...

Why Are Connecticut School Buses Yellow?

Posted on January 31, 2008
Have you ever wondered about this? I haven’t. This is not some kind of joke or trick question; it’s the law. Read for yourself: Each school bus shall be painted a uniform yellow color known as “National School Bus Glossy Yellow”, except for the fenders and trim which may be painted black and the roof which may be [...

Connecticut Dog Bite Law

Posted on January 29, 2008
  Meet my two year old dog, Brady. Along with all of the love and joy she brings into my life, she also brings a whole lot of liability and responsibility. As her owner am strictly liable for her actions. If she were to bite someone, I am responsible regardless of whether or not I did anything wrong...