Is citation style really all that important? Does it really matter whether we use 12 or 13 point font and whether we use the California Style Manual or The Bluebook? Edward W. Jessen, Reporter of Decision for the California Supreme Court argues, yes, in his convincing article, “Citation Style: Why Read more…
Under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), an agency may designate as “precedent” a decision or part of a decision “that contains a significant legal or policy determination of general application that is likely to recur.” (Government Code §11425.60(b)). Precedent decisions can be used to clarify the agency’s interpretation of the Read more…
In the August 2012 issue of the ABA Journal, G. M. Gilisko penned an article, Where the Buck Stops: Lawyers Need to Verify All the Nice Things Being Said About Them Online. The article goes on to examine the alarming trend of “spam” reviews proliferating on third party attorney search Read more…
There is some controversy and legal maneuvering regarding two recent animal-protection laws in California. Regardless of whether you enjoy foie gras or shark fin soup, the arguments over loopholes, principles of federalism and even possible racial overtones make for an interesting story. In 2004, then-state Senator John Burton authored SB Read more…
The California Gambling Control Commission (“Commission”) acts as the regulatory body over: Gambling establishments (cardrooms), and over all persons or things having to do with the operations of gambling establishments, Proposition Players, and Tribal casinos, pursuant to the Commission’s authority under the Tribal-State Gaming Compacts. The Commission is responsible for Read more…
The Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (“BAR”) mission is to protect and serve California consumers by ensuring a fair and competitive automotive repair marketplace and administering a model motor vehicle emissions reduction program. From its headquarters in Sacramento and through 12 field offices around California, BAR conducts consumer protection services related Read more…
Perhaps due to the focus on the global economic situation and the upcoming presidential election, California’s revamped electoral process seemingly received minimal attention, even within our state. Recent changes to this system are actually quite significant, and worth reviewing. Propositions 11 and 20 – California Citizens Redistricting Commission In 2008, Read more…
Previously, we discussed a patient’s right to access their records maintained by a health care professional. However, these rights are not without some exception. A health care provider has the right to deny access to medical records to an individual who would otherwise be entitled to them in the following Read more…
Under California law patients have a guaranteed right to access to their medical records. This is made clear by the plain language of Health & Safety Code § 1231001, which reads, in relevant part, as follows: The Legislature finds and declares that every person having ultimate responsibility for decisions respecting Read more…
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is authorized by the California Vehicle Code to adopt and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the duties of the department. These rules and regulations are subject to the procedures contained in the California Government Code and as specified by Read more…