Tag: lawful use of force

We all remember the song from Schoolhouse Rock, “I’m just a bill, just a lonely old bill…” (It’s OK to sing…quietly to yourself!) The song was remarkably accurate! Tis the season for legislators to gather…

What a sad, horrifying and bizarre way to begin 2012. From a media standpoint, there has been a lot of news to cover. A young mother shot and killed an intruder in Oklahoma, LEOs in…

Each court has a listing of the attorneys who are permitted to practice in that court. In many instances, an attorney’s licensure in a particular state permits appearance in all trial level courts within that…

Over the past 20 years, defensive tactics have come a long way. Incorporating real world statistics and video footage of attacks on LEOs, instructors have changed the way LEOs respond to threats. Encouraging LEOs to…

Last week, we were inundated with news stories and commentaries about the execution of a convicted cop killer. In my post last week, I allowed you to read the course of the appeals and the…

I love the practice of law. I am honored and proud to be a member of a profession that takes an oath to zealously represent the rights of others. However, practicing law often means staying…

On July 19, 2011, a federal jury returned a $10,000,000 verdict against TASER International, Inc. I’ve received several calls and emails from LEOs about this verdict. Readers of Bluelinelawyer know that I believe in the…

When I was a kid, 100 was a goal. $100 was a lot of money. A 100% on a test meant you could not have scored any higher. As I got older, I realized that…

On July 5, 2011, a jury found Casey Anthony not guilty regarding the death of her child, Caylee. The internet, print and electronic media were immediately filled with articles and commentary regarding the verdict. While…

On Thursday , June 9, 2011, the United States Supreme Court released its opinion of  Sykes v. United States. The case settles a legal question that split federal circuits: Is the attempt to flee or…