Topic: Law

House Democrats lead bipartisan charge for tougher child abuse laws

By Tennessee Democrats | April 11, 2009 |

Legislation would strengthen current laws and increase penalties for offenders

“The most vulnerable Tennesseans are our children and they need to have every protection when it comes to our laws,” said State Representative Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville).

This week House Democrats and Republicans came together in support of legislation designed to toughen Tennessee’s current child abuse laws.

Rep. Joe Pitts, D-TN Hse, District 67

“People who would dare abuse a child deserve the harshest punishments possible and this new legislation helps strengthen our laws,” said Pitts. “These bills make it clear that, whether it’s a random stranger or a child’s own parents, if you abuse a child you will be brought to justice.” «Read the rest of this article»

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Obama signs first piece of legislation into law

By Terry McMoore | January 31, 2009 |

President Obama has  signed a law that expands the time frame in which workers can sue for discrimination they have experienced based on gender, race, national origin or religion.

“We are upholding one of this nation’s first principles: that we are all created equal and each deserve a chance to pursue our own version of happiness,” Obama said before signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act, which effectively nullifies the 2007 Supreme Court decision.

http://www.truthout.org/012909R

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Don’t be fooled by “troop withdrawal” agreement; we are still in for the long haul

By Christine Anne Piesyk | August 22, 2008 |

The Bush/Cheney team on the move(scene from I.O.U.S.A.)

Across the country today corporate media headlines screamed the news that “an agreement has been reached” that would pull troops out of Iraq’s major cities ten months from now, in June, 2009. Read the fine print. Scrutinize between the lines. If you think all our troops are destined to come home, think again.

Yes, the United States and Iraq have “tentatively” reached an agreement that would see American troops vacated Iraq’s major cities, but that leaves a lot of ground out of the pact. That’s when the terms “broader withdrawal” and the words “tentative” and “but” come into play.

Iraqi leaders have yet to put a final stamp of approval on the deal, and as for that 2011 withdrawal date, it’s “contigent” on the implementation of additional security and on the “political progress” achieved in Iraq. So, folks, don’t hold your breath. The door is still ajar and our soldiers will still be rotating in and out of Iraq. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Business, Events, News, Opinion, Politics | 2 Comments

Innocent Florida, Louisiana motorists receive bogus photo tickets

By Bill Larson | August 20, 2008 |

Clarksville wants to install red-light cameras at up to four Clarksville intersections in what is basically a dangerous revenue generating scheme. These cameras result in more accidents not less. The damage rear end accidents cause costs more to repair. There is also an increased likelihood of injuries and even death to those who are involved in the rear-end accidents. Let’s not even talk about the fact that insurance rates will likely end up going through the roof even if you never get one of these tickets.

Lets take a look at other risks these cameras subject you to. Remember, under these “civil violations” the city’s standard of evidence is much lower that in a criminal case, and you are basically presumed guilty, unless you can prove yourself innocent. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: News, Opinion | 2 Comments

Adult teacher rapes student; “lenient” 120 day jail sentence infuriates parent

August 11, 2008 |

In June, 2008, a Clarksville, Tennessee high school teacher received a 120 day jail sentence for rape of a student and two years probation. I cannot understand why such leniency was given by Clarksville Judge John H. Gasaway for rape of a minor to a repeat offender, Bryan Dale Farmer.

Since reading about this case, whenever I hear about any conviction I compare the jail time the person receives to this case. For example, a ‘blue collar criminal’ received three years in prison for embezzlement; to me, and I’d think to most people, that is a much lesser crime. Therefore, raping a minor should have had at least that long of an incarceration. I’m shocked that 120 days is even remotely considered a ‘valid’ sentence for a severe crime, especially rape. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: News, Opinion, Politics | 2 Comments

Local legals speak out: Kurita’s disparaging anti-Barnes ad deemed ’shameful,’ ‘beneath the dignity of a Senator’

By Christine Anne Piesyk | August 7, 2008 |

Tennessee Senator Rosalind Kurita

On Tuesday, and again on Wednesday, in the final stretch of the primary campaign, voters across the city of Clarksville received oversized full color postcards in the mail from State Senator Rosalind Kurita, cards that drove spikes of criticism at Tim Barnes and his law practice. Barnes is challenging Kurita for her 22nd District Senate seat on today’s election.

Today a coalition of 38 area attorneys came to Barnes defense while simultaneously calling on Senator Kurita to retract her statements and stating unequivocably that her comments as written on this mailer (and recapped on television and radio ads) were “shameful, and beneath the dignity, and the honor, of a Tennessee Senator.”

In a matter of four hours, the legal community rallied, creating a full page block ad denouncing the “Smear Barnes” ads and obtaining hand-signed signatures of dozens of local “legal eagles” as part of a statement of support for Tim Barnes. (Complete ad text/signatures at end of story). The full page ad is slated to run in The Leaf Chronicle today. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Business, News, Opinion, Politics | 1 Comment »

Legal Aid Society honors Kathryn Edge

By Turner McCullough Jr. | July 31, 2008 |

Board President ends term with Commendation Award

Kathryn Edge, outgoing president of Legal Aid Society Board of Directors receives Commendation Award from Gary Housepian, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & The Cumberlands

The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, at their recent Board of Directors meeting in Nashville, recognized the outgoing board president for outstanding service.

Kathryn Edge served a one-year term as the president of the organization’s board of directors. Ms Edge has shown dedication and commitment to the position and to The Legal Aid Society. She will continue to serve as an active member of the board and as a notable practicing attorney in Nashville’s legal environs with Miller & Martin law firm.

The Legal Society Aid, LAS, offers free civil legal advice to many low-income Tennesseans who have nowhere else to turn. Serving 48 counties from offices in Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Gallatin, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Oak Ridge and Tullahoma, the Legal Society fights for equal justice for our most vulnerable citizens. It is a non-profit, legal services organization funded in part by Legal Services Corporation, the Tennessee Bar Association, the United Way, the state of Tennessee and donations. «Read the rest of this article»

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Legal Aid Society: Cost-effective legal lifeline for Middle-Tennesseans

By Turner McCullough Jr. | July 30, 2008 |

Legal Aid Society delivers $2 in benefits for every $1 it receives

In 2007, the Legal Aid Society helped more than 7,000 Middle Tennesseans find justice when they had nowhere else to turn. As a result, women were protected from abusive husbands, people still had roofs over their heads and the sick got the medical care they needed, among the many other benefits received by Middle Tennessee’s most vulnerable citizens. Like the miracle of the loaves and fishes, the Legal Aid Society was able to make a little go a long way in meeting these needs – basically delivering $2 in benefits for every $1 it received. The $5,761,160 it spent in 2007 generated $11,096,830 in benefits. «Read the rest of this article»

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