In an address to students, lawyers and scholars during his recent visit to Memphis and the University of Memphis School of Law, Justice Antonin Scalia expressed in conversation that which he had already expressed to many in his written opinions (and dissents): his views on the United States Constitution. Justice Scalia views the Constitution as
“The story of the Tennessee’s Lottery is the story of much of my life,” writes Sen. Steve Cohen in a Tennessean column this week, marking the 10th anniversary of the state’s monopoly on legalized gambling. While acknowledging the program’s imperfection, Sen. Cohen takes (and probably deserves) responsibility for legislation leading to the lottery referendum passed
The founding of the charitable Shannon Trust organization which promotes literacy education among prisoners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland was fittingly funded by the royalties from a book: “Invisible Crying Tree” published by 1995 by Shannon Trust founder Christopher Morgan comprises an eye-opening pen pal correspondence between Morgan and Tom Shannon, a farmer from
An interesting juxtaposition of developments trailing one of the biggest news stories of 2013 reinforces just how convoluted the whole situation is and likely will be for the foreseeable future: First, to the surprise of few (and the dismay of more), the White House yesterday confirmed it is not considering amnesty for Edward Snowden, the
Following the approval of a nativity display in Florida’s State Capitol rotunda–an area designated as a ‘public forum’–Chaz Stevens obtained approval to display a Festivus Pole also on the grounds. Constructed of empty Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer Cans and PVC pipe, the minimalistic monument is a reference to the holiday “Festivus” in the popular ’90s
The Tennessee Senate recently approved a proposed amendment to the Tennessee Constitution that would allow the governor to select the judges that sit on the Tennessee Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. The proposed amendment was approved by an overwhelming margin (29-2) in the Senate and will now go on to the House of Representatives
“Cyberbullying” is described on Wikipedia as the “use of the Internet and related technologies to harm” another person “in a deliberate, repeated and hostile manner.” In Tennessee, if a cyberbully is charged with a crime, it is usually criminal harassment. While some states have adopted specific cyberstalking and internet harassment laws, the Tennessee General Assembly
If you have ever lost and found your mobile phone by using a GPS locator, such as Find My Iphone, you are aware that these devices can be tracked by satellite. The convenience of this technology also means that others, including the police, can track cell phones. And if your phone is with you, they
“You say you’ll change the constitution, well you know, we all want to change your head.” —The Beatles, “Revolution 1” (Lennon/McCartney) Constitutional amendments don’t come easy, and that is the way it was intended. The first ten amendments, or the Bill of Rights, were enacted in December 1791, less than 3 years after the Constitution
Internet reviews on sites such as Yelp! or Urbanspoon, blog posts, Tweets, etc. are a great source of information for consumers. However, if you’ve had a bad experience with a company (or and individual, for that matter), avoid taking your frustration to the Internet by publishing false information or accusatory allegations. Internet defamation can expose