Sunday, November 30, 2008

Proper Service

Thank you very much for the warm welcome Michael! It's amazing how just a semester of law school can change how you look at the world, it's a whole new perspective with out a doubt! Below is a link for an article that I came across...I am a big fan of technology and innovation...so I figured this might be some food for thought?

In brief, the article is about an Australian lawyer who convinced the courts to allow him to service a couple via facebook! After many unsuccessful attempts at serving the couple properly, the lawyer came across the woman's facebook page. The Judge granted permission, stipulating that the service was only to be given via their private emails such that the private matter would only be seen by the intended parties. It's not the first time the Australian courts gave permission for service in these ways (emails, text, etc.) The idea reminds me of what i learned in Civil Procedures in terms of proper service. Yet another way technology has opened a new chapter in the legal realm. I wouldn't be surprised if this method is attempted by attorneys in the U.S. in the near future?!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7785004.stm

Guest Contributors

I am pleased to announce that the Northern Law Blog has added a Guest Contributors section. The Law Blog is now accepting posts from non-NIU lawyers and law students.

The first guest contributor is Waseem A. Mateen. Waseem is a first year law student at the Valparaiso University School of Law. He just recently finished his first semester final exams, so we'll give him some time to unwind before we look for his first post.

Glad to have you Waseem!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

iPhone application helps DUI offenders find lawyers

I have blogged about Avvo before. They are the lawyer rating service that previously petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court for the master roll of all licensed attorneys in this state, and lost.

Well, they are back in the news. They have developed an application for the iphone which allows you to log each drink that you consume over a given time period. It then calculates your approximate BAC based on gender, weight, etc. Then, if you exceed the legal limit, it will suggest cab companies or other alternative means of transportation. Then, if you get pulled over for DUI, it will suggest a DUI lawyer in your area.

Check out the full article here.